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EFV-8 Club Forum / General Ford Discussion / Converting mechanical brakes to juice

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Discussion Topic: Converting mechanical brakes to juice

old 40 guy

11-02-2009 @ 4:46 PM

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I am considering purchasing a 38 ford with mechanical brakes. I have an opportunity to purchase 1948 ford full front and rear running gear (springs, axles, backing plates, wheel cylinders (complete "rolling units"). What is the best way to use the components from 48 to make 38 hydraulic system. Can I use either (or both) of the complete units under the 38, or just use the backing plates and attached small parts ?? I am new to the forum and hope this is not a subject that has already been covered ad nauseum. If so, please point me to good source.
Thanks to all.

ford38v8

11-02-2009 @ 5:15 PM

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Old 40, My best advice is to not buy the '38, leave it to someone who will
appreciate the history in it. Take the '48 parts and find a '48 that needs
them. Seriously, don't assume that because the '38 has mechanical
brakes, that it won't stop you. Wrong. Properly set up, mechanicals can
skid all four wheels with less effort than you'd exert with early hydraulics.

Alan

trjford8

11-02-2009 @ 7:24 PM

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old guy 40, you can use the backing plates and all the attaching hardware. They will bolt directly to your spindles. The 38 drums,if they are in good shape, can be used with the hydraulic brakes.
You can go one of two ways with the master cylinder mount. You can change your pedal setup to a 39 pedal assembly or you can get a bracket that will mount the master cylinder with your stock pedals. You can get this from Richard Lacy at the Early V-8 Garage in LaVerne, Ca. Ph# 909-392-9761.

TomO

11-03-2009 @ 7:35 AM

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Oldguy 40, You can use the later backing plates on your 38, but get new cylinders and shoes. The adapter plate for the pedal assembly leaves the frame in it original condition for someone that want to have "steel from the pedal to the wheel" like Alan.

You can also install "floaters" to make your mechanical brakes easier to adjust and more efficient in braking.

Either way, enjoy your 38 and bring it out to Early Ford V-8 tours, shows and meets, so the rest of us can also enjoy looking at it.

Tom

wmsteed

11-03-2009 @ 9:50 AM

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The subject of converting mechanical brakes to hydraulic is probably one of the most common questions posed on this forum. I and others have responded to the question many times.
Firstly, why are you considering such a conversion? Is it just because someone told you it was a good idea? Or... do you intend to drive the car in question on a daily basis in today's traffic?
If the car in question is an unmolested "barn find" that is only going to be driven on an occausional basis, restore it to stock and enjoy the car as is....
If you feel you must convert the brakes, then by all means use the '48 backing plates and related parts on your '38. Actually you can use the complete '48 front axle, and spring under the '38. The rear axles, tubes, spring and brakes can be used on the '38 differential also.
The best way to install the master cylinder is to use a '39 peddle assy..... Bob Drake is now making the whole assy if you can't find an original peddle assy.
The original '38 drums and wheels will mount onto the '48 brakes with no problem.
The '48 axle assy, front and rear are about 2" wider than the '38, however this is not a problem because there is plenty of room in the fenders for the added width.

Bill
36 5 win delx cpe

Tom/SC

11-03-2009 @ 4:28 PM

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You are recieving many good ideas. I have personally seen EV 8 Garages (Richard Lacy) brake/master cylinder conversion kit, used on a 34 Ford. I dont know if his kit fits a 38n in the same way, but if so, it is so much better that using 39 pedals because it all bolts on to existing frame holes. The original pedals are used, a very neat conversion, if you decide to convert to hydraulics. My 34 Ford has original mechanicals, it will slide all four tires. Good luck with your 38 Ford.Tom/SC

Tom/SC

11-03-2009 @ 4:30 PM

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Tom/SC

11-03-2009 @ 4:31 PM

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I apologize for the double entry! Lets blame it on the computer!Tom/SC

37 Coupe

11-03-2009 @ 4:55 PM

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I say go with the hydraulics and don't look back,everybody knows Henry should have used them as other manufacturers were especially on the 37-38 cable brakes. I hated them on my 60h.p as much as I hated the 60 itself,changed to a 59AB with 39 brakes,love it.I probably would have gone with Richards conversion if I didn't have all parts from a 39 streetrodder.

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