Electric Brakes? - Lateral-g Forums

SSDan · #1 12-24-2006, 09:59 AM

I have a 1946 Chevy Truck with hydraulic booster brakes. The problem is, room in the truck is very tight and when the steering column was added, the brake pedal had to be on the left side of the column. You have to use both feet to drive the truck. The problem is the pedal is mounted so high and with the cramped interior, you have to raise your leg pretty high to use the pedal. Not a good thing if you get in a bind in traffic. If I could rest the ball of my foot on the floor it would not be as bad.

I'm curious to know if anyone has used the new electric brakes I have read about. Any problems, good bad, indifferent?

Dan Mascheck
Wharton, TX

terryr · #2 12-24-2006, 02:41 PM

Do you mean the electro-hydraulic aftermarket stuff? It's pricey at least. Some people have adapted the factory units.

Maybe you can solve your problem with different pedal ratios. Lengthen the pedal, or change the attaching point of the master cylinder.

SSDan · #3 12-25-2006, 06:16 PM

Yes I am talking about something for an aftermarket applications. I have a Hydroboost on my Chevelle with an 8-71 BDS blower, so surely it can't be that much higher in price.

I'm cuious if anyone has tried them and how they works and if they are safe!

What about crippled folks. What do they use!

Their may be something that can be done with the pedal, but a 46 Chevy truck is a tight fit!

Have a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Dan

deuce_454 · #4 12-26-2006, 03:09 PM

ive seen that the sweedish ball bearing company SKF have made some all electric brake calipers for mercedes... but they run on 48 volts.. and i have no idea about the controller it takes to run (i wouldnt go this route myself)

another route is a Citroën brake pedal, its all hydraulic, and the pedal is basically a small hydraulic valve that opens up and allows the pressure from the pump and suspension to actuale the brakes... but the seals in the calipers , and rack and pinion would have to be replaced to run on LHM fluid... (also you would neeed a hydraulic accumulator)( wouldnt do this either btw)

I would mount it under the floor with one of those generic, hot rod, underfloor pedals and mount the hydraboost down there as well

chevymitchell · #5 12-26-2006, 04:53 PM

I don't know much about electric brakes, but being an Aviation Electrician, I would stick with the hydraulic brakes and either change the pedal length or relocate the pedal and booster. After watching so many high dollar electrical components fail on critical systems on aircraft I wouldn't trust anything that says "Electric Brakes". Sweet truck BTW!!

pdq67 · #6 12-30-2006, 06:23 PM

First off, was the old P/U originally floor pedaled or firewall pedaled??

My old '52 Willis Areo Eagle had floor pedals in it is why I ask. As well as my old '51 Stude..

And if it does, can't you use a long very stout M/C pushrod and mount the M/C Booster back behind the cab??

pdq67

SSDan · #7 12-30-2006, 07:55 PM

In a 1946 Chevy the pedals were through the floor. But the last owner had power brakes installed. The pedal is mounted under the dash. They put a 350 in the truck and with the limited space under the hood the mount was a bit high and the cab space is pretty small.

Having to lift ones leg so high to brake the truck plus using your left leg to brake is a bit clumsy. I can adjust to using my left foot, but having to lift your leg so high is a problem and I worry about having to brake in a hurry!

I'm having some work done to the truck in two weeks. It has some suspension issues that need to be corrected. I may talk to the mechanic and see if the pedal can be repositioned. If it could drop 3 or 4" I could at least rest the ball of my foot on the floor and tap the brake when needed!

Dan