Changing bands through the hole?

[Modeltmike]

I’ve changed a few sets of bands by removing the hogs head. I want to try to do a set through the hole. I have detachable ears. I will try on my ‘24 or ‘22 and they do not have newer larger brake drum. The one car just needs brake band the other needs all 3. I’ve been told it’s too hard, it will distort the bands, I need to feed them in front of reverse and then pull them in place, feed them behind brake drum and then move forward, you can feed in cotton bands, but can’t do Kevlar. All maybe true, but looking for words of advise from someone that has done it a few times. The service manual said it should only take 40 min. . Thanks

[KenHaverhill]

Have done many sets on cars didn't find it difficult at all ,used kevlar only thing I would suggest would be to get the strap tool that the venders sell makes it a lot easier to pull band around drum .good luck

[Mark Gregush]

"feed them behind brake drum and then move forward," That is how I do it. Re Kevlar, would be no different than cotton. It is the wood bands that really should be installed with HH off.

[John kuehn]

Once you get the sequence right and know the little tricks it’s not to bad but the first time its a learning experience.
Ford advertised the new style bands and a guy doing it in 8 minutes! Maybe somebody can find the advertisement and post it again! It’s always good for a reminder!!

And always remember to be extra careful with the nuts,washers and any small tools when you start doing it! And take out the ignition keys too! It’s right above the “hole”!

[JohnH]

I always change the bands through the inspection opening. After much "advice" saying it was too difficult, I couldn't believe how easy it was. In fact, the most time consuming aspect of the job was actually relining the bands; not extracting or replacing them. Obviously, care must be taken not to bend the bands beyond the point of elasticity. I start and finish from the brake drum since the bending required is the least.
No need for the special hook tool - coathanger works well. This is all with Scandinavian linings; others could be more difficult.

[George Mills]

When Bob Jablonski and I did Tom Edison T for the National Park Service up at Orange NJ, we decided to go with wood linings...AND...we decided to go 'through the hole'...all the while observing the self-imposed no bend rule from mandrel set bands for roundness before we started.

Can it be done? YES!

Will you use a few choice words? YES!

How long will it take? Depends on the hogshead...we discovered maybe 1/32" clearance for our way and one of the bosses on the hogshead.

We did not want to attempt to spring the band into place, so it was just wiggle and work...and after 45 minutes of that, I needed the restroom making no progress but refusing to 'spring' the band so Bob then took over the wiggle and work and just as I came back it popped into place as if it was meant to be there all along. The subsequent 2 bands had no issue whatsoever.

I swore then that the next time taking the hogshead off would be easier since I fully like wood bands...

Shortly after, I had chance to do my '15 and that was a hogshead off...it was 'faster' all said and done, and there was a 'but'. I decided to use 'Right Stuff' per the forum conventional thought at the time...I had the old swinging fork alignment thing that cost me about 12 minutes of twist and turn...Right Stuff has an absolute and firm open time of about 12 minutes...and in that time loss there apparently became a cold seam in the Right Stuff bead right at the pan ear because once up to speed and temp it gushed out there and no amount of remedy seems to work...that cover came off last week and was redone...could see the cold seam right as day as the bead had gelled before it could spread at the time. Used plain old black RTV this time (and Allan Bennet dental floss 'hog tie' on the fork!)...lol...we shall see in time...

[John kuehn]

If you decide to take off the transmission cover it’s a good time to install all new parts that are available in it. The pedal cams would be a must if the cover hasn’t been off or worked on in many years. Even if the pedal cams are slightly worn I would still do it. Just a little wear in those areas can really make a difference.

[jeffstag]

The first time I changed bands was 'through the hole'. It took me a complete 8 hour day and fiddle farting around. That did include the time required to remove the old band material and rivet the new ones on though. It was also done in a random parking lot rather than in my garage. Still, I prefer to remove the hogshead.

[John kuehn]

Yes it can be a hassle. The time study in the Ford service manual uses the idea that everything is in its place, and it all goes 1 2 3. In reality it’s most of the time that it doesn’t. The information that’s in it is really good if all is well which a lot of the time it doesn’t go well. If you were doing it on a daily basis at a shop it would get to be easier as time went by. Most of us don’t do it all the time.

[John kuehn]

Can any one do it like Joe Snow? This was in 1924 with the removable band ears. You can do it in 30 mins or less!

[Moxie26]

Just an added note to George Mills posting ......Edison's 1922 Model T touring had transmission bands with the removable ears. .... No information regarding the change in metal band style, if it was a Ford testing item in 1922 or if it was simply replaced with the upgraded removable ear band.

[Modeltmike]

Thanks for all the good info. Think mr. Snow has a grandkid that could do bands that quick?

[Scott_Conger]

Mr. Snow got that good by replacing bands every 3,000 miles or so, or 6 months whichever came first... and he never suffered any other consequences of having his cotton lined, misshapen bands stuffed into the transmission through the transmission cover other than having to change them every 3000 miles or every 6 months.