Reproduction Parts for 1916-1964 Chevrolet Passenger Cars & 1918-1987 Chevrolet & GMC Trucks


Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
#458833 06/26/21 02:38 PM
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 388
Backyard Mechanic
OP Offline
Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 388
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 :)

Filling Station - Chevrolet & GMC Reproduction Parts


Filling Station


StylemasterMEL #458835 06/26/21 02:53 PM
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,022
Likes: 99
ChatMaster - 4,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 4,000
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,022
Likes: 99
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.


Rusty

VCCA #44680
StylemasterMEL #458837 06/26/21 03:13 PM
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,700
Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,700
Likes: 141
True. rear wheels will lock-up and slide. Very dangerous.


Gene Schneider
StylemasterMEL #458842 06/26/21 05:46 PM
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 388
Backyard Mechanic
OP Offline
Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 388
Yes going to do front brakes as well ,

StylemasterMEL #458853 06/26/21 10:40 PM
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,022
Likes: 99
ChatMaster - 4,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 4,000
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,022
Likes: 99
That sounds like a more reasonable solution.


Rusty

VCCA #44680
StylemasterMEL #458861 06/27/21 07:40 AM
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 388
Backyard Mechanic
OP Offline
Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 388
Has anybody done this swap (front and rear brakes assemblies? Rear is not a big problem , wondering about fronts ?

StylemasterMEL #458884 06/27/21 06:23 PM
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 388
Backyard Mechanic
OP Offline
Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 388
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 !!!!!

StylemasterMEL #458885 06/27/21 06:46 PM
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,022
Likes: 99
ChatMaster - 4,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 4,000
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,022
Likes: 99
That sounds very promising!

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


Rusty

VCCA #44680
StylemasterMEL #458886 06/27/21 06:55 PM
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 388
Backyard Mechanic
OP Offline
Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 388
Rubber boots on the ends of the Bendix wheel cylinders to seal out moisture.

StylemasterMEL #458902 06/27/21 10:33 PM
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,022
Likes: 99
ChatMaster - 4,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 4,000
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,022
Likes: 99
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.


Rusty

VCCA #44680
StylemasterMEL #458905 06/28/21 07:07 AM
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 388
Backyard Mechanic
OP Offline
Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 388
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 :) :)

StylemasterMEL #458912 06/28/21 01:28 PM
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,022
Likes: 99
ChatMaster - 4,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 4,000
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,022
Likes: 99
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.


Rusty

VCCA #44680
StylemasterMEL #458928 06/28/21 08:02 PM
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 388
Backyard Mechanic
OP Offline
Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 388
I guess no one else has done this swap ?????

StylemasterMEL #459185 07/06/21 06:23 PM
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,323
Likes: 6
ChatMaster - 2,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 2,000
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,323
Likes: 6
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.


My 1951 1 Ton is now on the road! My 38 Master 4 Door is also now on the road .

Link Copied to Clipboard
Support The VCCA!

Enjoy the forum? Become a VCCA member! The World's Best Chevrolet and GMC Club!


Member Photos
1964 Chevrolet Impala SS
1964 Chevrolet Impala SS
by DreamChevy, February 17
My 1933 Chevy 2 Dr. Sedan
My 1933 Chevy 2 Dr. Sedan
by 1939Chevy1, November 24
Back on the road 79 years later
2 1927 Chevrolet Trucks
2 1927 Chevrolet Trucks
by 1927TRUCKS, June 7
Who's Online Now
1 members (swedechev), 78 guests, and 15 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Newest Members
NeilA, Jayhicks, Tomvanhouten, Dads29Chevy, Tractorman
18,308 Registered Users
Today's Birthdays
SabrinaKarras, Speedy1
Forum Statistics
Forums58
Topics59,072
Posts429,077
Members18,308
Most Online1,133
Jan 22nd, 2020
 

Notice: Any comments posted herein do not necessarily reflect the official position of the VCCA.

Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5