Thanks Jacksmith. Yeah I have actually thought about the Big 97 for sure and just running 1 as a dummy or backup. Just havent heard much on them for real world usage.
Are you going to the Showdown again in 2026? I'll be there, unless something major happens... registration is paid and a room reserved! 3blap.
Heck ya! It's such a great show, if you like old Fords! The last time I was there was 2022 and it was A LOT like it was in 2025... I'm hoping to bring some good JuJu with me and have the weather be amazing... like it can be. 3blap.
Enjoying the thread. I know you still have mechanical brakes. Are you running floaters in the front? You drive the **** out of it and trying to get real world opinions on Ted's kit vs lower wedge floater vs stock. I'm waking up a '34 5 window and looking for some direction on brakes from somebody who actually drives one.
Thanks. Yeah I am running floaters with zero issues. The main issues to really focus on is the rollers being very smooth and free, lubed up etc. along with the actuation being lubed up and free. I do need to re line the fronts, but I roll 65 to 70 frequently with zero issues. My floaters are just the lower wedge floater. Honestly all in all I enjoy my mech brakes more than hydraulic cause I know they will ALWAYS work.
Thank you for the response. I'm a careful driver, leave plenty of space and never tailgate but brakes on old cars are an area of concern for all of us who cannot control what the other drivers do. The real cost of a full Bendix juice conversion was a huge put off, adding it up with all new parts was literally thousands when nearly everything on this car, including the brakes, is fresh but 50 years old. I'm going to throw in a set of $35 lower wedge floaters and run-em! I'm mostly on surface streets going to get ice cream or donuts, how fast I gotta go?
Yeah, the cost of juice is very off putting. I am collecting parts to do it cheaper but still it's up there. I drive mine in some of the worst traffic in the US. Houston Tx. So, if they work here, they should be fine where you are. Another tip, sand the shoes to the drums helps out alot as well, increases surface area to make sure the full pad contacts the drum. Just FYI. Sounds like a great game plan though man. Drive em and enjoy em. Let us know how you like the floaters. Always good to hear others feedback. Hope yall had a great thanksgiving.
The Jalopy Journal
