Technical 1938 Ford juice brake swap questions

Maybe next week I'll be getting a 38 Ford sedan in for a 12 volt conversion and a juice brake swap. The question I have is are the wide 5 drums on this compatible with 39 backing plates and Brake ***emblies? And I'm ***uming they will bolt on to the rear end and front spindles? One more question is will I need to upgrade to a 39 pedal ***embly or is there a bolt on adapter kit to mount the master to this 38 ***embly? Just trying to get all my ducks in a row as I haven't seen the car in person yet. Thank you all that know more than me.

 

Yes the backing plates should just bolt on perfectly. And a 39 pedal set should almost bolt in too. I think there may be a little spot where the hole in the frame needs opened up for pedal or rod clearance. Should be able to hold it up there and see where it hits.

 

Sounds good. I think I need to go through my pedal ***emblies to see if I have a 39 and later setup if not I believe somebody repops them but maybe they weren't too good reviews or something?

 

Only a 39 will work. If you use a 40 you need to change your clutch linkage and the throwout shaft in the transmission as they changed the design.

I’ve also heard bad things about the repro 39 pedal sets.

 

If you are in need of a 39 pedal ***embly R Jays speed shop sells a nice fabricated version of the 39 pedal ***embly that will bolt right in. Bob Drake was selling original type reproduction pedal ***emblies but I’m not sure if they still have them or not.

 

I saw a pic of the Drake repro snapped in half.

 

I seem to recall hearing something about that now that you mention it.

 

How about e-brake stuff? I believe I will have to put all the 39 stuff on it correct? As the stock 38 e brake linkage is mechanical? Like my model A

 

I have done that, and when that stuff could not be found, just adapted Lokar stuff.

Either way works, depending on what you can source.

 

Its pretty easy once you get going as it used most of the '39 brake parts. You will have to open up the hole in the frame that the pedal ***embly p***es through and you can find a template on Drake's web site for that operation. The '39 frames have a small divot so the clutch pedal doesn't hit the frame. I didn't put this divot in my '38 frame but I wish I had. The divot just gives you a little more pedal travel and that makes clutch adjustment easier. Depending on the master cyl you may need a 3 to 2 bolt adaptor.

You could also check with Early V8 Garage. They make a system that uses the stock early brake/clutch pedals. http://www.earlyv8garage.net/