1937 Terraplane truck Brake Conversions

37hudterra

Hello,

I finally have the engine out of my truck and I was looking at the brakes. I would like to update the brakes if possible with at least a dual reservoir master cylinder. Possibly a disc brake conversion. I know the hot rod sites sell universal kits but I was wondering what you guys have done that worked right.

I did search the site and found a kit made by someone on here but it looked like it was for "newer" models.

Any info is appreciated.

Thanks,

Raul

Uncle Josh

Well, it's your truck, but disks on this thing are an overkill.  What you have will skid the wheels with reasonable adjustment and maintenance.

A dual master cylinder would be a good safety feature.  Make sure you adjust the linkage for the emergency brakes operated from the foot pedal.

37hudterra

I did say "possibly disc brake".

Any idea which dual master cylinder will work?

Ol racer

FYI
The Disc Kit will fit your '37 by interchanging one of the bearings with the later model Hudson. If runing stock Motor like Uncle Josh stated wont be necessary. I  just bolted on later model larger Hudson backing plates, Lining, & drums .

Additionally, I made a 1/4" steel Triangle adapter at home to bolt a Ford Torino Dual Master Cyl while retaining the stock Hudson Emergency Brake System (even though it wont be needed)..

 A few guys have machined an aluminum 5/16" adapter in a Bridgeport. The Adapter counter sunk bolts to the stock bracket but adapter is slightly wider to accept the two bolt Torino M/Cyl. The Hudson Clevis is retained by threading onto the Torino pushrod then adusted for free play....

The only negative is filling the M/Cyl... However its never needed refilled in yrs. Filling would be simpler with a cheap 'remote Fill Kit'.

37hudterra

Thanks Ol racer,

That's the kind of information I was hoping for. Know I can see how it will work. The engine is out so this shouldn't be too bad.

Jon B

As you may already know, brake drums from the larger model (and even newer) Hudsons will interchange with the Terraplanes, therefore you can mount larger brake shoes to your '37.  I did.  Not sure what year they came from (maybe from a StepDown) but I have the Commodore drums and shoes on the fronts of my Terraplane, which is of course where most of the stopping effort is concentrated.

So, there are all sorts of little work-arounds to upgrade your car without being too obvious about it.  Not only in the ''brake'' department, but in other ways.

37hudterra

Thanks Jon. I'll start looking for those parts. The bigger drums should be a big help.