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Posted By: StylemasterMEL Brakes - 06/26/21 06:38 PM
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 :)
Posted By: Rusty 37 Master Re: Brakes - 06/26/21 06:53 PM
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.
Posted By: Chev Nut Re: Brakes - 06/26/21 07:13 PM
True. rear wheels will lock-up and slide. Very dangerous.
Posted By: StylemasterMEL Re: Brakes - 06/26/21 09:46 PM
Yes going to do front brakes as well ,
Posted By: Rusty 37 Master Re: Brakes - 06/27/21 02:40 AM
That sounds like a more reasonable solution.
Posted By: StylemasterMEL Re: Brakes - 06/27/21 11:40 AM
Has anybody done this swap (front and rear brakes assemblies? Rear is not a big problem , wondering about fronts ?
Posted By: StylemasterMEL Re: Brakes - 06/27/21 10:23 PM
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 !!!!!
Posted By: Rusty 37 Master Re: Brakes - 06/27/21 10:46 PM
That sounds very promising!

I am interested in your comment about no more seized wheel cylinders. What feature of the Bendix brakes prevents this?
Posted By: StylemasterMEL Re: Brakes - 06/27/21 10:55 PM
Rubber boots on the ends of the Bendix wheel cylinders to seal out moisture.
Posted By: Rusty 37 Master Re: Brakes - 06/28/21 02:33 AM
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.
Posted By: StylemasterMEL Re: Brakes - 06/28/21 11:07 AM
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 :) :)
Posted By: Rusty 37 Master Re: Brakes - 06/28/21 05:28 PM
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.
Posted By: StylemasterMEL Re: Brakes - 06/29/21 12:02 AM
I guess no one else has done this swap ?????
Posted By: old216 Re: Brakes - 07/06/21 10:23 PM
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.
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