Hey guys, I'm restoring my 1949 Chevy 3600. I took apart my front axle today and was surprised (seems to happen more and more the deeper I go into this project). When I compared the shot of the
brake backing plate in my service manual to the brake
backing plates that were on my truck I found that my plates are missing the pins and conical springs on each side of the spindle that hold the brake shoes against the plate. When I looked deeper I found that my plates were also missing the 6 raised portions around the edge, that the shoes were supposed to rest against. The plates look completely unmolested, no grind marks were the pins could have been removed or hammer marks where the indents could have been flattened out. My axle number is 3681642 GM109. Now, as far as I know this is the original axle, but I haven't found a picture of my plate variation any where. I'm wondering if this is an issue, should I replace the plates? I've found 2 used plates that someone will sell to me for $100 plus shipping. I'd love to save the money if this is normal, but if it could affect brake operation in anyway I'd rather get the plates and do it right.
Here are a couple more pictures of my plates:
Plate 2 Plate 3 Plate 4 I appreciate the help,
-Alan
