Does the foot brake stop both back wheels on pavement? Our 26 Touring won't skid the wheels. Is it out of adjustment or is it not possible?
The foot brake only stops the drive line, just like when applying power, the tire with the least traction will spin or when braking, slip. The differential sends the power or braking to the wheel with the least traction, but allows the car to corner with out wheel slippage. Posi-trac differentials are still not found on all cars made today.
Best
Gus
By the way, it is possible to skid the tires with the foot brake, and on even footing, it is possible to skid both tires, but I suspect on pavement, it may not be likely to be able to do so, as traction is too good. Bear in mind, as when you spin the wheels on take off, power is wasted, and so is braking wasted on stopping when the tires break traction. So a marginal brake was the first anti skid braking system, and much safer than the modern ones.
Best
Gus
Yes it does. It stops the drive shaft, which stops both wheels.
Model T brakes are notoriously inefficient, and the foot brake by itself may not lock up the wheels. If the hand brakes are lined and properly adjusted, using them together with the foot brake may get you a skid. I often use the hand brakes to help out the foot brake when stopping because I'd rather wear out the easier-to-replace linings than the transmission brake band.
The foot brake should slide the wheels on level ground. If possible, however, you should try to drive at a speed and following distance where you don't need to slam on the brakes.
Norm
How new are your tires? Old tires are hard and have less traction, so others' experiences without knowing tire age and type don't help. The brand matters, too, as yours may be softer compound.
A better test is how far it takes you to stop from 30 or 40 mph. I use a quiet dead end street for my testing.
The other factor, of course, is band material.
Proportion of weight on the rear wheels is all important, too. You'll be able to stop shorter with a spare on the rear.
The wide drum transmission brake in a 26 touring should easily lock the wheels.
Are you sure that you have it in neutral and are not fighting it with the low band?
On my 26 roadster, I have locked up the brakes twice, both times due to someone pulling out in front of me.