| Tim I | -- 04-10-2012 @ 12:15 PM |
|
I fitted floaters to the original mechanical brakes on my '38 coupe and would like to plug the brake adjustment holes. (I know, I could cut the original adjusters, but I hate to destroy any original part.) I took one of the adjusters to the hardware store, found a nut that threaded on, and then bought the corresponding bolts. However, the size of the adjusters must be slightly smaller. Although the nut will thread onto both the adjuster and the bolt, the bolt will not thread into the adjustment hole on the backing plate. Would anyone happen to know the actual size and threadform of the adjusters? It must be an odd size. As always, any help is greatly appreciated! Tim Denver, CO
|
|
| kubes40 | -- 04-10-2012 @ 12:24 PM |
|
I admit to having little experience with mechanical brakes but might I hazard a guess and say perhaps it's pipe thread???
|
|
| ford38v8 | -- 04-10-2012 @ 6:07 PM |
|
Mike, it's not a pipe thread. Ford was famous for using odd thread sizes, though. Tim, I hated to cut my adjusters too, but consider, you'll never be going back to the stock adjusters, will you? And with the original adjuster threaded into the backing plate, it will pass inspection on the Concourse as original. You'll need to use a cut-off wheel to cut it, as it is hardened steel. You'll then have an original looking exterior and great brakes. One thing, be sure to use a dab of Locktite on the thread or it will vibrate out on the road. Alan
|
|
| kubes40 | -- 04-11-2012 @ 6:59 AM |
|
Hey Alan, thanks for teaching me. I was really taking a stab it at as no one was weighing in. I realize Ford used what we now days consider to be odd sizes. I wonder why? Speaking of odd size threads... I restored a 31 Buick (large series 90) and had to make a rear hub puller. It was as I recall 3 1/16" x ultra fine thread. That one was ODD! A bit tough to thread in the lathe as well.
|
|
| supereal | -- 04-11-2012 @ 12:21 PM |
|
I suspect that Henry was responsible, as he was known to favor odd thread pitches. By the time you go though SAE, metric, and Whitworth standards, among others, old cars can get "interesting". My first intoduction was with a "Singer Nine" I tackled years ago. We never throw away any bolts or nuts from old Fords, as they often come in very handy.
|
|
| Tim I | -- 04-11-2012 @ 1:53 PM |
|
Thanks to all who replied. Boy, I was really hoping that pipe thread was the answer. Four nice brass plugs, and problem solved! Alan, I don't think my car will be in a concours anytime soon! Maybe I'll see if I can find some nice rubber plugs at the hardware store. (I just can't bring myself to cut those adjusters...) Tim
|
|
| EFV-8 Club Forum : | https://www.earlyfordv8.org/forum |
| Topic: | https://www.earlyfordv8.org/forum/viewmessages.cfm?Forum=18&Topic=4548 |