Project COBRA'33 Project COBRA'33
BRAKES
Probably one of the most overlooked parts of a project, everyone wants to go fast but they sometimes forget about slowing down or stopping. We want to make sure there was no doubt about weather Project COBRA'33 would be able to stop, from any speed or situation. We chose Willwood Brakes for Project COBRA '33, both front and rear. In the rear we went with their Street Rod set-up that incorporates a drum style parking brake inside the Disc-Brake hub, for a very clean set-up. The kit we chose has the drilled and slotted rotors like one the picture below, part number 140-7140-D, and we bought them from our friends at Jeg's Mail Order(www.jegs.com) .
REAR BRAKES
TYPE OF REAR END HOUSING
When choosing new brakes, it's important to know what type Rear End you have a what type axle tube ends are on it. We have a Winters Quick Change Rear End and it has the Big Ford New Style axle tube installed. Looking at the above chart, you can see there are quite a few different styles of axle tubes. Since the brakes have to attach themselves to the end of the axle tube, you can see that knowing what type tube you have is very important.
OFF-SET REQUIRED
Each type rear-end and axle-tube end requires a particular type OFF-SET. This OFF-SET is needed when you go to purchase the rear brakes, so you end up buying the right one for your application. As stated earlier, we are using a Winters Quick-Change rear end that has the Ford new-style big ends. These ends require the use of 2.5" OFF-SET rear disc brakes. We made sure to ask what axle tube bearing ends and off-set our rear-end came with when we purchased it. I would suggest you do the same and record the information for future use, as you can see there are many parts that depend on that info. Also, the final width of the rear axle will depend on knowing this OFF-SET and the additional width of the disc brake kit.
FRONT BRAKES
We optioned for the Heidt's Super Ride IFS Front end (www.heidts.com) It came with individual A-arms both upper and lower, and will go a long way in making Project COBRA'33 ride smooth and handle great. We also upgraded to polished A-arms, Chrome Sway-Bar, Stainless Steel hardware and several other minor options including the Willwood front disc brakes.
BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER W/BOOSTER ASSEMBLY
EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE
We will be using Lokar's transmission mount Emergency Parking Brake. It will mount to our transmission shifter bracket, and provide a handy and convenient location. We will also install a brake light warning switch, to remind us that the Emergency Parking Brake is engaged.
BRAKE PRESSURE GAUGE
We will be running a Brake Pressure Gauge on this project and it will be mounted somewhere in the dash. This particular Brake Gauge will show both front and rear brake pressure which will also tell you the bias or difference between front and rear brake pressure. Our '33 is going to be a tad bit noise heavy, so I want an easy way to adjust the brakes to compensate for that, and the Gauge will allow me to visually see the difference. I like Brake Pressure Gages, they are very useful and will easily alert you of a brake system malfunction or leak.
PROPORTIONING VALVE
_R.jpg)
The BRAKE PROPORTIONING VALVE adjust the brake bias front to rear. It is usually installed in the REAR brake line and allows adjustment of the rear brakes so they don't lock-up prematurely. Our is form Speedway Motors.
BRAKE BIAS ADJUSTER
We purchased this brake adjuster from Speedway Motors, they have a lot of pure racing parts like this that many and most other places don't carry. Our Brake Bias Adjuster will also be able to be adjusted on the fly, from the drivers seat. We also bought there adjuster cable with dash mounted adjusting knob. This will prove valuable at the track whether it be drag racing or road racing.
BRAKE HARDWARE
There are many small and expensive pieces that go into a complete Brake System. Here are a few of the pieces, and they were all purchased at Speedway Motors.
RESIDUAL PRESSURE VALVES
Most street Rods are going to need some type of Residual Pressure Valve. There are two (2) types, one for the disc brake set-up and the other for drum brakes. The big difference being the amount of pressure they retain, the disc brake Residual Pressure Valves will hold 2psi on the lines, from the master cylinder back and the drum type Residual Pressure Valves will hold 10psi on the lines form the master cylinder back. This pressure they retain, is to keep the brake pads or shoes up close to their disc or drum, and ready for any braking situation that may come. This keeps the brakes "tight" and ready to use, without hesitation, or that spongy feel.
BANJO FITTINGS
We may need to use these type fittings on Project COBRA'33. The master cylinder is mounted below the floor-board and next to the drivers side frame rail. The close proximity of the transmission combined with the exhaust system will more then likely severely limit space on the right side of the master cylinder. While our master cylinder does have fittings on each side for a take off, we may need to use these Banjo Fittings anyway. What they do is allow you to tie into the master cylinder at a 90° with every little room needed between the master cylinder and the line, this is extremely important when room just will not allow the line to tie into the master cylinder normally.
BRAKE LINE STAINLESS STEEL 3/16"
BRAKE MOUNTING TABS
FRAME PASS-THUR FITTINGS
BRAIDED BRAKE LINES
