Model A Brakes √ Front Roller Track Replacement
When overhauling or upgrading Model A brakes do not neglect the front brake’s roller tracks. The tracks are securely riveted to the backing plates (Fig 1) and need to either have the roller surfaces welded up and reshaped or the tracks themselves replaced.
The tracks on Jim Irland’s 1929 Town Sedan were severely eroded and showed evidence of earlier buildup and subsequent wear. (Fig 2) Jim decided to replace the tracks and purchased a “kit” which included heat treated tracks made to original Ford specifications, spring rivets and a “rivet tool” to aid in proper setting of the rivets and plate onto the backing plate.
The existing plates were securely riveted in place and grinding off of the heads was necessary for removal of the existing rivets. (Fig 3) After the heads were ground off various punches were used in an attempt to remove them. There was absolutely no movement of the rivets, and it was decided to center drill them to allow them to be collapsed a bit and removed. (Fig 4) This procedure worked well, along with a bit of heating with a torch prior to punching them out. The plates came off clean and the backing plates were wire brushed to remove any imperfections.
The new tracks were positioned and the rivets placed one at a time in the existing holes, backed by the “rivet tool” from the kit. However, a ²” X 20 bolt was placed through the second rivet hole to hold the plate in alignment while the first rivet was set. This kept the plate well aligned while the first rivet was heated to a cherry red (Fig 5) and set with a 3# hammer. (Fig 6) This system worked extremely well and the resulting rivet heads are uniform and appear strong. (Fig 7)
The photos illustrate the sequence of events and the finished product.
John Young, Alamo A’s San Antonio
ALAMO A’S THE DISTRIBUTOR PAGE 9
Editor’s Note: Many thanks to Dr. John Young for sending in this article and all the pictures. Look closely at the reflection in the fender of Fig. 8...that is Jim Irland admiring the finished product on his car.