I've been stumbling along for the better part of 3 years on my '50 3100 project and have reached the point where it feels almost complete. I finished insulating and carpeting the interior a week ago, just in time to take my dad on a drive as he passed through town.

After about 4 miles, we pulled over because something was burning. The front brake rotors were at 325 degrees. This is the complete front disk brake kit from CPP with the power brake master cylinder mounted on the frame.

Some research found that the brakes were slightly preloaded because the push rod is too long and is still preloading the brakes with both ends bottomed out. I'm in search of a shorter push rod but have had no luck finding one. I thought of cutting, drilling out and retapping the push rod but that seems like a lot of work for something that has been used many times before. Can't think of another (simple) way of fixing this dilemma.

Even with no load on the master cylinder, the brakes are still really tight. It seems the inner pad is almost too wide. I've looked on CPP website to adjust this with spacers or something but all their troubleshooting points to everything except their components. 'magine that. It couldn't be their fault. Can you buy thinner pads for disk brakes? The only thing I can think of that may keep the piston from settling all the way back in is the 2-lb residual valve. Would that do it?

Anyone else have any similar situation with some simple solutions? This is the only thing keeping me from driving the truck. I'd really like to resolve it.


1950 Chevrolet 3100 "One Step Forward, Two Steps Back"
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