I'm a new member but an old man. I have a '49 Plymouth that's nearly stock (12 volts) and I love it but the brakes are poor and require LOTS of pedal pressure. I do NOT want disc brakes! Are there other MoPaR drum brakes that will bolt on to my spindles? Maybe 1949 DeSoto or Chrysler? Maybe 1956 Dodge?

 

Not sure to be honest.... Do you do the work on the car yourself? If so, If you know the Bore Size of the master cylinder, maybe go to the or a next size larger Master Cylinder...
But i would first check with these folks.

https://www.oldmoparts.com/

And see if they have something available for ya....
Cheers

 

Thanks for responding! I'd actually want a smaller master cylinder for more pressure, but that would also give me a "softer" pedal.

 

Bad, old brake hoses can make for a hard or soft pedal. I know what non self energizing are capable of I had a Willis pick up that put a 440 in and slowing down from 110 mph was a chore at the drag strip. But they had no problem stopping the truck around town. So I would first make sure your brake system is up to snuff before you start changing big parts of the system. Hoses can go bad a look perfect on the outside and should be replaced every ten years or so. Your master cylinder could be bad also. I put new SS brakes on the front of of a corvette a few years back and had a tough time bleeding the brakes, the master cylinder went bad just as we bled the brakes. Cars that sit for any length of time run the risk of needing every part of the hydraulic system replaced.
Probably not what you’re looking for but go over everything first that’s what I would do.


edit: this might help you with finding what fits your car, look and see if there is a dist kit for your vehicle and then see what else it fits, more than likely the stock parts from that car will fit your vehicle.

 

Great idea! I found '49-'54 Chrysler, Desoto and most Dodges used 11" drums. Plymouth and a few low-line Dodges used 10" drums. Now all I need is a parts car with 11" drums.