Rob

I'm sure you already checked this but if the idle speed is set too high, you will get clunking when shifting into gear.

Rob
You can get a higher pedal by adjusting the rod that goes into the master cylinder

Eddie,

Thank you.

It is a little high, but not excessive. I'll try adjusting it.

Rob

Russ,

Thanks for the tip. I might try that at the end!

Right now, the shoes aren't centered, causing me to not be able to adjust them properly for more than a few miles before the tiny contact area is worn down and I lose more pedal.
The centering bolts are stuck, not allowing me to set the shoes properly.

Rob

Rob,
You have just touched on the gist of my comment about "suggestions".
All too often, I hear the complaint that someone just had a brake job done and they aren't nearly as effective as they'd hoped. Poor shoe contact due to a mis-match of lining vs drum radii is the problem since most modern shops don't have the means to properly "arc" the shoes any more. "Oh....they'll 'wear in' after a while". Sure......but how many panic stops will you experience in the meantime? None? Twenty? I personally don't want to wait 'til they work right. I want brakes at the first application, not to mention that poor contact generates excessive heat at the existing, lesser contact area.
My two-bits worth.
F

Thanks Frank!

Back a few years ago, one of the Model A guys posted plans for how to build a wood jig to use with a bench sander to arc shoes. (pads)
I might have to look that up...
I like good brakes too. 😉

Rob

Several sites here about that; BUT be cautious about asbestos dust, wear a painters mask and full throwaway coveralls

>>> https://www.google.com/#q=model+a+brake+shoe+belt+sander+arc

Thanks Richard, I will.

Rob

The rear end in a '51 Pacemaker is quiet when accelerating or driving at constant speed, but noisy when the engine is slowing the car down. Are there shims to adjust to reduce or eliminate this sound?

Per

I doubt that you'll find any asbestos in linings any more, unless you go with some old OEM or relined ones. Just don't buy NOS or NORS on some place like ebay. I'm guessing you'll be relining the existing ones, anyway. Be aware that there are "look alike" shoes (typically Ford apps) that are [i]not[/i] of the "High Anchor Pin" type that will cause you tear out your hair. I've been through that (you[i] did [/i]see my head at Colo. Springs, right?) and I won't forget it. I have mine relined and insist that I get my [i]same, exact[/i] shoes back.
My shoe arcing machine has a blower that exhausts into a filter bag that minimizes dust (never seen any) but I don't think I've ever encountered any asbestos linings anyway. All new stuff. I lose no sleep over it.
F