The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Tons 'o Fun 1953 3800 dually flatbed BRAKES

New to Stovebolts and the forum, recently bought a 1953 Chevrolet 3800 dually flatbed. I am trying to get it roadworthy. Wheels and tires are on order but I am having a hard time finding brake parts. If you guys could can you send me links to each part that will fit my truck: shoes front, shoes back, cylinders front, cylinders back, springs, etc. Any help would be greatly appreciated thanks

Since I don't have the info you are looking for, here's how to go about finding it.

Shoes are a matter of measuring diameter and width and going to the Mom and Pop (M&P) parts stores, or even Napa. At the least, they can be re-lined, though there aren't as many re-liners as there was even 5 years ago.

Wheel cylinders all have casting numbers on them. Internet search will reveal cross references and availability, but you might also find them at the M&P parts stores or Napa, again, if you make them break out the real parts book made of paper!

If you're talking about leaf springs, I go to St Louis Spring. US made with Canadian steel. They hook you up with the u-bolts as well. If you're talking about brake springs, then you're in a whole 'nuther world there... That's where you need to start searching old time, been around for years, brake and spring shops like Tomlinson's in Lima, Ohio and Jennings in Medford, Oregon. (I don't know if Tomlinson's is still in business or not. Just google or bing it)

Best I can do from here...

UnkleRuckus -- Welcome to the prestigious and exclusive brotherhood of 3800 owners! (It's actually neither but what the heck ...) Ditto to what Elderly Iron says. I've had pretty good luck with my local NAPA (Guy Auto Parts in Clement, MD). Find the M&P NAPA or other such parts house near you the pros use.

Also, check out our Links section (see the menu at the top of the page). Some vendors (like Jim Carter's Antique Truck Parts, Kanter, American Classic, etc) carry 1-ton parts.

Several folks here are actively working on Advance Design duallie 1-tons and will hopefully chime in soon ...

The good news is that the parts you seek are available.
The bad news is that they are harder to find than 1/2-ton parts and when you do find them, they will be more expensive.

Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, the rest of the show ought to be pretty good.


John

Welcome.I have a 49 gmc 1 ton.ive had good luck so far with the aftermarket vendors for wheel cylinders,springs etc.but the shoes will have to be relined.i had mine done up here in chgo area for about $100 for the rears ,drums however are non existent for the 1 tons. Was able to have my drums re cut. Hope this helps.

Ditto on Johnny N comment.
I was able to procure cylinders hoses ect. from my local Napa. Break shoes have to be relined and drums are hard to find. Take good care of the ones you have.
Oh, and congratulations on obtaining a real mans truck!! I also heard somewhere that there also chick magnets!!!!!!

Good luck
Jim

My 1959 3800 had all the above problems, and I found that new brake drums are simply unavailable. Unless yours are heavily scored or way out of round, doing any more turning than a very shallow cleanup cut on them is probably not a good idea. Used drums will probably be oversize already, so if you find some smooth-looking ones, measure them carefully before handing over any money- - - -they're probably machined way oversize.
Jerry

Drums were tough to find. I found one in a vintage salvage yard. I would have bought them all, if he had more.

I took my shoes to a truck shop and had them relined. Choices are riveted or bonded. Had min bonded. Cost about $125 per pair. Took about 4 days.