Hello again, I am starting to go throught the engine and transmission, I am seeing different type of transmission bands available, is the cotton one better or the other type? Thank you

My experiences with kevlar have been excellent. One adjustment after initial running in and that was 11 years ago!

Tricks are to have good, round drums without scores / cracks, new return springs. Use packing washers if necessary to get the correct fit.

Alan. Perth Australia

Per personal knowledge and Forum consensus:

1. Scandinavia: unsafe at any speed. They'll be wasted before you have the tar from under your fingernails. It might be modified bitumen tar.

2. Cotton: viable when labor was cheap and exotic weaves were available.

3. Wood: the best compromise. They will wear out eventually, leaving the drums intact. I've been using them for 12 years, and near 100K miles. I've replaced them only when the engine is open for other work. I have outside brakes, so never use the brake band. You should, too.

4. Kevlar: a space age material that is tougher than the cast iron drums. It works good, lasts a long time. A little drag, from any number of reasons, sometimes overheats and cracks the drum, which then shreds the kevlar, requiring total teardown.

You'll find lots of heated discussion about kevlar on prior threads.
rdr

I like Scandinavia linings.

I have used cotton bands for many years for many miles. I don't drive the hell out of my Ts, rarely driving more than 35 mph and slow down before braking to a stop. I used Kevlar on two or three of my cars for a while but didn't like the chatter before coming to a stop. Never tried wood but I heard reports that they chatter so I avoided them. If you drive you cars right, cotton isn't a problem. I have at least 5000 miles on my 26 pickup and have never changed bands.
I do find that cotton on the brake band has worn quickly on my 10 but I believe it had to do with the fact the drum was turned way down. Also if you have a situation where the band ears pinch together toward the drum when the band is compressed you'll have short band lining life.
In fact, now that I think of it, the geometry and condition of the drums and bands have more to do with wear than the material used.

My experiences on 2 Model T's, a '24 and a '25, have shown good results with Kevlar. I suggest the screen in the cover plate and making very sure you change the oil regularly..

I put wood on my 1915 a few years ago. I drive in hilly areas, I have to go a little faster to keep up with some of the Model As that I run with. The wood bands have been great. I don't have accessory brakes. I do have to adjust the brake band every so often. I was concerned when I read about the side effects of the Kevlar, because I did not want to take the smallest chance of damaging the drums. The wood is much better than the original cotton.

Thank you , does anyone have a decent rad shell for a 1919 low rad?

Can anyone give me some info on changing the forward band in a 26? Can it be done through the top? Do I need any special ford tools to accomplish it? Has been 50 years since I worked on a T!
Jim Moyer