Well.. so much for air brakes and controls.. but in some respects even better news have I. I finally got the drums off and the brakes didn't look bad... but still since in my book, stopping is pretty high on my priority list, so I still want to rebuild the the old brakes. Well, none of the local places even had the most basic parts, and sorta oddly, most couldn't even turn the drums, but I did find a local machine shop up to the task. In speaking to a friend, he mentioned that he had help a friend redo the brakes on his 51 big bolt, and that there was a guy in PA who had all nos brake parts. So I called and what a surprise. His name is Elwood Dapp and this guy has a treasure trove of old brake parts; over 25,000 vintage brake shoes by his count, along with wheel cylinders, master cylinders, springs and almost everything else you might need. He even custom relined my brake shoes to fit the newley turned drums. In addition to the shoes, he provided front and rear wheel cylinders, master cylinder and hoses and clips. I was expecting a huge bill, but when he laid it on me, I was shocked. The total for everything was not much more than I would have paid at Jimmy Carters for shoes alone. If anyone is in need of brake parts, contact me and I'll give you his number.
Besides the brakes I also ended up replacing all wheel and axle bearings along with seals. The fronts weren't too bad, but the rears sounded almost as if they had sand and were sure to cause trouble soon. So my wheels and brakes are all top notch shape now.
Body work is all finished (save my ragged old rear fenders) and in the paint shop at the moment. I'm getting pretty excited about that. It's looking pretty good and if I could just find those rear fenders I need so badly, I would be in seventh heaven. Oh and I just got my rear bumber back from the "bumber boys" and it looks great.
I have the original engine back from the rebuild shop, all painted up and ready with a new clutch just waiting to be stabbled by the newly brebuilt original 4 spd. I'm hoping to have the power train reunited with the truck before christmas.
There will still be plenty to do with all the electrical and interior work, but it's a come a long way from that rusty relic I pulled out of my friend barn almost two years ago.
I've wanted to get some pics, but it's a bit crowded in the shop and I can't get an good angle. so as soon as I can I will take some pics to post. If all goes well, I'm hoping to take my fist spin sometime in earl spring. Maybe soon enough to make the Stovebolt Homecoming! Wish me luck:)
Last edited by The Ned; 12/07/2009 3:13 AM. Reason: update
