Re: [FWDLK] brake linings

[David Homstad <dhomstad@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I vote with Neil here. But from a slightly different angle. When I did the
brakes on my 56 Dodge, I noticed a significant reduction in braking force,
with the same pedal pressure, compared to the original factory linings, even
though they were set up properly. The reason is that modern off-the-shelf
replacement lining material is not designed for our old cars. The government
has outlawed the material (asbestos) our original linings were made from and
the modern stuff is not as efficient. I think the modern stuff is also
designed to work with higher pressures than our old systems generate, since
almost everything now has power brakes. I restored and improved on the
original by installing the factory power brake system.

Another point. Given the old skinny tires our cars originally came with, the
original brakes were adequate to lock them up. I remember doing that a few
times back in the 60s. More braking power than that was not necessary. Now
that almost everybody has new tires with lower/wider profiles and stickier
rubber compounds, or even radials, the tires need more force to lock up. It
feels as though the brakes lack power because they will no longer lock up,
even though the car is decelerating faster than before.

Dave Homstad
56 Dodge D500

-----Original Message-----
From: Forward Look Mopar Discussion List
[mailto:L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of eastern sierra Adj Services
Sent: Monday, November 03, 2003 9:27 PM
To: L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: brake linings

As I have 'mentioned', before,  there is reportedly a "super" brake
lining, that I've been informed, is referred to,  as being "FF/FF"
(maximum-wet/dry ratings) .  There is supposedly @ least 1 shop in SoCal
that  can attach that lining to 'your' brake-shoes, and/or, you might be
able to buy (on an 'exchange-basis') pre-lined shoes. I forget the name
of that shop (help!!)

I understand that the reason that 'our' brakes faded was due to s-itty
brake-lining MATERIAL,
as opposed to any 'real' defect in the "Centerplane" brake system, &/or
the fact of 14" wheels (which tightly enclosed the brakes, restricting
cooling air-flow to the brakes) .

Now, I see, in MoPar Action, that Firm-Feel is selling 'Super-Duper'
brake-shoe-assemblies for the 11x3" . As I've retrofitted (AWESOME
stopping response, @ 'reasonable' speeds [below 80  mph ] ) 11x3"
brakes, front & rear, I called Firm-Feel, & found that their brakes are
not-cheap ($300??-I forget) ; but I plan to buy them, sometime this
winter. Firm-Feels' linings are almost-certainly the FF/FF linings, but
I've
"heard" that the 'newest' linings are rated :" FFF/FFF"!!

My advise is: check-out 'modern' linings, first; if they're still N.G.,
for you, then spend the bux in
installing the discs!!

Neil

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