VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 1931 Mechanical Brakes

My buddy just picked up a 1931 Chevrolet Coupe (5 windows) for lack of knowlege I will say a Master? It has an unfired rebuilt original 6 and original 3 speed transmission, in fact the whole car is original but needs some work. It has been stored in a garage since 1972 and was last registered in San Diego in 1952. He got all the paper work and title with an original owners and service manual, the license fee in 1952 was 3 bucks and the tag was .40 cents. We are wondering about the mechanical brakes and if they can be made to operate safely or if common practice for safety's sake is to convert them to juice this is all greek to us so we are looking for some advice and info from all you pro's out there.

I have rebuilt the intire brake system on our '32 which is if im not mistaken, the same as a '31. If you need hints or tips i sure can give it but it would take all this page has plus some.

Number one for starters, i would suggest getting a manual for the '31 at www.fillingstation.com

Or call the fillingstation and tell them what your looking for which is a repair manual.


Conversion to juice brakes is okay but the truth is that if you have a properly functioning and adjusted manual/mechanical brake system, it is just as safe AS juice brakes.


For tips i would suggest again, getting that manual, inspecting every part of brake linkage and connections of that car, pull the drums, check the brake shoes, check the brake cams in the carrier bushings (they shouldnt wobble but they wont be tight.) Check the front brake cables for frayage, DEFINITLY have the drums turned at a REPUTABLE brake shop or have them ground at a REPUTABLE machine shop, check the front drum bearings for grease, re-install drums, centralize the brake shoes and adjust the brakes.

All of this will be explained in the manual but if you need more detailed info, dont hesitate to post HERE or PM me. One of us will be more than happy to help further. I just gave a ROUGH detail of what to start with.

I have a 31 five window coupe with mechanical brakes. If you look in your manual and adjust them properly there should be no reason to put juice brakes on the car unless you are going to make it a hot rod. The mechanical brakes stop fine, but you should drive the car with the idea that they are not modern brakes and alow enough room behind the car in front of you. Sounds like a great restoration car. Good luck with your project.

Thanks for the replys and good information, we will take your good advice and obtain the written information to help us get them in good shape for the road.....and we may be contacting you if we get stumped, which I might add is not hard to do...thanks again