I'm really discouraged by the lack of help local parts stores offer. I just need to re-shoe my 54 F-100 and can't seem to get them past the computer screen that doesn't list stuff for my era truck. Have I read somewhere that the brake shoes are all pretty much the same for F-100's thru 1964? Does someone have a part number for brake shoes for a '54? Sure do enjoy this forum. Thanks. Pete

 

Sounds like you are shopping at a Kragen, Pep Boys or similar and yes they only handle whats current. Most Napa's have the info but they will have to go to the books cause the computer doesn't go back that far. Try them or look at the online store here. They're payin the bills so give 'em a try. Also Macs or Sacramento Vintage Ford or Bob's F100 or about six other online stores will take good care of you. Half ton stuff for a fifty four is real easy. Order on a Monday and your next weekend is booked

 

Those stores have the books too, their just too lazy to look them up. Your best bet, and least amount of hassle would be Napa.

 

Im another NAPA fan.
Went online to their old vehicles section and listed what I needed for my 54 F-350.
A few hours later I got an E-Mail with the answer. Called the local store and he had the parts in 3 days from multiple locations.
The F-350 is not as popular as the little 100 either

 

I bought a set of rear shoes for a '50 F1 at Advance the other day, about $15 with lifetime guarantee. You have to get the manager to look them up in his Bendix book, not on the computer. The first counter guy said "they are all the same to '64"-NOT! Luckily I had my old ones and the ones he brought out were way too big. I got the manager to help me then.

 

Yep, the kids behind the counter don't want to be bothered if it's not on the computer. I've gone in and asked for something that I know they have, because I would know somebody else I work with just bought it, and the guy or gal behind the counter will insist they don't carry it. Also, 90% of the time when you do get them to look up something in the book, you pretty much have to do it yourself. Sometimes I pretty much take over, and if they are busy, they let me look at their books by myself.

 

I have to agree with 286merc that NAPA is a pretty good source if you send them an e-mail with all the details.

I've also found that for the bigger trucks, JobLot Automotive (718-468-8585 ask for James) in NY is great. They do have parts for the little guys (F1 and F-100s) but really are one of the few places I've found where you can easily get stuff for F2, F-250, and bigger trucks. They also have a printed catalog (not on-line yet ) that let's me figure out what I need at my leisure. I Call in an order and two days later (at least here in Ohio) I'm turning wrenches. I just bought a complete set of brake equipment (master cylinder, all four wheel cylinders, brake shoes, all springs, fittings, etc.) for my 56 F-250 and got great service from them. Next up is the stuff I need to rebuild the transmission and steering gear which they also have in stock.

Earl

 

Autozone has early years on their computer, but the brake shoes seem to be all wrong. Go Napa.