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| | | | Joined: Feb 2014 Posts: 173 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2014 Posts: 173 | I have a 1952 (titled 1951) Chevy 1/2 ton. It is missing all/most of the parking/emergency brake components (Under the truck. Foot lever, release handle, etc are in the cab). In my 1951 Truck manual (that has a 1952 supplement), it indicates that the parking brake connects to the rear wheels only. In doing some searching of similar questions, I have seen diagrams showing cables etc running to the front and rear. My truck has a bar that runs through the frame with a linkage point in the center (that I am assuming would run to the pedal) and two linkages on each end that would run to each rear drum. My question is, am I correct in assuming that the parking brake only operates the rear wheels on this truck? If so, what parts am I going to need to get it operational. Lastly, how "effective" are these brakes? I currently have no hydraulic brakes at the moment. I would like to get the parking brake working so that I can move the truck in and out of the garage. Also wanting to know in the event of hydraulic brake failure, how effective would the parking brake be in stopping the truck moving at 35-45 mph?
Thanks!
Ron and Ryan Hill
1952 Chevy 3100 | | | | | Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,286 Renaissance Man | | Renaissance Man Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,286 | If the failure is in the rear brake cylinder, and the brake shoes get soaked, the parking brake won't stop so good. Same thing if the rear axle seals leak into the brake drums.
Carl
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2014 Posts: 173 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2014 Posts: 173 | If the failure is in the rear brake cylinder, and the brake shoes get soaked, the parking brake won't stop so good. Same thing if the rear axle seals leak into the brake drums.
Carl So, are you confirming that the "parking/emergency" braking system on this truck is rear wheel only? If so, I agree that soaked shoes would limit stopping but how assuming the failure is elsewhere, what is the stopping power (or limit) of just rear brake pressure? Is it enough to "lock" the wheels?
Ron and Ryan Hill
1952 Chevy 3100 | | | | | Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,286 Renaissance Man | | Renaissance Man Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,286 | Yes rear only. It has been my experience that the stopping power of cable operated parking brake is less effective than hydraulics.
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2008 Posts: 1,321 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2008 Posts: 1,321 | Check here for brake parts for your 1952: 1952 Brake Parts Harold
Harold
Is a restoration ever finished? | | |
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