Braking
Refitting brake shoe return springs, VA
John Bates on January 26, 2016
Brake shoe return springs are strong and therefore difficult to replace. However, I have developed my own method of doing this job. An old cross-head screwdriver has been adapted by filing the end into a hollow so that it fits over the spring 'post'.
Fit one end of the spring is fitted on its post. Insert the adapted screwdriver into the other end and, using the other post as a fulcrum, the force required to heave the spring over its post is small because of the length of the lever. The spring slips into position easily.
I assume that the SA and WA brake design is similar
Adjusters
On my VA I have changed the brake adjusters of the 'hand-wheel' type to more modern 'snail cams'. Brakes are easier to adjust and, above all, stay adjusted instead of slipping. The necessary back plates with the adjusters were obtained from SVW Spares
I have had the brake wheel cylinders fitted with stainless steel liners. These have been successful. No longer is it necessary to remove them and clean them out every 2/3 years.
John Bates on January 26, 2016
Brake shoe return springs are strong and therefore difficult to replace. However, I have developed my own method of doing this job. An old cross-head screwdriver has been adapted by filing the end into a hollow so that it fits over the spring 'post'.
Fit one end of the spring is fitted on its post. Insert the adapted screwdriver into the other end and, using the other post as a fulcrum, the force required to heave the spring over its post is small because of the length of the lever. The spring slips into position easily.
I assume that the SA and WA brake design is similar
Adjusters
On my VA I have changed the brake adjusters of the 'hand-wheel' type to more modern 'snail cams'. Brakes are easier to adjust and, above all, stay adjusted instead of slipping. The necessary back plates with the adjusters were obtained from SVW Spares
I have had the brake wheel cylinders fitted with stainless steel liners. These have been successful. No longer is it necessary to remove them and clean them out every 2/3 years.
General data for Lockheed parts numbers
Master cylinder exploded view
Master cylinder parts numbers
Wheel cylinder exploded view
Wheel cylinder parts numbers
Front brake hose dimensions
Rear brake hose dimensions (as per original manual, may be different in practice)
Originally VA wheel cylinders do not have a bleeding nipple as we are used to today, but a little bolt which must be taken out before the brass nipple and bleeding tube as on the left picture can be screwed in. In most cases these have been replaced by modern and more practical bleeding nipples.
All info from a 1960's catalogue from AP Lockheed. Most part numbers will be altered by now but may be useful in searching
A genuine factory photo of a brake fluid reservoir
The original style transfers for the brake fluid reservoir could be supplied by Gene Wescott
Some hints & tips on brakes
Essential for good braking action is proper adjustment of the shoes. This goes easiest and most reliable with the later type adjusters fitted to the brake back plates. Earlier cars can be modified. When properly adjusted the shoes are just rubbing the drums. Always adjust your brake shoes before you attempt to adjust the handbrake. Make sure you that the rod operating the master cylinder piston is adjusted so that you have at least 1mm play before it activates the piston. If it's too tight then the small oil return hole in front of the piston is covered by the piston main seal and not all brake fluid can return to the reservoir leading to blocked brakes.
When overhauling brakes use new seals all round flush your pipes with methylated spirit and switch to silicone brake fluid. This is non hygroscopic and prevents rust and sticky pistons.
The original style transfers for the brake fluid reservoir as shown on the r.h. top of this page could be supplied by Gene Wescott
SA brake parts
Front and rear brake cylinders are the same on the SA
The SA brake cylinders are Lockheed part no 49 with rubber kits KL71430 Bore size 1 1/4"
The SA master cylinder is Lockheed 14950 with rubber kit is KL71413
Front and rear brake cylinders are the same on the SA
The SA brake cylinders are Lockheed part no 49 with rubber kits KL71430 Bore size 1 1/4"
The SA master cylinder is Lockheed 14950 with rubber kit is KL71413