Bob, my first hard stop driving my newly-purchased '80, after not having
owned a Spitfire in 17 years, was near panic. You may be partly spoiled by
power brakes. That said, I know it is possible to lock up my wheels,
although I haven't really needed to.
One thing I always find myself remembering when I drive my car is the old
Jackie Stewart quote: "Brakes are cheaper than transmissions." (I misquote,
I'm sure - my apologies to Mr. Stewart) Unfortunately, I find too much fun
in running through the gears to use the brakes as much as Jackie would
advise...
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-spitfires@autox.team.net
[mailto:owner-spitfires@autox.team.net]On Behalf Of R.D. Waid
Sent: Wednesday, September 15, 1999 9:57 PM
To: Spitfires@autox.team.net
Subject: Braking Away
Fellow Spitphiles,
I'm wondering if anyone has comments/experiences about VB supplied front
brake
pads. A PO replaced the pads shortly before I bought my car in Aug. 96. It
has
always taken a lot of of pedal pressure to stop the car. I've assumed that
it's
a rear brake problem, but after a complete re-do of the rears and multiple
adjustments, it's still almost impossible to lock the wheels up. The MC is
recently rebuilt. I'm getting a lot of pad dust on the front wheels. I'm
wondering if the friction material in the pads is soft, or glazed or..?? Any
recommendations on a (brand name?)semimetallic pad or other brake system
change
that would help? What kind of brake pedal effort is neede in a properly
set up
Spit? Am I just spoiled by years of power brakes?
TIA
Bob Waid
71 Mark IV FK4081L
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