[old-tank]

Originally Posted by Gary_N

Willie: How the heck do you use vice grips or big pliers?? That sounds like the "bull" method! I'd have to work out for about 6 months first!

Thanks for the help!!!

Gary

Right, that is the bull method. The only good news is when you slip the blood does not affected the function of the brake shoes.
Willie

[trp3141592]

These return springs should not be that difficult to install! So back to basics:

We ARE talking about Bendix style brakes, right? A post, or pin, at the top that each return spring hooks onto, a star wheel and smaller spring between the shoes at the bottom for adjustments, no heavy pivot pin at the bottom?

One end of each return spring goes into each shoe, the other end gets stretched and hooked on to a post, or pin, at top center of the backing plate?

The return spring ends do NOT hook into both shoes at once?

Are you sure you have the right return springs? Are you sure you're using the right hole in the shoes?

If these are in fact Bendix-style brakes, the dimple-ended tool (either one, but I like the Snap-on one) should work great! The Snap-on tool, with its bends in the shaft, allows the spring end to slip down close to the end of the shaft as you are drawing the hook toward the post (or pin) so you're not pulling the spring 6" away from the backing plate.

The tools should do the job for you. I am mystified that it hasn't worked out.

--Tom

[trp3141592]

Originally Posted by Bhigdog

Mine go WINGINGINGING. Must be a different make tool. ;-)

Heh, heh--it's just that East Coast accent...

--Tom

[Thriller]

Originally Posted by Gary_N

Willie: How the heck do you use vice grips or big pliers?? That sounds like the "bull" method! I'd have to work out for about 6 months first!

But, you are The Bull...or was MrEarl pulling our collective legs?

[trp3141592]

Hi.

This thread has really bugged me. I have assumed that your 1950 drum brakes are Bendix style as shown below:



Bendix Style Brake

If that is correct, then there is no reason why the Snap-on tool would not make the return spring installation a "snap." (Pun intended, on multiple levels)

Are your return springs new, as part of a hardware kit? If you are really having to heave-ho on the returned springs, compare the new ones to the originals. If your new springs are too short then all the problems getting them installed make sense.

Please let us all know your final results.

--Tom

[Gary_N]

Tom, thanks for all of the detailed info. Had to take the weekend off and let Yoda collect some dust while I had visitors. Anyway, the short answer is yes, everything is correctly in place. The springs (from CARS) are VERY stiff though. I don't have the snap on tool. Looks like I should add that to my tool mix. My pliers tool has the dimple end, etc. So, either I'm a complete idiot (which is entirely possible); a complete weakling; or just plain inept. We'll see what happens on the fronts.

Thriller: Ah...yes.....Mr. Earl may have fabricated some of the bull myths but I think he's jealous of my plasma torch!

Gary

[trp3141592]

Hi Gary,

Add me to the list of those who are jealous of your plasma wrench, er, um, torch.

--Tom

[Gary_N]

And Tom, I jealous of your collection, with the exception of the back model. I already have the 1948 model!

Gary

[MrEarl]

Somethin to cheer ya up. Look out lil chicadees

[Gary_N]

Thanks Lamar, love it!