ConcoursMustang Forums

Restoring - General discussions that span across many different groups of years and models => Parts => Topic started by: ruppstang on May 28, 2011, 10:11:37 AM

Title: Small Bleeder Screws
Post by: ruppstang on May 28, 2011, 10:11:37 AM
Many of our early cars came from the factory with 1/4 bleeder screws on the rear brakes. Most replacement cylinders have 3/8 bleeders. I have had trouble finding these original cylinders and when I did they needed to be re sleeved at $100 each. I was thinking that it would be great if you could get a bleeder screw that was 1/4 inch but had 3/8 thread. I shared this idea with my Friend Frank Fragello who is a machinist. A week later Frank called to tell me that he had made some bleeders and was sending me some prototypes. They should be available soon form NPD and other vender's. Frank hopes to be at the MCA national show in Longisland NY. Here are some pictures of them. We would like to hear your thoughts on this product. Marty
Title: Re: Small Bleeder Screws
Post by: svo2scj on May 28, 2011, 10:27:59 AM
We would like to hear your thoughts on this product. Marty

"Double Wrong" ! 

Just kidding couldn't resist.  The way you have to look at it is you are filling a gap for the person that wants it to "look better" but can't afford/doesn't have the time to find correct parts for their car.   They will probably sell and sell well. 

I was at NPD yesterday amazed at the repro parts rolling out the door. Big stuff, roof panels & full floors.
It's funny the Mopar crowd won't touch a repro trunk floor, due to incorrectness. 

Mark
P.S.  The packaging will cost you the most for the item.  (Unless you count your time to deal with stupid issues that will arise from sales) 
Title: Re: Small Bleeder Screws
Post by: craig429 on May 30, 2011, 12:15:18 PM
I would get a set, until I can eventually find correct the cylinders for my 67.

Will they be available direct until vendors have them in stock?
Title: Re: Small Bleeder Screws
Post by: ruppstang on May 30, 2011, 10:34:30 PM
Craig you can call Frank directly. I think the first run should be done in a week or so. Marty
Title: Re: Small Bleeder Screws
Post by: C5ZZKGT on August 05, 2011, 12:10:43 PM
I contacted Frank directly right after this post thread was started about getting a set, he replied and said it would be a few weeks until the machine work was done so he could ship them, then he replied later that it would be just a bit longer, haven't heard anything more......I'd like to buy a set......
Title: Re: Small Bleeder Screws
Post by: ruppstang on August 05, 2011, 08:20:41 PM
I spoke with him earlier this week and he told me the company he contracted with to make them did not make the as per his instructions so they were going to have to retool.  He thought they would be ready soon. Marty
Title: Re: Small Bleeder Screws
Post by: craig429 on October 06, 2011, 01:34:30 PM
Any update on these?
Title: Re: Small Bleeder Screws
Post by: ruppstang on October 06, 2011, 10:25:19 PM
They are available NPD has them or you can deal directly with Frank.
You can contact him at Tribute Automotive Products
Frank Fragello
502 Manor Gate Lane
West Newton, PA. 15089
724-350-4977
Title: Re: Small Bleeder Screws
Post by: somethingspecial on May 25, 2013, 02:09:15 AM
OK, I know this is an old thread, but my question is, How do MCA judges feel about these being used?  Will you still deduct for the large bleeder screws since the thread is large, or would this be allowed as a correct alternative?  Mike
Title: Re: Small Bleeder Screws
Post by: Anghelrestorations on May 25, 2013, 04:29:58 AM

I think most judges would just look at the bleeder screws and not look at it that closely and see the difference.  Most...but not all judges.  Its not exactly an easy thing to crawl under the car and see that. 
Title: Re: Small Bleeder Screws
Post by: ruppstang on May 25, 2013, 09:52:07 AM
It technically is still not correct so if noticed a small deduction would be in order. I would give a gold star to any judge that caught that on the show field!
Title: Re: Small Bleeder Screws
Post by: CharlesTurner on May 25, 2013, 11:15:45 AM
Personally, I would probably just write a note and not take a deduction for a concours car.
Title: Re: Small Bleeder Screws
Post by: specialed on May 26, 2013, 12:42:01 PM
Chris brown MO. had the small bleeders made last year & david davis sells them also.
Title: Re: Small Bleeder Screws
Post by: krelboyne on May 26, 2013, 05:33:12 PM
Can someone post which year or years, these small bleeders apply too? Inquiring minds want to know. 6 cylinder, 8 cylinder, both?
Title: Re: Small Bleeder Screws
Post by: J_Speegle on May 26, 2013, 05:50:47 PM
Can someone post which year or years, these small bleeders apply too? Inquiring minds want to know. 6 cylinder, 8 cylinder, both?

Small bleeders were used on V8 and 6 cylinders through the 64-70 period at least and IMHO likely (haven't removed any lately) 71-73 also originally.

Allot of the service replacements for a long time also
Title: Re: Small Bleeder Screws
Post by: PerkinsRestoration on May 26, 2013, 08:47:32 PM
73 was first year of 3/8 bleeder on Mustang
Title: Re: Small Bleeder Screws
Post by: J_Speegle on May 26, 2013, 09:07:36 PM
73 was first year of 3/8 bleeder on Mustang

Thanks Bob - was not certain on those 71-3 :)
Title: Re: Small Bleeder Screws
Post by: specialed on May 29, 2013, 01:28:50 PM
Carlisle  A35 I will have sample display of new small bleeder (assembly line type) rear brake clylinders.   Anybody ever wondered why ford would use small rear bleeders & big front bleeders having to have 2 different size wrenches to bleed brakes & small (weaker thin) bleeders easy to twist off?  Not 1 of fords better ideas!!
Title: Re: Small Bleeder Screws
Post by: CharlesTurner on May 29, 2013, 02:13:34 PM
Drum brakes have the small bleeders up front.  Believe they continued to be serviced and made aftermarket this way due to clearance issues with the spindle if large bleeders were used.
Title: Re: Small Bleeder Screws
Post by: J_Speegle on May 29, 2013, 06:48:41 PM
Think Ed might be referring to the bleeders on the disc and  I too have seen many small bleeders on front drums ;)
Title: Re: Small Bleeder Screws
Post by: CharlesTurner on May 30, 2013, 01:05:53 AM
Think Ed might be referring to the bleeders on the disc and  I too have seen many small bleeders on front drums ;)

Yep, was just pointing out that maybe since drum brake cars outnumbered disc that the size of the bleeders wasn't a big deal... at least from an assembly plant perspective.
Title: Re: Small Bleeder Screws
Post by: sgl66 on October 31, 2014, 11:40:17 PM
Is there a preferred vendor for rear cylinders with 1/4 inch bleeder? Are the NPD cylinders accurate?
Title: Re: Small Bleeder Screws
Post by: Bob Gaines on November 01, 2014, 12:02:45 AM
Is there a preferred vendor for rear cylinders with 1/4 inch bleeder? Are the NPD cylinders accurate?
It reads like Spec Ed in reply 17 wants to be "a preferred vendor". ;)