1979 Ford F150

Old Ford drum brake history and tutorial Pre 1967 old Ford cars and old Ford trucks used a drum brake system. In these systems, pressure applied to the brake pedal is transmitted to the master cylinder, which in turn disperses the energy ultimately to the brakes in each wheel. The master cylinder uses the brake fluid to move the wheel cylinders, which in turn moves the brake shoes in the drum. There is a front and back brake shoe, the rear one for stopping a vehicle in drive and the forward one for stopping a vehicle in reverse. When either shoe is pressed against the anchor pin, the brakes are engaged, and the vehicle comes to a stop. The brake pads form the shoes to the anchor pin so there is no slipping. The padding on the rear brake shoe is typically longer and sometimes made of a different material to allow the shoes to wear at a similar rate, since the rear shoe sees much more use. The brake shoes are secured in the drum with both hardware and return springs, which must meet ideal sizing and tension specifications for your make and model for top brake performance. These parts should be replaced any time you work on the brakes in order to counteract wear and tear that can lead to longer stopping times. Stock brake line hoses will have a rubber lining, while aftermarket hoses are available in a stainless braided wrap to preserve the hose. Whichever type you get, make sure the hoses are the correct thread size and length for your year and model and meet DOT safety standards. The rear wheel drum brakes will also contain the parking brake mechanism and will have a cable to the parking brake. Brake pipe must be double flared and use flared nuts. It can be purchased with the flaring already completed or you can cut your own and flare it yourself, but it should meet or exceed DOT safety standards. Hydraulic brakes will fail if there is a weak point in the system, so make sure all your hose and fittings are SAE rated and correctly installed. If you are unsure after installation, test the brakes at low speed in a safe area, such as your driveway or an empty parking lot before taking the vehicle on the road. Starting in 1967 all old fords have a dual master cylinder. This part separates the wheel hydraulics of the front and rear of the car, so a failure in one will not cause a failure in the other. In vehicles without this feature, a leak anywhere in the brake line will cause the entire brake system to fail. With a dual master cylinder, a leak in the front brake system will not affect the rear and vice versa. This is standard in vehicles made after '67, but it's a good safety upgrade for older classic Fords as well. Many classic Ford owners choose to upgrade their front brake system to disc brakes, or the complete system. Drum brakes can overheat and fail in high braking conditions, such as rapid stops at high speeds or driving downhill on mountainous roads. Disc brakes are open and exposed to the outside air, which prevents overheating and brake failure. While this upgrade is not strictly necessary, it's a good idea if you frequently drive in hilly or mountainous areas. Original Ford brake shoes used asbestos in the brake pads. If you are working on a vehicle with its original brake shoes or if you are uncertain if they are original, wear a respirator rated for asbestos while working and wet the brake pads before opening the drum to prevent the asbestos from becoming air born. When cleaning dust from drum brakes, use a dense filtration system to trap the asbestos and dispose of it properly. You can resurface a drum with minor surface issues, but make sure it stays within factory limits for your year and model. Worn or thin drums can break apart or crack and cause brake failure. If you see excessive wear and tear, replace the drum. If you are replacing a leaking wheel cylinder, it's a good idea to do them all at once, including the master cylinder. If you have had problems with one, you will soon have problems with the rest. In addition, you won't need to remember which cylinder was replaced when for future maintenance if they were all replaced at once. You can use a vacuum bleeder to remove old brake fluid and contaminants. Once you remove the old fluid you can use denatured alcohol followed by air to purge the lines. Vacuum each cylinder, including the master cylinder, and replace the old fluid with new, DOT 3 or 4 fluids. When changing fluid, change the rubber hoses and seals. If you have a combination disc and drum system, only use DOT 4 fluid. To ensure a complete cleaning, vacuum some of the new fluid through as well do catch any missed contaminants. When working on or near the brake line, make sure no petroleum-based liquid, such as gasoline, oil, or mineral oil, encounters the hosing. These oils can break down the rubber and cause hoses to start leaking. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before and during working on the brakes system to prevent this, especially if you have been working on other parts of the vehicle. When working on your brakes, make sure to follow safety precautions, use safety rated parts, and check over your work carefully. Drum brakes are a very important part of the machinery, and due to the hydraulic system, can easily lose stopping power or fail if something is wrong, especially without a dual master cylinder. Whether you're doing regular maintenance or upgrading the whole system, working carefully will ensure a successful job for your vehicle.

The 1950s marked a period of significant evolution for Ford Motor Company in both the automotive and truck sectors, characterized by engineering innovations and aggressive marketing strategies that aimed to capture the burgeoning post-war American market. Engineering Innovations: Starting with the 1949 models, Ford introduced a complete redesign that set the tone for the decade. This new line was characterized by more aerodynamic and modern styling, moving away from the pre-war designs. The Ford '49, as it was popularly known, featured a more integrated body design with smooth lines, which was a significant departure from the previous look. This design ethos continued into the 1950s, with each model year bringing incremental changes, but the 1952, 1955, and 1957 models were particularly notable for their styling advancements and engineering enhancements. The introduction of the overhead valve (OHV) V-8 engine in 1954 was a pivotal engineering achievement, leading to the launch of vehicles like the Thunderbird in 1955, which was Ford's answer to Chevrolet's Corvette. This engine was not only more powerful with its 181 horsepower but also set Ford apart in what became known as the horsepower race of the 1950s. The Fairlane Crown Victoria, introduced later in 1955, embodied luxury within the mid-price range, featuring this new V-8 engine alongside other engineering improvements like power steering and brakes, which became options in Ford's vehicles during this period. For trucks, the 1950s saw the further development of the F-Series, which had been introduced in 1948. The F-Series trucks evolved with the inclusion of a more robust chassis, new suspension systems, and eventually, the integration of V-8 engines, making them not only workhorses but also suitable for personal use. The F-100, in particular, became a cultural icon, known for its sleek design and versatility. Marketing Strategies: Ford's marketing in the 1950s was as dynamic as its engineering. The company leveraged the post-war economic boom, focusing on the American dream of owning a car. Ford capitalized on the new consumer culture by introducing vehicles that appealed to a wide demographic. The Thunderbird, for instance, was marketed not as a sports car but as a "personal car," emphasizing comfort and style over raw performance, aiming to attract both men and women. The introduction of models like the Edsel in 1958 was an ambitious marketing move. Named after Henry Ford's son, it was meant to fill the gap between Ford and Mercury in Ford's product lineup. Despite its innovative features like push-button transmission controls and a unique grille design, the Edsel was a commercial failure due to poor market reception, which highlighted the limits of marketing when not backed by consumer desire. Ford also pioneered safety features, introducing seat belts as standard in 1956, a move that was heavily marketed as part of Ford's commitment to customer safety. This era also saw Ford's advertising becoming more sophisticated, using television and print media to showcase their vehicles' modernity, performance, and styling. In summary, the 1950s were transformative for Ford. From engineering perspectives, the decade was about power, efficiency, and safety, while from a marketing standpoint, it was about capturing the spirit of an era filled with optimism and economic prosperity. Ford's vehicles during this decade not only shaped its destiny but also influenced the American automotive landscape profoundly.

The evolution of the early Ford generator is a fascinating journey through the annals of automotive history, showcasing Ford's pioneering role in electrical system innovation. From the early 1900s to the 1950s, Ford generators underwent significant transformations in design and output, reflecting the increasing electrical demands of automobiles. 1920s: The Birth of the Ford Generator In the 1920s, Ford transitioned from the magneto system to actual generators. These early generators, used in models like the Model T, were a leap forward in automotive electrical systems. They typically produced about 6-8 volts and 10-15 amperes. This was a modest output, but it marked a significant improvement over the earlier systems, providing more reliable power for lighting and ignition. 1930s: Advancements in Power Output By the 1930s, as vehicles incorporated more electrical components, classic Ford generators evolved to meet these new demands. The output increased to approximately 12 volts, with the current rising to around 30-40 amperes. This improvement was crucial in powering additional features like radios and heaters, which were becoming standard in vehicles. 1940s: Post-War Technological Growth Post-World War II, the 1940s saw further advancements in Ford generators. The output stabilized around 12 volts, but the current capabilities expanded, reaching up to 40-50 amperes. This era's generators were more efficient and reliable, reflecting technological advancements and the growing complexity of automotive electrical systems. 1950s: The Peak of Generator Technology The 1950s represented the peak of generator technology before the transition to alternators. Ford generators during this decade were robust, producing 12 volts and capable of up to 50-60 amperes. This increased capacity was essential for powering more sophisticated electrical systems, including advanced lighting, climate control, and entertainment systems. In conclusion, the evolution of the early Ford generator from the 1920s to the 1950s is a testament to Ford's innovation in automotive technology. Each decade brought significant improvements in output and reliability, mirroring the evolution of automobiles themselves. From the humble beginnings of powering basic vehicle functions to meeting the demands of more complex and luxurious features, Ford generators played a crucial role in the advancement of automotive electrical systems.