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.
Decided last Friday to do my yearly on the ole gal. Figured I would go ahead and adjust the valves as I had one making a bit more noise. Well, come to find out, one part of the keeper left the chat, and the other one ended up being a variable spring rate, so basically the exhaust valve wasn't closing all the way all the time other than on compression cycle where it was pushed closed by pressure. I was amazed it still ran as good as it did. So, a trip to the local parts house, some new keepers from a SBC and were back in business. Really didn't want to pull a head but it had to be done. Decided to re lap the valve and adjusted the rest. Valves haven't been this quiet in 7 months. So that tells me how long this has been making noise. Hard to see but the spring retainer and conversion washer are right on the adjuster all the way to the left in this pic. Sorry for the focus being a bit out. All looks good inside though. Need to do a little cooling system flush.
There's one thing about a flathead though... they are simple machines. The fact that you literally had a valve doing its own thing, yet you couldn't tell (as you stated, upside-down valve helps keep it closed when needed) is a true testament to that fact! I agree that pulling the head ****s, but in this case, you kinda have to. I'm glad to hear it was something minor and you've already got it back together though! 3blap.
COOL! What a great start! Here’s my 33 I’ve had since 2019. My aunt bought it in 1972, And then my dad had it up until he gave it to me. I tore it down during Covid and made it kind of 64 to 68 era when I grew up with on TV. Munsters monkeees all those shows with Radir type Wheels and what not!
The Jalopy Journal
