What are my options if I want the old school look of drum brakes on the original front axle of my 37 Ford Coupe but I want updated braking performance?
Drum brakes as in wide-five - just uses 39-48 backing plates and shoes Drum brakes as in 5x5.5 - use complete 39-48 backing plates, shoes, drums or use after market Lincoln backing plates, shoes, and drums for improved performance Note: the 30-40 look do not have the vents and have a better apearance for fenderless cars but are harder to adjust... 41-48 are less expensive will work fine Several options of Buick or Lincoln style drums are available as well as cast backing plates The high dollar way is to use the SoCal Buick drum style covers that hide disc brakes
For better brakes with the old look , go to self energizing system, 50's F 1 pickup . late 40's lincoln or early ford econoline drums ... lots of info on how to adapt the backing plates and shoes.
I guess I might have a contrarian viewpoint here but I've got a 35 3 Window and have retained the original mechanical brakes - they are in good adjustment and have very strong braking performance. I have a 39 Coupe with stock juice brakes and am happy with them as well so not sure why your stock 37 system is not working for you.
Well the problem is the car didn't come with any front brake system at all. There was a aluminum plate mounted to the back side of the spindle that looks like it was a pattern for caliper bracket. Everything else was missing. I figured if I have to get something for it I might as well upgrade it.
You can do an F-100 front drum swap, those may work with your small wheels and will allow you to use your spindles: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5877
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