Okay, so I got my hands on some Mr Roadster '28-'48 spindles and a magnum axle for way too good of a deal to p*** on, seeing as I needed to start collecting front end parts for the T I figured this was a good start. My Question is regarding what brake options do I have for this setup? I looked in Tech and found a lot of stuff on buick drums, but not really what I'm after. I was wondering if there is anything later with a 5x4.5 (that is the pattern on the rear end I have mounted up and kinda wanted it to stay the same) pattern drum that I could adapt to the early spindle. I'm a bit uneducated to straight axle front ends so if I'm way off base I appologize. I'd go with discs but I just never think they look right. Any suggestions or arrows in the right direction are greatly appreciated. thanks, ford.
There are a number of disc brake set ups that will give you your desired 5 on 4.5" bolt pattern. But no drums that simply bolt up. you can use a hub that is marketed for Buick drum conversions. They are drilled for 5 0n 4.5", 5 on 4.75", and 5 on 5". Wilson Welding and Walton Hot Rod Shop are a couple of sources. But they are a little expensive. With these hubs you can run Buick drums or original style drums that have been redrilled. Vaphead, a Hamb Alliance vendor can get you a good deal on the Wilson hubs and fresh brake drums. For backing plates you can use 39-48 Ford or self energizing (Bendix Patent) Wilson Welding 39 Lincoln repops sold by Vaphead. If you are going to run big tires in back and small tires up front the difference in bolt patterns is not a big deal. On a traditional rod the 500/16 bias ply front tires most folks use mount best on a 4" rim. You can not buy an off the shelf repop Ford wheel that narrow. Original Ford rims are fairly common in 4" and 4.5" rim widths. In the back you can mount your 750/16 (or larger) tires on a 7" wide repop rim from Wheel Vintique or another vendor. They have the 5 on 4.5" and 5 on 4.75" bolt patterns. Hope this helps.
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