Re: [FWDLK] L-FORWARDLOOK Digest - 2 Jul 2003 to 3 Jul 2003 (#2003-183)

[Nick Sperduto <drt-rdr@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Title: Message

I also put the kit on my 56. It was a pretty straight forward install. I did everything besides tapping hte spinle holes. I let the machine shop do it, and of course they screwed it up. Anyway, on the 56 I went with a proportioning valve from an Aspen. The auto store hooked me up with all the fitting I needed. Instead of a manual brake light switch. I put a "t" in the line to the rear brakes and put in a hydraulic switch. My original brake light wires were long enough to reach the new location, so it was an easy install. The car stops awesome.

 

Nick

----- Original Message -----

From: Dave Stragand

To: L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sent: Sunday, July 06, 2003 10:24 AM

Subject: Re: [FWDLK] L-FORWARDLOOK Digest - 2 Jul 2003 to 3 Jul 2003 (#2003-183)

I also just finished installing the AAJ kit on my 1958 Plymouth.

 

I found it to be a great kit, and very easy to install.

 

I grabbed a combination (proportioning) valve out of a 1981 Chrysler Imperial, which mounted right to the same hole as the factory T block.  The '68 Roadrunner M/C uses some funky fittings, but I got them off of "adapter lines" from Pep Boys and just flared them onto new lines.  I did have to turn down the last 1/2" of the adjustable pushrod.  I turned it down on a grinder to better fit in the hole on the m/c pushrod rather than just cutting it shorter.

 

A combination valve is preferable to the adjustable proportioning valve, as proper disc operation involves several factors.  First, the valve allows the drums to start braking slightly before the discs, then cuts down the pressure slightly after the discs kick in.  The valve also maintains a slight residual pressure which stops the caliper pistons from retracting all the way back into the calipers (this becomes more important after the pads begin to wear... you would have to pump twice to move the pistons enough for the shoes to contact the disc).

 

The car stops on a dime now; truly amazing braking considering the original setup.  I'm still fighting with the rear wheel cylinders, which started leaking after I installed the new shoes (it pushed the pistons back into an area where there was some corrosion.) I honed them out on the car, and installed cylinder rebuild kits, but plan to replace the cylinders after Carlisle if they show any signs of leakage.

 

I'm putting in a mechanical stop light switch later this afternoon, and that should complete this year's projects... Discs, new rear shoes, new front suspension, and new shocks.  It feels like a different car now.

 

Kudos to AAJ!!!

 

-Dave

-----Original Message-----
From: Forward Look Mopar Discussion List [mailto:L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Richard Whelan
Sent: Friday, July 04, 2003 1:12 PM
To: L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: [FWDLK] L-FORWARDLOOK Digest - 2 Jul 2003 to 3 Jul 2003 (#2003-183)

HI, In regard to Gary's questions about the AAJ brakes on my 57 Plymouth, I found the kit to be well engineered and easy to install. All of the parts needed were easily available locally at reasonable prices (I ordered the basic kit). The only mods necessary were a little filing on the right side bracket to clear the steering knuckle and even the adjustable M/C pushrod I had needed to be shortened 5/16" or so. The car stops straight and true and fairly fast, but pedal effort is rather high without the power assist. I have most of the power brake parts and probably will install next winter. The dual master cylinder brings a lot of peace of mind, and I used a wilwood proportioning valve to balance the system. All in all very pleased. Hope to see many of you at Carlisle. Dick