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| | | | Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 39 Apprentice | | Apprentice Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 39 | Can I put the front brake drums from a 49-54 passenger car on a 51 pick up? And, doesn't the 51 pick up have the Bendix style brakes vs. the Huck style? Do I have to change the backing plates as well?
Thanks,
Tom
1951 Chev.P.U. Streetrod-project
1951 Chev cpe 261 5-speed-50%
1953 Chev cpe 350/700-95%
1962 Chev Bubbletop 409 -75%
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,152 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,152 | If I remember correctly you'll have to change the backing plates to make it work. I did this many years ago and don't recall the details, but I don't think it would be hard to sort it out.
1955 1st GMC Suburban | 1954 GMC 250 trailer puller project | 1954 GMC 250 Hydra-Matic | 1954 Chevy 3100 . 1947 Chevy COE | and more...
It's true. I really don't do anything but browse the Internet looking for trouble... | | | | | Joined: Jun 2000 Posts: 2,773 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2000 Posts: 2,773 | You're right. Every thing from the backing plate out. Brake shoes and wheel bearings are the same. I posted a wanted add for a pair recently, I believe the guy who responded still has some available.
http://www.stovebolt.com/bboard/cgi-bin//ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=30;t=000893
Fred
52 3600
69 C-10
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2001 Posts: 258 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2001 Posts: 258 | Also, car drums went to five-lug bolt pattern after '48...
Frank McMullen
1941 Chevy dump truck
1949 GMC 100 pick-up
1954 Chevy 3600 pick-up
1955.1 4400 dump truck
1941 De Soto & other MoPars
1928 Model A F**D Special Coupe
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall | | Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 | If my memory serves me correctly I used a 55-57 brake drum on my 50 pickup back in the 70's. As I recall all I did was put the old hub off and slide the other one on. Maybe it was because it was a 55 drum????? | | | | | Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 Riding in the Passing Lane | | Riding in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 | 51 up had the Bendix brakes on both cars & 1/2 tons. 50 on back had the Hucks.
They say money can't buy happiness. It can buy old Chevy trucks though. Same thing. 1972 Chevy c10 Cheyenne SuperIn the Gallery Forum | | | | | Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 39 Apprentice | | Apprentice Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 39 | A.chipmunk:
That's what I wuz thinking. Why would I have to change the backing plates if the drums are the same size???? Are they???? I wuz thinking just slip on the drums and call it good! No???????????
Frank54:
I AM looking for 5 lug.
Fred T.:
Backing plates too???? Why???
1951 Chev.P.U. Streetrod-project
1951 Chev cpe 261 5-speed-50%
1953 Chev cpe 350/700-95%
1962 Chev Bubbletop 409 -75%
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall | | Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 | snegrah, I am almost positive I only pulled off the 50 hubs and slipped a pair of 55 hubs, and bearings, straight on the 50 spindle. There is all sort of things that can....or can't be done on these trucks. Let us know what you come up with or what you do. | | | | | Joined: Aug 2001 Posts: 258 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2001 Posts: 258 | Snegrah,
Sorry boss, I just noticed your signature includes '51 Chevy rod project...
I thought you were headed for a situation with five-lugs up front and six lugs on the rear axle !
Car & 1/2 ton did share the exact same drums from '36-'48...
Good luck !
Frank McMullen
1941 Chevy dump truck
1949 GMC 100 pick-up
1954 Chevy 3600 pick-up
1955.1 4400 dump truck
1941 De Soto & other MoPars
1928 Model A F**D Special Coupe
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2000 Posts: 2,773 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2000 Posts: 2,773 | I haven't been able to compare the backing plates yet. My friend got his setup 2 weeks ago. According to the parts interchange manual, there is a difference in the plates. Both vehicles use the same shoes and the same bearings. I don't know when we will be doing the swap so we can compare backing plates, he needs to finish his differential first. I haven't worked on a car from this era since I was in high school, 35 years ago. I think my brain has since gotten full, getting to where I can't remember everything. 
Fred
52 3600
69 C-10
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 39 Apprentice | | Apprentice Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 39 | Frank54 - I am going with 5 lug on my staight axle and will change there rear to an open driveline 5 lug as well.
So, if they share the exact same drums, shoes and bearings...why does the backing plate need to be changed??????
H...E...L...P...me understand this...I'm having difficulty!
1951 Chev.P.U. Streetrod-project
1951 Chev cpe 261 5-speed-50%
1953 Chev cpe 350/700-95%
1962 Chev Bubbletop 409 -75%
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