MTFCA Forum

I saw some Stronghold accessory brakes on eBay, see link. They were originally sold by Montgomery Ward, also attached is an ad from the 1922 Catalogue.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/355671874595?m ... olid=10050

Also, here is a link to the whole archived 1922 Montgomery Wards catalogue, which is a neat resource.

https://archive.org/details/MontgomeryW ... 3/mode/2up

I saw those Ed - he has them mounted upside down in his ad !

RajoRacer wrote: ↑

Mon Apr 29, 2024 9:57 pm

I saw those Ed - he has them mounted upside down in his ad !

Yep. I noticed that too. Here is how they should mount.

If I remember correctly, they were made by AC under the Stronghold name for sale at Montgomery Wards. The first models were rather fragile or thin in the casting design, and then they redesigned them to be more stout and thicker. The ones on eBay are the final rendition that are heavier stronger castings. Very similar to original AC brakes.

I just finished installing a pain on a friend's t. Instead of using the torque tube mount I made a frame mount where the linkage can come straight back from the pedal and then centered for a pulley. I tested the other day and it works beautifully providing equal braking. At about 15-20 mph you can lay down rubber should you choose to. I see no need for disc brakes as once the wheel is stopped additional braking is overkill.

To quote the late Tony Bowker locking up the rear wheels will not necessarily stop the car.
Disc brakes give you a better peddle feel making it less likely you will lock the brakes up. Don’t get me wrong I run A-C & Rockies but I have driven Ts with disc brakes & thats my opinion.
Craig.

Absolutely correct in not stopping the car but once they are locked additional braking is pointless.

babychadwick wrote: ↑

Sun May 12, 2024 9:32 am

I just finished installing a pain on a friend's t. Instead of using the torque tube mount I made a frame mount where the linkage can come straight back from the pedal and then centered for a pulley. I tested the other day and it works beautifully providing equal braking. At about 15-20 mph you can lay down rubber should you choose to. I see no need for disc brakes as once the wheel is stopped additional braking is overkill.

Chad, did you happen to take any pictures of your design? I would be interested in seeing it if you did.

The brakes are supposed to be on the Front!! The rear wheels of a car get unloaded in a stop and the weight transfers to the front.

A while back I seen a set of A-C brakes on the front of a T on Facebook but can not find it for the life of me. Does anyone remember this &
have a link to that article? Thanks.
Craig

The best brakes are genuine Rocky Mountains, not the current offerings.

Original Smith wrote: ↑

Thu May 16, 2024 3:06 pm

The best brakes are genuine Rocky Mountains, not the current offerings.

Actually, I would probably debate that comment Larry. If we are using the word 'Best', then many will tell you the best brakes overall are the hydraulic discs because the gripping friction can be controlled much better when slowly coming off of a curb or gently over a rock, -or in a long, steep downhill situation ...or when rolling in reverse. Maybe it would have been better stated that 'the best "era-authentic" brake are likely the Rockies.' As a disclaimer, personally I will give up a little efficiency and control on my vehicle's braking because I prefer the look of an era-authentic braking system over the hydraulic brakes.

I would define "best" brakes as the ones that rescue you when you get in trouble. Of the 12 T's I have owned, one has accessory brakes, my 1917 extended frame shooting brake. Because I built it with a Layne Warford transmission, with a definite neutral, I thought I needed them.

If the T you drive is driven at sensible speeds, you consider the traffic around you, and operate within the capabilities of the car and the driver, model T transmission brakes are adequate. I do think the lined brake shoes for the emergency brakes are an excellent upgrade, for safety sake.

This does not take into the account the behaviour of idiot drivers in modern cars, but brakes are probably not much of a help with them anyway.

Allan from down under.

babychadwick wrote: ↑

Sun May 12, 2024 9:32 am

I just finished installing a pain on a friend's t. Instead of using the torque tube mount I made a frame mount where the linkage can come straight back from the pedal and then centered for a pulley. I tested the other day and it works beautifully providing equal braking. At about 15-20 mph you can lay down rubber should you choose to. I see no need for disc brakes as once the wheel is stopped additional braking is overkill.

It's always rewarding when a custom solution not only fits but performs as intended. It sounds like you’ve put a lot of thought and effort into designing a frame mount that allows for effective and balanced braking.

What I meant to say is the best brakes that were available in the era. Sorry.

The best rear brakes are not Rocky Mountain Brakes in my friend's opinion.

He has been trying for over two months to find some parts and new screw sets with no luck.

Add the fact they do not work when wet, they do not work backing up, and the vehicle has to be moving to have them work at all!

There are several sources for disc brakes now that are far superior and cost less.

My friend only has two major problems:

1. The back side cast iron piece is broken in three pieces.

2. The screws are glued in very well and impossible to remove.

They cost me a new radiator when they let my T roll right over the stop bar on my trailer and let the trailer post crank put a hole through my radiator.

He may have some parts available after he installs a disc brake set.

On my 20 roadster project, it has external rear brakes horseshoe type pad that runs off the parking brake handle. They are marked ADCO. Don't know if the pic shows much, but I really don't want to remove the wheel for a better pic. Just another aftermarket type of brake, I presume.

Most likely APCO - they manufactured all sorts of aftermarket T parts.

I think Steve is correct that pic has come up before This is one style of APCO brakes, most I have seen are very similar
Craig.