I have done some research that the brakes are obsolete. What are the replacements or conversions I can do on the stock hubs?

 

Before going for a conversion, you might check with Chuck Mantiglia at Chuck's Trucks in CT to see if he has a line on NOS drums. He's a big truck guy himself and will give you straight answers on availability. And if none are available, he'd be a great one to ask about alternatives. Stu

Chucks Trucks LLC., Chuck's Trucks, Chucks Trucks

 

I see from one of your other threads that you are 16 and have already discussed this truck and it's terrible condition. Did you ever post the VIN? Is there a title for this thing? And did you ever look under the hood?

IMO this whole thing is a non-starter. Everybody gets all teary eyed over these old trucks, but the fact is they were good when new, they did good work, and the reached the point where they were no longer economical or desirable to work with, and they sat in a field for 10 years like yours, and now you (and others) want to turn them into some freeway rat rod touring car hauler RV daily driver something different. Good luck.

In answer to your series of brake and tire questions, the "easy" way out is to retrofit later model axles with decent brakes and modern tires and wheels. Some Freightliner MT series trucks might be good donors, or something like an F450. Even if you fix the old brakes, your braking power and steering geometry are better suited to the days 45-55 mph travel. Power and gearing are probably about that level also.

Good to see someone with an interest, but you need something to work with that won't bleed you dry and leave you on foot seeking out parts that don't exist anymore.

 

No avoiding it, this is truth. Stu

 

Read posts 7 & 8 in the OP's other thread in this (Large Truck) forum: Getting a M500 as a first truck.

I was surprised by what he typed, so will you both. This kid is skilled. For example how many people would put a 1939 Buick body on a 4WD truck chassis?

Heck, how many people besides the OP and myself even knows what a 1939 Buick looks like?

 

Point taken. OP has miles to go, I suggested later model axles, not sure where he wants to head on power and trans. As a car hauler, the dump bed wouldn't be the first choice, but maybe the pto and pump could work on a roll off set up. Serving suggestions all.....

 

I was planing on leaving the trans stock, and just rebuilding the engine. The dump bed would work, I would just leave it half up if I wanted to load a vehicle, and mount a winch at the top and build ramps to allow the vehicle to climb onto. The ramp is for lifted 4x4s, it doesn't need to be easy to climb. And its only for in town use.