We have a 1942 Ford fire truck. Delivered to Mentor Fire Dept., in 1942, has front mounted pump. Approximately 20 years ago the museum purchased it from the city. It is in very good, original condition. We want to replace the brakes all around and are having trouble locating the necessary parts through regular suppliers..Do you have any suggestions where we can purchase needed parts? Thank you in advance for your help. Ron

 

On my 49 F-5, no parts houses had the shoes, but the napa store sent them off to be relined, kinda pricey, but it was a good job, mighty google brake relining and see what you come up with.

 

Chuck's Trucks in Hamden, CT If he doesn't have what you need he can either get it or tell you where to get it. Good guy to deal with and really knows the big Ford trucks.
Chuck's Trucks, LLC

15 Corporate Ridge Rd Ste 5, Hamden, CT 06514
(203) 288-2769

 

Drums and shoes are going to be unobtanium. You get the shoes relined with material that will wear the drums the least (likely at the trade off of needing more frequent reliningings). This is done at your localish heavy duty brake and clutch shop. If your drums are really bad and can't be turned/machined, there is a company that will install inserts to bring them back, but it will be expensive.

Wheel & Master cylinders along with their rebuild kits should still be around. Some modern number that your parts house can cross (don't get caught up on application because the parts house databases are terrible this far back):

DORMAN W4571 Front Wheel Cylinder; Bore: 1.375 In.
DORMAN W4511 Rear Wheel Cylinder; Bore: 1.50 In.
DORMAN M4572 Master Cylinder; Bore 1.25 In.

 

Might be possible to have your drums refurbished and your existing shoes relined and arced to the rehabbed drums
J&G Brake relining McHenry IL. 815-276-2578.
https://www.jgrelining.com/

 

Here is another source of knowledge and parts for HD Ford Flathead trucks. Gotham Auto Parts, LLC. James is a great person to deal with.
Sales@gothamautoparts.com might not work - the website did not load.
(718) 878-3699 is the last number I have.
Search for the business on Facebook. I got a page back, but was not able to post the link here.
James also has an eBay.com site: https://www.ebay.com/str/gothamautoparts You can also contact him through the ebay store.

If neither Chuck nor James can help you for brake cylinders and advice, then you could be SOL.
Good Luck.

I forgot, there are some places that rebuild wheel cylinders, sometimes by sleeving them. Internet search