rear brakes done.

OK, it seams like I'm slowing down a bit this week.  I did make time to redo the brakes in the rear with the proper lube.  We got a 9 month old Boxer-Pitbull puppy last week so he's been hogging all my attention. I want to replace one more thing in the rear before it is all done.  I am going to replace the brake line flex hose. For now though, the rear-end is still in the air waiting for me.

Brakes still only nearly done

I was going to report today that last night I completed the rear brakes... However, I realized today I need to lube the outside cups on my wheel cylinders. Of course I had everything apart last night and could have done it then but did not. So instead of starting on the front brakes today I am redoing the work I did yesterday. That's ok though, I just want it done right. I will be picking up some brake spring tools today. I have a tool for the big ones but the small ones still kicked my but last night.

Side note

And this is a DIFFERENT 1000 acre wild fire burning only six days later. These were taken from my back yard. Our whole house smells like a campfire.

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Side note

This is a picture of the 1000 acre wildfire that scared us on Tuesday last week.

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No need to repack wheel bearings.

One of the more useful things the Internet has to offer is Yahoo Groups.   There are a few Groups that are dedicated to the repair and restoration of old Chevy trucks.  And there are a few really knowledgeable guys there.  I learned from them that there is no need to repack the wheel bearings because they are lubricated by the 90 weight gear oil that you put in the rear end.  Lucky me one less thing to do.  I guess I can stop dilly dallying and put my rear brakes on.   Thanks to Tom for calling me today and letting my know that my rear end is a 55.  Luckily most of the parts I have ordered so far would have worked on all 1/2 ton pickups from 52-71.  

Brakes nearly done

Yesterday i was able to buy new brake drums for there rear brakes. So now I have everything that I need to get some real work done on the brakes. When I am done with these few things I will have rebuilt or replaced every moving part in the brake system. After that is done I will feel much better about trying to start the truck for the first time. I can't wait to hear that thing roar to life for the first time in a LONG time.

Sucsess

I know that at some point in this trucks lifetime the entire drive train was replaced with that of a 1962 1/2 ton pickup. One thing that I am not sure of is if the rear brakes are from a 53 or 62. I believe the rear brakes are from a 62. I was surprised to learn that the rear brakes on a 62 match the front brakes on a 53. I can only ponder that this is either serendipity or someone along the lines was extremely smart. I don't know if my grandfather was the one to swap the drive train or if it was a previous owner. Luckily most parts I have had to order so far are parts that would work for either year of truck. I was able to rebuild the drivers rear wheel cylinder yesterday. I am hesitant to dismantle the passenger side rear brakes just invade I need to look at them to see how the springs go on. I was told today that the springs and adjusters from a 1969 Chevy pickup will work on my truck. The 69 adjuster is a self adjusting mechanism so that would be nice. And it is all inside the drum so no one would be able to tell that it wasn't stock. Sounds good to me but I think I will do a bit more homework before I buy a set of 69 adjusters.

Sucsess

I was finaly able to remove the rear drums. I think I just wasn't hitting them hard enough. I can see now that they binding on the axel caps. Unfortunately one of the drums was too damaged to re-use.

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More History

I got an e-mail from my grandma today.  I was really excited to learn that my grandfather bought the truck in August 1973.  She also said that he paid $800 dollars for it.  This truck reminds me of him a lot.  Some times I just go sit in the truck in the garage.  It smells like him.  I am sure it is just the smell of fuel and oil and that will probably never change.  At least I hope it doesn't. 

Time to look at the rear brakes

I spent some time this weekend bleeding the brakes.  I ordered parts to rebuild the wheel cylinders and they will be here Tuesday.  I thought I would pull the rear drums off and take a look even though I don't have my parts yet.  I think I  spent an hour trying to get the drums off.  I pounded and pounded on them with a hammer.  I am sure my neighbors like me now.   I will try again tomorrow after work.