The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Tons 'o Fun 1950 Chevrolet 1 Ton Brakes

I am in the process of having a out of province inspection done.
What I have found out is that the 1 Ton has had a couple of different brake cyls options, does anyone have some parts pictures of brake assembly's? Or a supplier that may have. I have ordered new cyls from a supplier south of me but he seems to not want to give me a date for delivery and my truck is in a garage taking up space.
How about front brake rebuild kits they are leaking now with some rubber checking from being dried out. Rears are not leaking and seem to work fine.
Master is in great working order.

Before you can make it even GO, You should make darn sure it will STOP SAFETY! Any brake components this old should be completely disassembled, inspected and any rubber lines or rubber parts replaced with NEW! Any wheel cylinders should be re sleeved or replaced, Brake lines should be replaced. There is no room for error built into these trucks like the modern Power Brakes or Dual Master cylinder or anti lock brakes. Those Steering wheels and that metal dash look VERY unforgiving of a frontal crash especially with NO Seat belts. My face does NOT want to find out how it feels if the steering wheel and dash STOP faster than I do! New parts are available from all the classic venders but first check for parts with your local FLAPS. They most time will surprise you with what they can get! And don't be afraid to ask here for help or advice Just my humble opinion. Jerry

Another item to check or verify is that the parts are for 1 tons. Many suppliers only carry brake parts for 1/2 or 3/4 ton trucks, but they are available. Shipping and handling is always a killer for a vehicle in a garage, that's why I did the work myself. Good luck with the inspection.

Hey guys thanks for the thoughts and rant/opinion.
I have been replacing ALL brake parts including lines all along and i was just inquiring if anyone had pictures (like Dave has thanks!) as some of the suppliers I have been talking to have said there are a couple of different cyls on these trucks and believe me after a 31 yr driving career driving in the mountains you can be darn sure that when it comes to brakes this 1 ton will be able to STOP.
Doyle

It must be 1-ton brake season !! I just put my 47 1-ton in the air for a brake overhaul. My truck has sat for over 20 years but everything is original. Mine is a dually with the 18" rims. As soon as I could break the wheel cylinders free I will post some numbers. I have heard that my drums are very hard to find ans NO new pads are available ANYWHERE. Does the sleeving process deteriotate the stopping ability of the truck? I was thinking about just honing out the cylinders and rebuilding?

Not at all. The folks that do it well bore the cylinder out to fit a stainless steel sleeve and the ID is as original, you use the same rebuild kit as you would the original cylinder.

Don't mess with brass sleeves, stainless last longer (very long) and cost similar, sometimes less.

Grigg

...but it would be worth it to see if your cylinders are good. I've honed and put a kit in many cylinders and have never had one to fail. A hone job will reveal if they are good or pitted. Most are pitted some in the "middle" where the rubber cups never reach, which is ok, so you may be able to clean them up..... you'll have to be the judge. However, I'm sure Grigg will agree, re-sleeved, or new, is best if the pocket book can stand it!!

I had my shoes relined. I would never send my shoes in as cores in an exchange purchase. You know for sure that the ones on your truck fit! The 1 ton brakes are large and they wear very slowly when not carrying big loads.

I pulled my rear drums off the 1947 1-ton dually. The wheel cylinders are fairly rusty and I am soaking the bolts in PB Blaster. I'll try removing the cylinders this weekend. The wheel cylinders are clearly marked: "5450072", "1-3/8" DIA".

I think I have a NAPA match for these so I have to believe I can find new ones somewhere. I also need new springs which shouldn't be too difficult to find. From there I'll need a set of brake lines. The originals are physically gone. Any suggestions for a source of brake lines for a dually? Or should I consider fabricating myself? My brake shoes are in great shape, the truck only has 25,000 miles on it.

Joe

I am not aware of anyone that offers brake line kits for a 1 Ton or larger truck. They are pretty easy to bend up from new. That is what I did. There is a source for the springs but I just can't remember where I saw them. The retainers on the pins that hold the shoes together are hard to find.

I just brought my 1 ton home from the mechanic that was doing the out of province inspection, we replaced the 2 front brake cyls and he inspected and passed the master and rears. All I need to complete and have the mechanic sign off is replace the tires and rims. I have found 4 16" rims that fit and clear the tie rods but would like to stay with the original split rims if possible.
Looks like it will be a busy winter!
I've been stocking up parts from KMS Car Parts and have a list of rubber door and window seals on the go.