I'm collecting pieces for a Model A speedster. I want to use hydraulic brakes on one end or the other. Where would the brakes work best, on the front or the back? It will be a light car with a mild banger motor.
Put either mechanical or hydraulic brakes on it ... don't mix them... you won't be able to get a good balance
On a car with 4 wheel braking, your front wheels do 80 % of the braking so put the best brakes on the front. If you only have rear brakes, or have the braking balance set heavily to the rear and you slam on the brakes in an emergency (and lock them up) you’ll probably spin out. This is just like a hand brake / bootlegger / rally car 90 - 180 degree turn. Same for motorcycles, the front brakes do a majority of the braking (if you have been properly trained). If you slam on the rear brakes (lock them up) you’ll probably go down.
Light braking most of the effort comes from the rear, heavy braking most of the effort comes from the front. This how the model A mechanical brakes were set, and for good reason. The original braking system was more sophisticated than most folks realise. If you want to stay traditional why not change to model B mechanical brakes.
If I was my vehicle I would use brakes on all 4 wheels, the ’39 to ’48 ford brakes would be the least expensive. Using the wide bolt pattern wheels from 1939 might result in an interesting look. The ’40-’48 are 5 of 5 ½ and there a lot more wheel choices. If you run Model A wheels (or other Ford wire wheels through 1935 including aftermarket such as bent spoke Kelseys [my favorite])on these brakes be sure to use spacers (see http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1286293&posted=1#post1286293). Another problem that hasn’t been brought up yet. If you were involved in an accident/lawsuit with two wheel brakes the first words out of the opposing lawyer’s mouth would be “Of course he couldn’t stop in time, he only has brakes on two wheels". Charllie Stephens
The Jalopy Journal
