The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Brakes and waterpump today

So I have my 49 3100 running with a working clutch, but the waterpump leaks and the brakes need to be gone thru. I've the next two days to get these items taken care of, any advice on how to quickly bring the brakes to safe operation? The water pump should be simple enough. Thanks, I can't wait to drive my first advance design truck.

Assuming that your brake parts are all in good condition.
(how old are they: wheel/master cylinders, brake lines, hoses, shoes drums/wheels?)

Adjust the the brake shoes.
Bleed the brake lines.

Adjusting the parking brakes is not necessary for a safe ride - you could do that later.

To accomplish both items, "brakes need to be gone through" and "safe operation"... At a minimum, I would start with Master cylinder, rebuild master, and all wheel cylinders, replace all brake lines (rubber as well as the steel ones) and inspect the brake shoes. Even better would be to put an upgraded brake system on it with power brakes, disc in the front, and a dual-circuit master cylinder....

Both of those, if you had all the parts, are doable in a couple of days. You should be able to get the parts to rebuild everything locally, Napa or a brake supply house.

Thanks, that's were I was going.

If you don't have any idea of the history of the brakes, check the level and color of the brake fluid. If it is off color, bleed all of the wheel cylinders until the fluid looks like new. Even if you get good firm pedal after bleeding, make sure you then adjust your parking brake! They are 100% mechanical and can be used for an emergency, should your aged hydraulic brakes fail on you.
Carl

Great Carl, Thanks I'll look that up. Those brakes are archaic.