| GB SISSON |
10-12-2012 07:31 AM |
I don't plan on a 4th brake failure. The first was in the 70's in a 48 chev one ton flatbed I bought for 300 bucks. Had a load of goats on the back and was creeping along loading onto the car ferry. When I had no pedal, I used the emergency brake. On the other side a gas station mechanic cut the rotten steel line to the left rear and did something with a copper rivet to plug it. We finished our transaction and returned home on 3. Next was on a '67 landcruiser pickup, also at slow speed, having just come down from a mountain pass. Another steel line. Replaced them all, I was in my early thirties by then and getting smarter. Last one about 12 years ago, I was in Montana and my son took my landcruiser to his first day of work at a local resort. Too fast into a turn, he hit the brakes hard and pedal went to the floor and he rolled the rig. Funny thing, I had replaced all the steel lines and the hoses. The thing had sat for about 10 years when I got it and had a glovebox full of repair receipts, so I thought the master was good as it was replaced just before it was taken out of service. There were flakes of rust in the bottom of the mc and apparently one laid across the tiny hole that draws into the lines..... I have bought and driven at least 10 old trucks since then. Before they hit the road, no matter what, I buy a NEW master cyl, ALL new wheel cyls and new steel lines. They are incredibly cheap. I also have proper emergency brake operation. I will re-use good shoes, but not often. The only exception is my '37 1 1/2 ton. Of course it has 'The safety of steel, from pedal to wheel', which I believe is a direct quote from Henry Ford. On the '59, since it's already been 'ruined' with a diesel engine, chevy trans, late rear axle etc, having the second circuit in the brake system seems like a good move. We took a 280 mile trip in it last weekend and had a blast, but those folks on the mainland sure drive fast and (and stop fast). I'd hate to have a brake failure 'over town'. Oh, and those goats? That was my ex wife's thing. :-X18
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