There was some interest in adding self adjusters to TBird rear brakes in an earlier posting. The early Bird magazine had an article on just this subject. I have a copy of this article and can email it to any one interested. Just email me. Instructions, part numbers, pics, etc. The instructions are for the Dana and 9 inch, I don't know if they apply to the sedan rears.



While it is noted on the instructions, with the self adjuster, the left side has no manual adjustment slot as the adjuster is moved. I cut another slot in the backing plate the same size as the original slot so i could access it. Very easy to do, especially if you have a Dremel tool, one of the handiest tools I ever bought.

54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

I did a post on this subject back in July.If you do a search for "self adjusting brakes" one of the 4 topics that come up is "self adjusting brakes for 55-56 Ford".That is my post from when I did mine last summer. I did ad a second adjuster hole as Paul did.If anyone knows how to bring that post "connection"(so others can click on and read it) to this topic go ahead.The parts are readily available from Napa and it cost me about $40.00 here in Canada.Cheaper in the States.These kits should fit 57 also if they used 11 inch brakes as the 55-56 Ford cars and T-Birds do.I believe the first year Ford had self-adjusters standard was 58 or 59.This is one retrofit that I feel is worthwhile especially if you have disc brakes but would also benefit any car with 4 wheel drum brakes.I just added pics.The blue spring at bottom right is the lever return spring.It hooks onto the lever to return it to "rest" position.As the shoes move outwards under applied pressure the rear shoes moves outward.If it moves past a certain point because of wear on the shoes the,the cable will pull on the  lever.As the brake is released the lever turns the star wheel adjuster moving the shoes closer to the drum." Äutomatic brake adjuster".

In the bottom picture I had already removed the 2 return springs before thinking to take a pic.Notice in the installed picture that the diamond shaped retainer at the top  is NOT reinstalled.Not enough room with  the cable installed.In my 65 Mustang manual the adjuster cable is all that is used as a retainer.I suppose you could use a really thin washer if you did want to replace the original piece but I dont think it is necessary with the cable end replacing it. 

  

Here’s the link.

http://www.y-blocksforever.com/forums/Topic47340-3-1.aspx

 

Instructions for posting links are at this link.

http://www.y-blocksforever.com/forums/Topic34535-6-1.aspx

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

Thanks Paul for bringing this topic back around... if the article, being specific to tbirds, is different from Marks approach in any practicle way, then I would surely benefit from a copy of it (could be sent to hhmetal"at"aol"dot" com, without the quote marks of course).

Mark, I had forgotten you posted your non-bird experience awhile back, but I've printed it off for reference on the part numbers... and the pics are always helful.

Cheers... Brian

Cylinder Index = 84

Current Experiment = `57 Tbird, Grand Rapids, Michigan