My 1941 Ford 1/2 ton truck has sat for many years in my back yard and the rear brake backing plates are rusted out and not serviceable.
I have tried to look for new or used rear brake backing plates to no avail. Anyone know where I can get rear brake backing plates?
If not My next step is to upgrade/convert to a later year rear end from the original closed drive shaft tube rear end.
Has anyone done conversion/upgrades to the 1941 Ford 1/2 ton pickup?
What would be a good rear end to use for my upgrade/conversion. Thanks for the help and advice.

 

I think you can use any 1/2 ton Ford pickup backing plate made from 1939 to 1947, and also any passenger car backing plate made from 1939 to 1948. There are two different styles of brake shoes with these, I think the switch happened pre-war to post-war. Either style works as long as you get both sides.

If you want to spend a lot of money you can buy the reproduction Lincoln brake setup for your truck.

 

Give this guy a call. He's on Fordbarn (I'm not affiliated):

I have early 1935 through 1947 Ford 1/2 ton pickup parts available,from frames cabs fenders & beds to hoods grills & doors,banjo rear axles & transverse spring front axles to 16" wheels & early hydraulic brakes,flathead V8 motors & parts to top loader transmissions & parts,ask and I may possibly have the part you are looking for, EMAIL FOR PICTURES, located 125 miles North of Sacramento on Highway 99, email anderaircooled@aol.com or call 530-384-165

 

As stated earlier, the 39-48 passenger car are the same as 1/2T PU. If you really get in a pinch, the rear plates are the same as fronts just with tubes added for the emergency brake cable. You could always drill a hole and weld in some tubing to replicate the cable connection. I have extra front backing plates I'll sell if you want to go this route, PM me if interested . You will have to source the cable lever somewhere else if yours are junk.

 

I have a set of backing plates in Calgary Ab if you are still looking
mitch