Re: The Duchess Project: 1940 Super 8 Convertible Sedan

Posted by Joe Santana On 2013/6/20 1:07:22

Good hearing from you, Jim.

Yes, I did some reading on checking brakes.
1. Fill master cylinder to 3/8" from the neck. That the Accurate people did right.
2. Make sure there is 1/2" free travel on the pedal by setting the adjustment nut.
You are absolutely right. There was no travel and when things heated up, the lights came on and the brakes locked.

I didn't know about #2. My manual was with Bob Earls to help him with the Stromberg carburetor. I adjusted the rear brake shoes to compensate and was on my way. But when I got home, the brake lights wouldn't go off, so I pulled the connection on the stoplight switch and went to bed, so the battery wouldn't run down any more.

Next day I read my Motor Manual which had the above procedure. I loosened the nut to get 1/2" free travel. Then, because the shoes were loosened, the brakes felt a little mushy. But the travel on the pedal when standing was exactly 1/2".

I decided to take it to Les Schwab Tire Center (the best) and have them adjust everything perfectly. But first I needed to change out the generator. Your car would have the correct arrangement for the generator bracket. Also the outside dimension of the generator ears on your generator. Can you see with a mirror or from under the car if the ear goes between the bracket and the flange? If the rear ear goes in front or behind the bracket? Not asking much, am I?

I suspect that back in the day, you could get an Exchange generator that was nearly the same, same specs, same dimensions, rather than having your own rebuilt. Your car is so original, is your generator a GEA-4802A?