Posted by Alan Bowes on November 10, 1997 at 16:02:53:
In Reply to: M-37 Brake conversion posted by Eric on November 10, 1997 at 14:45:11:
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Eric, I think the "unreliability" factor stems only from age and the fact that the brake system is a single-circuit system. I haven't seen anything in the M37 brake system that I would really call unreliable. It's just basic brake technology and materials, pretty much unchanged since the 1940s. The dual-anchor brakes on an M37 are a little trickier to adjust than the more "modern" floating-type brake shoes, but they actually have fewer parts than the newer variants, perhaps adding a touch of reliability. If your vehicle is vintage 1961, over 36 years' worth of aging and maintenance work (good or bad) have probably taken their toll. You might just want to install new, original-type brake components. If master cylinders and wheel cylinders have been honed too far over the years, they will give you trouble. If your seals are old, they'll present problems. Naturally, brake lines corrode and hoses harden and crack. You might just want to install a completely new system, using NOS or repro parts.
If you want to add more long-term durability, you could install stainless steel or Kunifer (copper-nickel-iron alloy) brake lines. You could also install stainless-steel braid-covered hoses. For my own project, I'm looking into converting the brakes to a dual-circuit system, using a dual master cylinder and a differential-pressure switch to indicate a system failure. This will give me a little more redundancy, but it has nothing to do with the vehicle being an M37. I just happen to like dual-circuit brakes. I'm still researching the details to make sure that I handle every aspect of it correctly.
A power-assist unit is a nice add-on that will reduce pedal effort, though it won't add reliability to your system.
Regards,
Alan
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