I am having a hard time finding the original u-shaped rear brake shoe return springs for a 1953 GMC 450 with hydrovac brakes. When I took the rears apart to rebuild the cylinders, I noticed someone in the past created their own spring as a replacement. I am looking for another green factory spring setup, but not finding them anywhere unfortunately.
Have you tried Alretta Truck Parts? Back several years ago, when I rebuilt the brakes on my '52 450 I sourced the parts from there. I know the rear shoes were not available. I was able to get all the wheel cylinders and front shoes and hardware kit from him. I want to say the rear spring kit was not available, but it's worth a try.
I've called around and yeah these springs are impossible to find. Apparently these were hard to find even when the truck was new, something about this brake design. My next move is to have some springs made. Any recommendations on a US company to have this done? I don't want to go to China just yet.
