Where can I buy a small drum Bennett Brake for my Model T? I didn't find them in the vendor catalogs.
I don't think Bennett Brakes are made anymore (but could be wrong). I don't think the brakes were ever reproduced, although the Bennett Brake pedal is.
New reproduction AC brakes for the small drum T are made and sold by Larry Sidmore. He advertises in the VMCCA Bulb Horn magazine. Per this month's ad, phone 209-533-9207, email; landj@mlode.com
He does not supply the actuating mechanism, but what I like is easy to make. I make a separate cross-shaft and keep the service brake totally separate from the emergency brake. Safer that way.
He also requires a signed liability waiver. Gotta love Califunny. I have known Larry for many years and like how he makes these.
Drive carefully, and enjoy, W2
Chaffin's used to have repro Bennett Brakes. The ones I bought at Chickasha were theirs. I believe there was a hitch with patterns for the castings and who owned what, and it all got a bit too hard.
I could be wrong, nothing new there!
Allan from down under.
The fellow who made the Bennett Brakes in Washington died and so did the brakes. The brakes worked but I was a little apprehensive about them as all the parts were cast in brass. The AC brakes made by Larry needed a lot of modification and fitting to make them work. I spent hours figuring out what needed to be done to fix the problems. I sent all of the information to Larry and never received a thank you in reply. So I do not know if he ever fixed the problems. Just sign his waiver and hope you can make them work.
They work but it does take some real tinkering. Getting them to make full contact on the drum is difficult but essential if you want them to work correctly. I am very happy with mine now that they are finally set up correctly and broken in. I used brake rods and the equalizer the vendors sell for converting the rear large drum brakes to operate from the brake pedal. That system allows the internal rear brakes to operate independently. I lined those brakes too so that in a panic stop I can pull the hand brake lever and hit the brake pedal for a real good stop!
Thomas
Tom Carneigie had several brake assy's for sale I bought one set up had 3 more you might want to contact him he owns antique auto ranch Spokane Wa. Good Luck Rich J