When relining brake shoes you will have noticed that the leading front shoes are wearing well and the other shoes are hardly wearing at all. This is caused by the fact that the non leading shoes are not working very hard caused by their design of operation. On later MG's like the post war Magnette and A these shoes were redesigned as twin leading shoes operated by twin cylinders, effectively improving the braking power of the car. Dimension-wise MG-A brakes and MG-VA brakes are equal with same shoe length and width. Using an A type brake back plate you can create a template to modify a VA backplate allowing A type brake cylinders and shoes to be used.
The VA backplate with shoes, cylinder, adjusters, studs and bottom swivel point removed.
Showing the A backplate and the template needed to take the position for the wheel cylinders from the A backplate to the VA backplate
The holes for the A wheel cylinders now marked on the VA backplate
Two stages in the modification process. On the left holes for cylinders made, also showing spacers to be made to be put under the A wheel cylinders. Backplate on the right showing all unwanted holes filled, two A cylinders and spacers fitted and two studs for shoe support made. The studs are threaded allowing the shoe's height to be adjusted. There are large rings used on the nuts to support the shoes.Carefully drill holes in the drums to reach the brake shoe adjusters. Quite a time consuming and careful job but worth the trouble if done well.
This is how it looks from the back. Of course you will need new different length brake hoses with proper connections as well.
The finished product. Note that the springs have moved from the inside to the outside of the shoes. An extra ring and split pin on the studs keep the shoes in place. Make sure the shoes can move freely around the studs, reshape holes in the shoes if required. Adjusters now by screw in between cylinder and shoe.
This is how it looks from the back. Of course you will need new different length brake hoses with proper connections as well.
Carefully drill holes in the drums to reach the brake shoe adjusters. Quite a time consuming and careful job but worth the trouble if done well.
It is important to add that this modification is only showing what the possibilities are to upgrade your VA's brake performance and that the editor of this webpage can not be held responsible for any misfortunes that may occur. Modifications are made at the owner's risk - please seek professional advice if not completely sure of the process and the outcome