Most of the huck brake parts I had were either damaged or missing. I either couldn't obtain the parts or the cost was prohibitive. Most of the time I couldn't obtain the parts at any price - unavailable.
I used 1982 Chevrolet 3/4" ton 2WD backing plates, drums, shoes, and all new hardware. You need to use the 4 5/8" width drum. These bolt right up to the HO52 rearend. I used 1952 Chevrolet dually wheel studs (because the new drum is much thicker). Use an adapter to make the new wheel cylinders from the brake line work. I needed new brake lines anyway, so I made a slight modification; not a big deal. I have parking brakes now, and everything looks stock. This will give you 13" brakes with easily obtainable parts. Best yet, all parts including the drum are now 100% new, not rebuilt.
For the front brakes, I used 1955.1 GMC 1 ton spindles on the 1952 3/4 ton axle. I used a 1 ton kingpin kit with a thrust bearing for the 1952 3/4 ton (match the bearing to your axle, not the spindle.) I have the more readily available 1953-up wheel bearings, and 12" Bendix brakes on the front. Parts are easier to find and are typically lower cost.
