Hello Chevy enthusiast, my name is Joey I am a proud owner of a 63’inline 6, 230hp fleet long bed pick up. I’m not a wrench although I’m really looking forward to investing time in making this truck a neck breaker. My truck is a four speed manual transmission. One of the reasons it was sold. Apparently not fast enough or practical for commuting 100 miles round trip everyday. I don’t mind so much but it seems to run hard in forth gear. I have been driving the truck from time to time and all seems well. Although a problem has seem to occurred. Not being use to having a parking break on the floor. I drove with it on for a block or two with smoke coming up into the cab. Realizing the parking break was on. Ever since then, while coming to a stop I hear kind of like a metal-to-metal, scraping noise beneath the front end? This is where another problem comes in. My dad and I decided to check the breaks. Not being familiar of eight bolt lugs. We weren’t able to remove the drum. My dad and I were also considering dual break cylinder If it can be easily done? Just recently I bought a 63’ shop manual. I’ve been spending a lot of time with my noise in this book. Some things I’m not fully under standing. Please forgive my lack of wrench skills. Willing to learn. (Open to all suggestions.) Not afraid to get my hands dirty Excuse me if I miss spell or don't make any sense Not the greatest speller or was good in grammar Joey (San Jose, California)
howziit joey! not familiar with your parking brake location. most cars and trucks have their emergency brake setup in the rear drums, using the rear's brakes, but mechanically activated. i looked through my truck's manual. some of the trucks had their parking brake setup directly behind the transmission, with their own set of shoes and drums. maybe the brake shoes are down to their metal, due to wear and tear. JMO...$0.02 worth.
Hey Joey, I got one just like it. I drive a '63 3/4 ton daily. Those 5.13 gears are a killer on gas mileage, but good for pulling. My parents bought this truck new. It has always had the band parking brake behind the 4 speed. 3/4 tons and up had that type of brake. Dad put a new in several times after mom left it on. I remember everybody getting out and throwing dirt on it once to put out the fire. Any good brake and clutch company should be able to re-line the band for you. Mine has just enough to work so I haven't had to replace it in a while.