1942 cmp f15a

[leo tomaiolo]

so first up was getting some rubber that would hold air for more than a day. and with no good way to get rims that would fit, i decided to make my own. i started with some rims off a 1 ton van. their 16" rims and clear the drums nicely.so i cut out the old centers and made new centers and welded them in. and since these are for only rolling the truck around i wasn't worried about making the rims highway safe, although their quite rugged. next up get the rear drums to rotate freely.

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

I look forward to seeing your progress, and congratulations on acquiring that truck!!

As to:

Originally Posted by leo tomaiolo

next up get the rear drums to rotate freely

You might have 'fun' with that. I would have thought getting them to rotate by backing off the brake shoes would be all it took as well as removing the drums...but unfortunately no. Maybe 50 years ago but not now. I hope that part goes well for you.

[leo tomaiolo]

so i got to work on the rear drums. used my puller and some light heat to ease them off. once they were off i was pleasantly surprised that the brake shoes were in real good shape. in fact they were relined at some point and showed little wear. i lubed up the cams and adjusters and got the shoes moving. the drums were also in good shape. although i didn't measure them, the bevel was still present on the wear surface so they haven't been turned down much, if at all. the drums had some heavy rust and general crud that had bonded to them. a little light grinding with a soft pad cleaned them up good. when i'm ready to rebuild the rear brakes i will send the drums out to be turned nice. so now the truck rolls easy with 2 people pushing it. i had lucked out in that the front wheels rolled easy when i got the truck. when i had the truck up on the lift i lubed it and every grease fitting took grease, it was a good sign that this truck was taken care of, even though it sat for a long time. now it's ready to come home start the restoration.

[Bob Carriere]

For the best job on your brakes.....take everything apart and sandblast clean....even lightly on the shoes....... until you can read FORD.....

Pay particular attention at the backing plate with the "snail" ajustments which once cleaned will need some tender attention and lots of WD 40 or equivalent and maybe some heat...... they can break off........ You may also need to replace the rear sheet metal funny looking oil seal.....available at Mac Auto as a Ford truck part. Inspect the wheel bearings carefully for possible pitting.....at about $80 a side for bearings and race any good bearing truck center can find modern replacement.....usually by size rather than inscribed part number.. get yourself the proper axle nut size socket as it makes it easier to preload the bearings on re assembly.

Nice job on the home made "Yard" rims....

Get your drum turned to match the radii of the brake lining..... lots of steel on those drums.....machine shop should have no problem matching curve of drums to lining which will help immensely when adjusted ...

Same applies to the front axle brake assembly except the oi seal is 6.5 inches and still available....some stores will have them in stock as they are used, I was told, in modern commercial bread making machines.

How are the brake cylinders....... new ones or relined in SS....? same for the master .

If you are stumped just send an email.