----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, July 06, 2003 10:24
AM
Subject: Re: [FWDLK] L-FORWARDLOOK Digest
- 2 Jul 2003 to 3 Jul 2003 (#2003-183)
I
also just finished installing the AAJ kit on my 1958
Plymouth.
I
found it to be a great kit, and very easy to install.
I
grabbed a combination (proportioning) valve out of a 1981 Chrysler Imperial,
which mounted right to the same hole as the factory T block. The '68
Roadrunner M/C uses some funky fittings, but I got them off of "adapter lines"
from Pep Boys and just flared them onto new lines. I did have to turn
down the last 1/2" of the adjustable pushrod. I turned it down on a
grinder to better fit in the hole on the m/c pushrod rather than just cutting
it shorter.
A
combination valve is preferable to the adjustable proportioning valve, as
proper disc operation involves several factors. First, the valve allows
the drums to start braking slightly before the discs, then cuts down the
pressure slightly after the discs kick in. The valve also maintains a
slight residual pressure which stops the caliper pistons from retracting all
the way back into the calipers (this becomes more important after the pads
begin to wear... you would have to pump twice to move the pistons enough for
the shoes to contact the disc).
The
car stops on a dime now; truly amazing braking considering the original
setup. I'm still fighting with the rear wheel cylinders, which started
leaking after I installed the new shoes (it pushed the pistons back into an
area where there was some corrosion.) I honed them out on the car, and
installed cylinder rebuild kits, but plan to replace the cylinders after
Carlisle if they show any signs of leakage.
I'm
putting in a mechanical stop light switch later this afternoon, and that
should complete this year's projects... Discs, new rear shoes, new front
suspension, and new shocks. It feels like a different car
now.
Kudos to AAJ!!!
-Dave
HI, In regard to Gary's questions about
the AAJ brakes on my 57 Plymouth, I found the kit to be well engineered and
easy to install. All of the parts needed were easily available locally at
reasonable prices (I ordered the basic kit). The only mods necessary were a
little filing on the right side bracket to clear the steering knuckle and
even the adjustable M/C pushrod I had needed to be shortened 5/16" or so.
The car stops straight and true and fairly fast, but pedal effort is rather
high without the power assist. I have most of the power brake parts and
probably will install next winter. The dual master cylinder brings a lot of
peace of mind, and I used a wilwood proportioning valve to balance the
system. All in all very pleased. Hope to see many of you at Carlisle.
Dick