The valve that your swinging pedal controls could probably be retrofitted with a later style valve. If you have never driven a treadle type and learn on this one, you will probably be ok. I have driven an 18 wheeler several million miles in my life and it would scare me in a panic situation because I am used to the treadle type. We had a Chev for a yard mule back in the 70's and it seems like the pedal operated a valve much like modern valves. We didn't care about brakes because we never got over 10 mph. Maybe you can get a late style valve to fit in the place of what you have now. Schematics always show 3 tanks but in reality it is usually a single and duel compartment tank. I would recommend new or good used tanks. There is no way to get the rust out of old tanks and rust will eat up your valves. If you know a truck salvage dealer that isn't greedy, you should be able to pick them up for practically nothing. I throw them in the scrap iron pile. The wedge brakes will work, but they are certainly not the system of choice. Make sure that the plungers are free and the brakes are adjusted properly
