MTFCA Forum

Just throwing this out, I have no need for any nor do I intend to make any. I have made and used the currently available style. They are generally expensive, you need to cut you axle tubes, etc, etc. All that work to keep you broken axle shaft unexpectedly existing the rear end. This idea will only work with the larger 26/27 brake drum (unless you make a smaller reinforcing ring). The idea is to weld/press on the Model A brake drum reinforcing ring on the Model T rear brake drum creating a "lip". Then use the early Ford Banjo rear end brake drum/axle retainer? Why not? Pretty sure it won't work on external band accessory style brakes. I can envision a number of ways of attaching the retainer to the Model T brake drum backing plate that would allow you to easily take the modified rear drum on and off. Have fun, stay safe, enjoy.

The difference I see is that on a banjo rear end, the axle holds everything together, but the hub and bearing ride on the axle housing. The clip will hold the hub/drum assembly from coming off of the housing. On a T the axle not only holds everything together, it also supports the car. If the axle were to break up in the tube, or in the bearing area leaving some sort of stub in the bearing, then a clip might keep everything together. A lot of the broken axles I have seen broke outside of the bearing near the hub. In these cases a clip would do nothing since there is no stub in the bearing supporting the car. The wheel would come off.

Joe

Actually your idea for a "safety hub" retainer is rather nice IMO, like most plans, nothing new under the sun.

Have always thought this accessory makes sense and would work to a pretty good degree. Once wanted to bend one up, but sure the metal should be heat-treated to make the part rather stiff to prevent bending. On a stock rear axle, with stock drum would be the best.

Aftermarket out side brakes do add a bit of design challenge, but would still be helpful in case of a busted axle. At least your rear wheel won't pass you, or the backend of your Ford left squatting on road

Great post Dan. I actually thought about 3 clips on each backplate with 120 degrees between them. I've always favored a quote attributed to Henry Ford " I invented nothing new. I simply assembled the discoveries of other men behind whom were centuries of work"