The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts 1946 2ton brake rebuild questions

I've got the bed, cab wheels drums and brakes off my truck. I will be sand blasting and painting the frame this week. Then start putting everything back together! Im trying to get my brake parts in order now so i'll have them when its time.

front wheels were in good shape, needs new flexible hoses ofcourse, tried to bleed brakes when everything was together and only got fluid out of one bleeder. Bearings look ok to me, front brake pads looked like they have plenty of life left so i'll just reuse those, found new slave cylinders for the front easy enough for about $25.

The rear wasnt so easy, return spring broke so shoes had been dragging for I assume years, tons of brake material in the drum, was very difficult to get the drum off. I found 1.5inch cylinder rebuild kits but i still need new shoes and a new spring, i was going to just take them to NAPA and see if they could find something but i thought i would check with you guys 1st, anyone still make shoes for these or know where to find them?

I got a new outside axle seal online (one side it was missing had a very dirty wheel!) Also very inner metal cup (not sure the name) that keeps all the grease in was damaged, hopefully that is a pretty standard part i can get from napa or something.

when i assemble everything again do i just pack regular grease in the hub?

My hydrovac has a metal tag on it with the number "74" going sideways, then the part number looks like "374550" and then it also has "P/S" stamped on it - its a bendix unit. Anyone know where to get a replacement? i've seen a Cardone 51-8028 unit online that looks the same but cant seem to find anyone that actually has one in stock that you can order. Or do i really even need the hydrovac? Wont really be hauling much with this truck.

here is a link (that hopefully works) of how far i have gotten on the truck.

http://s1011.photobucket.com/user/mrnkc130/1946/story

Hy JLM, Jim Carter lists most of the brake parts you are looking for in his catalog. As to the Hydrovac Geoff at Alretta (spelling) should be able to help you. You could convert to oil lube for the rear hub bearings by removing the outer axle seal or you could go back to grease bearings if you can find another outer seal for the other side of your differential. Use wheel bearing grease if you go to grease bearings, hope that helps.

It looked like there was regular grease in it, after removing the axle there was a thin metal gasket, then the 2 locking nuts and a retaining tang deal, then drum came off and there was a bearing and cup that backed up against the hub.

JLM,

I would keep the Hydrovac, it increases your brake line pressure by about 900 psi which is about double what you can do with just your foot. If you have ever tried to stop a car with power brakes after the engine quit, that's the same feeling you'll get without the Hydrovac. These old trucks don't stop like modern vehicles so you need all of the help you can get.

Mike B

Thanks mike, Napa lists the cardone reconditioned unit, I'm having them check if they have one