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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 18
J
New Guy
New Guy
J Offline
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 18
I am in the process of overhauling my entire brake system. (Since I pulled the cap off of my MC & found it to be bone dry)

Since, like most, I am on a budget, I am shopping around for prices. The two suppliers I have found online that have the parts for my 4100 are Chevsofthe40s & RockAuto. RockAuto is about half the price of Chevsofthe40s on replacement parts & on rebuild kits (not sure which I will need just yet).

Does anyone have experience with brake parts from each? Are they good quality?


1991 Corvette
1950 4100
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 6,061
3
3B Offline
'Bolter
'Bolter
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Hy Jbob, in a lot of cases the manufacturer of the parts will be the same, as to quality, everytime we discuss brake parts someone will come along and complain about "Chinese" part quality, but I think that should be dealt with on an individual basis with whomever you choose to be the supplier. If you found parts at RockAuto chances are you can find them at other suppliers as well. I always try to find parts at RockAuto when I look stuff up for people, they have the best prices usually. If you can find a F.L.A.P.S. where they know how to read a catalog (and have the catalog to read) and not just punch keys on a confusilator, you would do well to go back to them. Please remember when asking questions to tell us the year, make, and model designation of your truck, hope that helps.

Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 18
J
New Guy
New Guy
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 18
3B I appreciate the advice. And I apologize for the lack of information on my truck.

It is a 1950 Chevrolet 4100, all original w/out hydrovac booster. (Doesn't look to have ever had one)


1991 Corvette
1950 4100
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,538
S
'Bolter
'Bolter
S Offline
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,538
Alretta Truck Parts has been a very reliabe source, for brake parts, for several members of this site, including myself. Ask for Geoff, when you call(508)788-9409, the dudes a walking encyclopedia, when it comes to brakes on these old Big Bolts.


Spanky Hardy
Collector Of Fine Old G.M. COE Trucks & Antique Holmes Wreckers

1948 Chevrolet 5700 COE Holmes HD W35 Wrecker
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1950 GMC 250 1-Ton
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Bubba - Curmudgeon
Bubba - Curmudgeon
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 29,262

When I need parts for my 2-ton 54/55 GMC, I look for advice from 3B and Spanky (they have almost never failed me. Thanks, 3B and Spanky).

Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 6,061
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3B Offline
'Bolter
'Bolter
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Hy tclederman and guys, you're welcome, that's why I come here to try and help where I can, and share my "knowledge"

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J
New Guy
New Guy
J Offline
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 18
Thanks fellas for all the help!

So, I stumbled across a fella locally that had a brand new power brake conversion unit for a 1947-54 Chevy he was practically giving away (considering these are $350 brand new & he wanted much less$$). He has had it on a shelf for a year or so, but the thing is brand new & unused. It will be a great upgrade to the original master cylinder, since it is a dual reservoir and has the power assist.

What size brake lines do y'all typically run to your 4 wheel drums? Since, i'll be making my own out of stainless.


1991 Corvette
1950 4100
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,571
G
Shop Shark
Shop Shark
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,571
If you find a counter guy who knows what he's doing, I've found that NAPA, CarQuest and Federated can get their hands on just about anything.

Case in point - when my parents still had their 1939 American LaFrance fire truck, CarQuest was able to find brand new wheel cylinders for all four wheels. Talk about obscure parts for a huge truck...

Last edited by GMCpanel; 03/22/2012 6:09 AM.

Get a REAL truck, get a GMC! www.oldgmctrucks.com
1954 GMC De Luxe COE
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,189
M
'Bolter
'Bolter
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Posts: 6,189
jbob,

Make sure the new MC has the same size bore as the original. I think your original bore is 1-1/4"...it will be stamped on the side of the MC.

Mike B smile


Mike Boteler

1956 Chevy 3100 Resto Rod
1956 8400 Wrecker w/Holmes 525
1956 9200 Tractor w/Allison Automatic
1952 Willys M38 Army Jeep
1953 Willys M38A1 Fire Jeep
1978 Jeep CJ-5 Navy Jeep
1984 Jeep CJ7
+++++
Hughesville, MD
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Posts: 18
J
New Guy
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GMCpanel, I will try my local NAPA. Actually, after viewing their website, it looks like they have all the parts I need.

Mike B, I am sending you PM, to prevent getting too far off topic...


1991 Corvette
1950 4100

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