MTFCA Forum

Reverse seems a little light on my 1927 coupe. How do I tell if it needs adjustment? If it does, how many licks should I start with on the first adjustment?

Adjust the reverse band so that when you push on the pedal with your hand it bottoms out about even with the brake and clutch pedal. If you can push it farther it is too loose and if you cant push it as far as the brake and clutch it is too tight. That will put you in the ball park.

The bands need adjustment when they no longer perform their task, ie they slip.If you can still back up a ramp, your reverse is doing OK. Forget measurements of pedal from the floor and relativities with the other pedals. These are almost certainly compromised by 100 years of operation. Instead, adjust the bands just enough to make sure they again function as they should. With Kevlar linings they should be adjusted just enough to work properly. This will leave the maximum gap between ling and drum. You don't want them dragging. Toy giving the adjusting nut 1/2 a turn at first. You can always give it another half turn later if needed. Do not be tempted to give them a couple of turns, in the hope that will mean you don't have to repeat the adjustment later.

Others will have different ideas.

Allan from down under.

As long as the pedal doesn't hit the floorboard it should be okay. Do not try for a "high pedal", that's adjusted too tight. The pedal should stop within maybe 1/2" - 1" from the floorboard. As to adjustments, take small steps, as others have mentioned. Half turn at a time.