Thorp Air Command - T18.net

Any one recognize these brakes I have to rebuild the cylinders, they are 3/4 inch but don't know who made them and would rather not have to buy new. Any help would be appreciated
Lance

I think Ira has drum brakes ? Can't be too many of those out there that are the same type to fit a Thorp ? Ira where are you ?

RB

Hello Rich, you are correct, I do have drum brakes, the problem is, I too do not know what brakes I have, there aren't any markings anywhere, I will be facing the same problem eventually, if worst comes to worst I'll have to go with disk unless I can find a match, sorry I wasn't much help, see you all in December.

They could be Goodyear , Gerdes , Bendix or Hayes ? Seems all the folks I've read about that have the drum type have replaced them with disc type units due to the lack of spare parts . Seems like a good idea especially if you FUBAR up a brake on the road and try to find repair parts for them there shoes ! BO YAH !

RB

Not the news I was hoping for but half expected , I have looked into Camaro rear cylinder 3/4 diameter maybe I can use the guts out of it, cheap enough at 7.00. Has any one used the matco breaks? How are they compared to Clevlands, a lot better pricing.

I believe the brakes I have are Matco Lance.....Dan

Dan, are they drum or disc and did you replace them if so any trouble fitting them?

Actually Lance, I got them on a trade, and they are Disc Brakes. I had to purchase the brake cylinders but the disc, wheels, calipers all were brand new when I got them 8years ago. The brakes are light, but effective. They won't hold the plane still over 1700 RPM, I always allow a couple feet for the bird to creep on mag checks. I typically am not a heavy brake user, and these brakes work just fine. I have riveted pads on them one time since I have had them and even this is very easy to do. I believe I was hard on the brakes and tires whilst learning to fly the thing. I believe I traded a Cleveland 500x5 wheel for the brake system, I had one good Cleveland and one bent one given to me, it was a good trade for both parties.......I do have cylinders on both sides........Dan

Sorry Lance, forgot to answer the rest of your question, no trouble to mount, they are very compact. The Caliper rides on the inside of the disc not the outside. They will rub on nothing as they are small, I was surprised as to how well they work. Dan

Interesting Dad, especially about the creep at 1700 rpm, when my drums are working I get it at 1800-1900. I think I can source the parts I need from Napa, looks like a 1984 Camaro rear cylinder repair kit will work, thanks for the info I was looking at that internal rotor, and was wondering how they worked

If needed, I can supply OEM pricing on Matco brakes. I will be set up OEM with Hartzell shortly.
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