'50 and older drums are very scarce, however can still be found in
pick-n-pulls, and I'm not aware of any aftermarket manufactures of drums.
If the drums have already been turned past the recommended limit, I'd
suggest either finding used ones, or go with an upgrade (safety first, man).
Yes, the '51+ backing plate is a bolt up to the front axle and I would guess
are much more available (the only question I have: will the '51+ hubs fit a
'50- spindle? -- experts, what say you? If not, your tape measure will tell
you if you can push the '51+ drum on your '48 spindles). Your approach is
right to find take-offs from someone upgrading their truck. In regards to
the rear brakes, if you retain your '48 axle housing, you will have to have
a '51+ backing plate also to make the full conversion. It requires messing
around by removing the rivets and notching the *seal and bearing retainer
housing* so the backing plate will slide on. It's a job, but doable.
Another option is to put disk brakes up front. You need the hubs from a
'54+ (and the matching bearings and races), the brackets from Buffalo
(vendor list), misc. brake parts, and you're set. I'm told the '54+ hub
will fit your spindle. Not original, but a nice setup that fits on the
stock spindle/axle, you can keep your stock wheels, and it doesn't move the
lateral position of the wheel out. A thought.
Good luck! The huck brakes are great when they work, but I think more a
pain than the Bendix design when they don't......
Allen in Seattle
'50 3100
Inliner No. 2235
----- Original Message -----
From: <MKlepp4335@cs.com>
To: <old-chevy-truck@egroups.com>; <oletrucks@autox.team.net>
Sent: Thursday, July 20, 2000 12:45 PM
Subject: [oletrucks] Front brake parts
> I need help from someone with experience or access to an interchange
manual.
> My '48 Huck front brake drums were well worn and after turning and adding
new
> shoes, they only partially engage when the pedal is held down hard. I
have
> the adjusters maxed out, and everything bled perfectly, but still the
fronts
> are nearly useless. I have some choices:
>
> 1. Search for new (used) drums for my exisiting Huck brakes and proceed.
> 2. Search for oversize brake shoes (do they still make them?)
> 3. Replace the front brakes with '51 or newer (thru 59?) more modern
brakes.
>
> Can the complete '51-59 brake assembly be bolted to my spindles? Who has
> done this mod before? If the interchange is a bolt-on, who has '51 or
newer
> brake assemblies lying around? You guys with the front clips could be my
> savior here. Thanks as always.
>
> Mike Klepp
> '48 3100
> Wichita Falls, TX
> oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
>
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
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