I just read on a Bendix Site that Bendix was originated in 1955.

 

Jim,
An after thought......I read another post regarding wear of the steel pads that the brake shoes rub against. I did not check these on mine before I reassembled my brakes.
Someone may be able to contribute the spec measurement to determine if they need to be built up on yours.

P.s. A short Bendix history: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bendix_Corporation

 

I saw that 1955 date on a web page and I thought that seemed odd thanks for the redirect.
The left plate showed a little wear groove in the center. My right plate was is excellent shape so I used it.
I think we are good to go. When we get the truck on the road and Austin copes with what a 4.27 ratio is and how slowww it is I think we will do a retro with an 8.8 with discs and modify the front brakes to disc. But for right now we are going 100% original per Austin. If he maintains that all original code I will remove the drum and take a real good look at it after its used a little. .

 

Sounds like you will have disc brakes sooner than later!
45 mph on today's roads isn't fun.
I'm on the hunt for an F-100 9" to work on after I get the engine sorted out........
I'm happy the parts worked out for you.

 

Thanks for checking those. I thought there might be some similarities we would see in the numbers, but doesn't seem to be any that I can determine. I may have missed the tire size and what engine you have, but it should have quite a bit more speed on tap than 45 mph. I think mine will run 40-45 pretty easy in 3rd. I've run it on the Interstate at around 60 on trips of 150 miles or so.

The only problem I've ever had with the drum brakes on mine is getting them full of water or mud when I was younger. I don't know how many feet it takes to stop from 60 MPH, but it will squeal the tires without too much pedal pressure. - Bob