Tech: Converting '32-'34 backing plates to Bendix style!

Great write up on the brakes. They look like they came that way from the factory.

 

How the hell I missed this I do not know but great thread.

 

Great tech, subscribed

 

Interesting conversion. I have a '34 front axle and brakes I want to use on a project of mine and also want to convert them to hydraulics. My approach also is to rotate the entire '34 backing plate together with shoes etc and then look to replace the mechanical actuator which would then be at the top (as in this conversion) with a hydraulic cylinder. At the moment my search for a suitable cylinder continues. This way I can retain the original drums and shoes etc.

Anyone with any thoughts or experience on this type of conversion in particular a suitable cylinder ?

 

I have seen that done. I don't know what cylinder was used but the shoe action would be the same as 39-48 Ford so I would use those cylinders as first choice.

 

Great tech, I remember this from first time around but didn't comment. I have since acquired 3 sets of '32-'34 drums/backing plates and this tech has made me think seriously about converting a set for my next roadster.

 

I love the brakes and am also keeping all my old 32 brakes for this project, but still think you're going to have to look at the kingpin bearing problem. The needle bearing kits just reduce steering friction. However you need a bearing to hold the weight of the car. Early cars had this bearing on top of the spindles, so the weight of the car was basically sitting on the kingpin locking pins! The later type '37 kingpins with their pop-off caps won't take the weight. The axle will end up sitting on the spindle. Ideal is the '37 style spindle with the bearing mounted under the axle supporting the weight of the car. This way the kingpin can just do it's job and not get involved in carrying the weight of the car. If you switched to '37 spindles your problem would be solved.

 

You are correct in how the original 32 style king pins worked, but what a lot of us do now is use a set with a small needle bearing the goes between the bottom of the axle and the spindle - it takes the weight of the car and removes it from the king pin itself. I don't have the kit number in front of me as I sent them to Okie Joe with my 32 axle.

 

Is it just my Mac or are the photos not displaying?

 

Nope..I can't display the pictures either

 

No pics for me? Considering this conversion. Thanks

 

Hi , i like to see the pics , too
Thanks

 

@Anderson any chance getting the pics back?

 

Yes, the pictures. I'd like to see them too.

 

In doing a search this old thread popped up. I am bumping it to the top to see if OP or anyone saved the pics and would repost them.