The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline 1953 Brakes

I'm needing a bit of advice for getting my brakes done on my 1953 100. I spent quite a bit of time trying to rebuild the master cylinder. I left it soaking in vinegar for 2 days, and then hit it with a wire wheel and honed it. I installed the rebuild kit, bench bled it... and then the cap would not snug down. I emptied it out and called it a day
I know there are rebuilt and new ones available, but I have been seeing some pics of some rebuilt ones having a plastic lid. I'm wondering if this might solve the problem. Does anyone know where these may be found? Also, will a Cardone 10-16714 fit my truck (I found one for cheap)?

News just got even worse... none of the 4 (mismatched, by the way) drums were serviceable. So, it looks like I'm going to need to do a lot more work.
I'm considering doing the disk brake conversion kit. I already have the tapered bearings on their way. Is there any way to purchase junk yard parts to put the a disk brake kit together (except for perhaps brakets)?

You can just buy the backing plate adapters. They are sold by many marketers and at many different prices. Than you can source your rotors and calipers elsewhere.

Either way you still have to buy parts. Your stock MC will not work with disc brakes so you will need to factor that cost into the conversion. There are lots of parts available out there either to restore the drum brake system or convert to disc brakes. You should be able to get a good deal on some take off drums from someone that converted to disc's. Brake shoes, cylinders, and hoses are relatively cheap. Do an analysis of what it will cost to rebuild the stock system or to convert to disc's. Take into account that some of the disc brake systems cannot be used with stock wheels. lots of things to consider.
Fred

Stock drums and MC's are readily available.

Thanks for the advice. I found the drums at NAPA for $27 each. I've sourced the flex lines, the rear wheel cylinders, rebuilt the front ones, got the new roller bearings, new tie rod and ends from ecklers, and ordered a MC from RockAuto today. Now I just need to get those parts in, run the new hard lines, and hopefully have brakes and safe steering. Then I can get on the engine/electrical and try to get this thing running.

The bearings are in! I removed the hub from one of the front drums and now I'm wondering: will they somehow need to be re-riveted or attached (hub to drum)?

darn!! One of the front hubs is different. So, the bearing kit does not for it. It also seems to have worn a little groove into the spindle. Any tips on a place to find the correct hub?

You don't need to re-rivet the drum to the hub. The wheel & lugs will hold everything together. You can place a wanted ad in the swap meet section here.
Fred

^ Thanks!! I found one online (http://www.americanclassic.com/Google_Base_HTML_Pages/U-HUB3047-1953.htm) and HOPE it is correct.
This truck does not seem to want to be restored...