1960 Brakes

[dgs]

My 60 with PB and A/C has a 1" MC

You're making me question my memory, but I was sure mine w/o AC had the 1 1/8". When I get it uncovered, I'll check.

[Meridious]

Mine with AC is 1" and so I suppose that is why The Bird's Nest worked. I think I got it all set up prior to even realizing there were 2 sizes. Eeek. Its fine.

If it 'used' to be 1/1/8, then someone had already done whatever had to be done to change it over to 1"

:P

[YellowRose]

1960 Brakes

This is a bit off topic, but it might be information you need. I have been having problems with my brakes pulling to the left sharply. While the brakes were being worked on, I noticed that the lower retracting spring shown in the 59 Tbird shop manual front brake picture was missing from both front brakes. That is the spring that is right under the wheel cylinder. I have been told that it is really not needed and the reason why they are often missing from our Birds is because they break easy.

Wanting to have them put on, I went on a search and found they are not the easiest thing to locate. Bird Nest does not have any. However, Thunderbird Hqs. does, so I ordered two of them. Bart sent me a picture of what it looks like and the dimensions. If you want to see it, go to Photobucket here.

http://s259.photobucket.com/albums/hh281/YellowBirdOfTexas/

At least, if you need them, you now have a source, if you did not before.

Best Regards,

[Guest]

I kind'a think if ford put em there. I want them. Just my 2 cent.

[ncbird]

spring

What would return the shoes to rest if it wasnt there? Wouldnt they just rub against the drum? all I know is that working in a service station in the early 60's if it came off it went back on. oh yea gas was 29 cents a gallon.

[Meridious]

That is what the left and right retaining springs primary job as well. I've come across several old brake systems with a center retracting spring and with most of them, they are gone. Their primary function could not have been as the sole retractor or main retractor of the shoes,(the tension is not that great at all) else my vehicle's passenger front brakes (for one) would have been worn to smithereens as it seems the last time my brake shoes were replaced was 20ish years ago, and the spring has long since been gone on the passenger side.

You can easily create your own if yours are gone. The tension is not great (Not at all) and with a little creativity and some springs left from your old set, you can create 2 that will work fine. I have complete new spring kits for both wheels, but looking at the old springs left over, I could put one together in no time were none available in a pinch.

[YellowRose]

1960 Brakes

I got my front brake lower retracting springs today from Thunderbird Headquarters. They look exactly like the picture that Bart sent me that I posted on Photobucket. TB Hq. called them a 1957 Helper Spring.... $2.50 each. Part #2035B. They might be off a 1957 Tbird, but they are certainly shown in use on the front brakes in my 59 Tbird Shop Manual..

[63-4drpost]

get rid of that single piston M/cylinder

I feel a lot safer with the 1973 Dodge 3/4 ton pickup dual master cylinder I installed on my 1960 T-Bird! can't see any reason to risk your life with an obsolete single "widow maker" it is really easy to do, no proportioning valve if you stay with the drum brakes. Mine works great.

EDIT: Added Henry's Pictures...








It bolted right up if I remember right. the brace for the clutch master cylinder is temporary, sorry for the poor quality of work. I start some of these things, then have to refine them.Thanks for your help.Henry

[simplyconnected]

Dual M/C is the ONLY choice for every vehicle on the road. Can you show pictures? I would love to see your setup. If you have difficulties, send the pics to me and I will post them for you:
simplyconnected@aol.com
- Dave