Tech Q: Wide fives and juice brakes

Can anybody point me in the direction of any info on how to keep a wide five bolt pattern and get hydraulic brakes? I just bought a 38 Ford, and while I am waiting for it to get home, I am making plans. Thanks

 

For the fronts just get 39-48 backing plates and reuse the spindle and drums. For the rear I am not sure...

 

The 1939 Fords had hydraulic brakes and the wide 5 pattern.

 

39 Ford has the wide five pattern and hydraulic brakes.

 

And '37-9 drums are the same, so you already have the drums you need.

 

do you just need hydraulic backing plates front & back?

 

Sorry for the stupid question, but this car is new territory for me. I was somehow under the impression that I'd have to switch wheels to get rid of the mechanical brakes, and I like the wheels. That's great info. ANybody know about the rear?

 

I belive that the 38'backing plates is the only year that can be rebuilt to fit juice brakes

if not 39-48'backing plates is al you need

 

What about the Wide-5 pattern disc brakes that they use on the dirt track cars? I know Port City Racing in Muskegon carries them but I don't know how much work it would be to use them with an OE Ford wheel and suspension.

 

You need a set of 1939-48 backing plates, either of the two flavors will be fine, and the drums you already have. Period.
I believe your absolute best bet for pedals will be a 1939 set, but those are getting scarce and expensive. I assume (haven't done it myself) they would go into your frame with a bit of hole enlarging and drilling.
Another very good option would be the setup made by the Early V8 Garage, which adapts existing pedal and provides a bracket for mc.
I think you could also adapt the 1940-48 setup by adding in the little clutch shaft assembly they use--the 1940 version should be right dimensionally--and change your clutch throwout shaft, a rather big job.
All else like brake lines, hoses, E-brake, is just a matter of copying the 1939 setup.