I have previously asked for proof (even one brake test) that fitting 11” discs instead of 12” drums is a measurable improvement. All I’ve heard is crickets... I recall discussing this with Gil Cunningham years ago. For 1957, Chrysler actually designed a brilliant braking system for the era. Go look at the test videos on YouTube. While superior, it was not as mechanic friendly and was more costly than the Bendix system that replaced it. And 60 years later, you can’t go to your Chrysler dealer to buy parts. I get it.
But even mechanics such as Uncle Tony realise that engineers aren’t stupid. They design for more than a single stop on dry pavement. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7q5jhIgGjoU
As an engineer I won’t be fitting half of a braking system designed for a car that was 800 pounds lighter and fitting a proportioning valve to the rear brakes to actually reduce its braking capacity to match the front, unless someone bothers to test it to show it works better. Please show me where even Willwood have test results for their expensive systems that can be scrutinised.
If you really, really wanted better brakes you might start by taking the complete braking system off a late model 300C. Oh no! Then you would have to use 20” wheels and low profile tyres and that wouldn’t be original would it...
Just my opinion. I can drive older cars within their limitations. Do what you like - but please test modifications properly and thoroughly. While you may never have to do a panic stop on a curving wet freeway with your whole family on-board, it was something that engineers had to consider, even 60 years ago.
Henry
From: chrysler-300-club-international@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:chrysler-300-club-international@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Gary
Sent: Wednesday, 10 July 2024 3:41 AM
To: '300 Club'; Ray Melton
Subject: Re: {Chrysler 300} HELP! Need front brake backing plate for 1957 300C
I would consider disc brake conversion, not allot of money. Gary
From: Ray Melton
Sent: Tuesday, July 09, 2024 5:02 AM
To: '300 Club'
Subject: {Chrysler 300} HELP! Need front brake backing plate for 1957 300C
Hello All -
Following an extensive restoration of virtually every system on my late father's 1957 Chrysler 300C convertible, I have endured five maddening years of the right front brake dragging, pulling, and sometimes even locking up hard enough to stop the wheel from turning! I've replaced wheel cylinders, shoes and return springs to no avail. Last month the RF brake locked up hard enough to skid the tire at 5 mph in a parking lot, and I only could get it unlocked by backing up a few feet, but then it would either drag hard or lock up again as soon as I went forward. I was lucky to nurse it a few miles back home, where I had to again skid the jammed RF wheel 20 feet into the garage. I won't dare drive it again until I get it fixed for good! Everything looks OK when I pull off the drum (although the lining on the trailing shoe is worn down to 1/8" after less than 1000 miles on the restoration - that's how bad the RF brake has been dragging all this time! With nothing obviously wrong, I just didn't know where to go from here.
Just today I came across a very old article from George Riehl that described my symptoms exactly and diagnosed that one of the long, square-section springs within the backing plate had broken, and the only fix is to get another complete centerplane backing plate - suggesting that one from a 1957 New Yorker or perhaps even a '57 Dodge or DeSoto would work (must specify for 12" brakes). This is the link to that article: FRONT BRAKE BACKING PLATES with 12" brakes (ch300imp.com) That article includes photos of the backing plate I need.
My problem is that I don't know exactly the terminology for what I need and don't know the best places to start looking for such an old part. I can provide a photo of the backing plate I (think) I need, but can't post it with this message on the listserver.
Can anyone please help me clarify exactly what to ask for and perhaps even more importantly, who/where might be the best place to start looking?
Ray Melton Las Cruces, NM 1957 Chrysler 300C cvt s/n 3N572517 (April 1957) (575)642-3151
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