VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1946-1948 Brakes

I am in the process of getting rid of the Huck brakes on the rear of my 47 Chevrolet Stylemaster , I am adapting better 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air brakes to the rear axle now, has anyone done this? thanks :)

As with any type conversion, I am sure this can be done with attention to details as well as some trial and error.

Are you going to make a similar change to the front brakes?

I wonder if having the more effective Bendix style self energizing brakes on the rear will create an imbalance in braking performance. Most of the braking load is on the front brakes of a car. If the rear brakes have more of tendency to lock-up than then fronts there could be a control problem during heavy stops.

True. rear wheels will lock-up and slide. Very dangerous.

Yes going to do front brakes as well ,

That sounds like a more reasonable solution.

Has anybody done this swap (front and rear brakes assemblies? Rear is not a big problem , wondering about fronts ?

Worked this afternoon on Bendix brake conversion ,I have 1954 Chevrolet's backing plates (front and rear )and wheels cylinder's and shoes slightly modified fronts to get rid of all the primative, inefficient and troublesome Huck brakes on my 1947 Chevrolet sedan . Adaptation was not as involved as I thought, tomorrow I will have 1954 Chevrolet "BENDIX " brakes installed. I was able to reuse the 6 stud stock Huck drums , NO MORE SIEZED WHEELS CYLINDERS !!!!!

That sounds very promising!

I am interested in your comment about no more seized wheel cylinders. What feature of the Bendix brakes prevents this?

Rubber boots on the ends of the Bendix wheel cylinders to seal out moisture.

While I agree that the rubber boots help I have still seen frozen Bendix cylinders. The moisture absorbed by the brake fluid creates galvanic action that bonds the aluminum piston to the bore of the cast iron cylinder.

Remember to flush the brake fluid regularly to minimize this situation.

Everything is better with Bendix brakes,:) self energizing, easier to service, parts are more available, easier to adjust, less seizure of wheel cylinder's ,,,, win win :) :)

I definitely agree with the ease of adjustment and improved performance due to the self energizing feature.

I recently acquired a mid-50’s car so I appreciate those features. I do have to remind myself that the brakes do not work as well in reverse as the Huck brakes in my ”˜37.

I guess no one else has done this swap ?????

They have detailed this change on pickups, over on the Stovebolt.com. If I remember correctly the holes in the spindle assembly had to be enlarged to match the new backing plates.