Oh so fun stuff - learned a bit more. Turns out the truck is a 1947 3800 - the parking brake lever is a lever to the right of the tranny (not a pedal), and the wheelbase is 137". So the title I got is bogus, no problem. Imagine my surprise when we pulled the rear drum off and saw that massive wheel cylinder! It's all part of the learning for us. Looks like we may be finding a place to reline the shoes since new ones seem near impossible to find.
And yes, thanks about the brakes. My 72 skylark still have 4 wheel drums and manual brakes. It's a sled to stop, though I drive very, very defensively and cautiously when we are out and about. Totally got used to it - the firm pedal, giving more space to stop, etc. Better driving habits all around.
