My 46 Babe

Problem with front brakes on my 46 - 1/2 ton pickup. I adjust the brake shoes manually by turning the two nuts behind the brake plate. I make sure the brake shoes have sufficient gap to allow the wheels to spin. I take off and drive downtown and by the time I get back the brake shoes are locking. I noticed that initially my brake pedal had about two inches of gap before the brakes interact. Braking seems good, not spongy. But when I get back from a drive the pedal now has no gap space and is locked up at the top of the pedal arc. Like some type of residual pressure is built up and locks my front brake shoes. I'm puzzled. Any ideas?

I have a restored 46 Dodge 1/2 ton PU. My problem is that the two front wheels get locked seems like it has some residual pressure. When I first get going the wheels are free to spin after driving or just pumping the brake pedal a few times the brake shoes start dragging and the wheels are hard to turn. I opened the drum and cleaned the dust and debris wheel brake cylinders look clean and no leaks, both shoes are 10" long, the master cylinder looks like its original, don't know if it was given a rebuild kit. The rubber lines going from the frame to the back of brake plate seem new or replaced. Q. Are both brake pads supposed to be same length (10") on this year truck? Q. Could it be the master cylinder building up pressure and not releasing? This residual pressure is affecting my brake lights as they stay on when I park the truck. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

LOOKING FOR ADVICE ON THIS TOPIC. 1. Install of compressor: is there a bracket for the 6 cyl flat head? 2. Do I add a second pulley for the belt drive? 3. I have room behind the front grill to install condenser but should I add electric fans in front to increase air flow? 4. Should I replace the original 4 leaf fan? Thank for any advice. Walter

I AM LOOKING FOR ADVICE ON THE FOLLOWING: A/C INSTALL IN 46 DODGE I am installing a Vintage Air Gen 4 System in my original 46 Dodge, Flat Head. The 6V system is being rewired to 12V. QUESTION: To set up the belt driven a/c compressor 1.) Is there an additional pulley for two belts, or plan on just a longer belt for alternator & compressor? 2.) Is there a bracket to mount the compressor to the flathead 6; i'm checking with Vintage Air. 3.) Is there an after market shroud that mounts to my 46 Dodge that I can add to help draw better airflow? Or do I have to design on my own? 4.) Should I replace the existing 4 leaf fan with a five leaf? 5.) I have room behind the grill where the condenser will go so should I just add electric fans in front to solve air flow? ANY AND ALL SUGGESTION ARE WELCOME. THANKS.

THANKS FOR ALL THE INFO. I found DCM Classics of Michigan on line and they seem to have parts I can use in the conversion including 12 v headlights, coil, etc. I WILL CHECK FOR A BALLAST RESISTOR FOR THE POINTS AS YOU RECOMMENDED. I have never heard of Pertronix Ignition system but will goggle and see if I can find one to fit my flat 6, 218. I'll keep studying and appreciate all you information above. Thanks.

Wow. Thanks for the info. I thought I would burn out 6 volt starter if I used with a new 12 volt system. I have begun to find parts to swap out for the rest like 12 volt coil, headlights, in line voltage reducer for gauges, etc. Very helpful. Thanks.

I NEED TO CLARIFY ... I understand I can swap out my 6 volt generator for a 12 volt alternator and change all the rest. What I need help with is what to do with my 6 volt starter? How do I convert or swap out my starter so the 12 volt system does not burn it out? DOES SOMEONE SELL A 12 VOLT STARTER FOR MY 46 DODGE? WHERE CAN I GET IT CONVERTED? SORRY FOR THE CONFUSION.

How do I convert my original 6 volt generator in my 46 Dodge to 12 volts?

ALL THE ABOVE RESPONSES ARE VERY HELPFUL. GIVES ME A LOT TO THINK ABOUT AND CHECK OUT. INCLINED TO GO EASY MAYBE ,,, 1.) CHANGE 4 SPEED FOR THE 3 SPEED SINCE I HAVE BOTH. 2. CHANGE REAR END TO JEEP CHEROKEE 3.54 AND DISC BRAKES. TRY THIS FIRST IF HAPPY ... DONE. OR TRY BW T5 LATER. WHAT ABOUT THE 6 VOLT SYSTEM/ POSITIVE GROUND; HOW DIFFICULT TO CHANGE TO 12 VOLTS?

That is very helpful information. It makes a lot of sense. I had heard of the Borg Warner T5 but wondering if it bolts up to my Flat 6 218 engine. Is there a special bell housing needed? What's the best source for these? The truck currently uses an original 4 speed which requires double clutch, (gears grind when shifting). Finally, I do have an extra, original 3 speed trans for my truck. Would the BW T5 still be better? You are a life saver. Thank you so much.

I have a restored 46 Dodge 1/2 ton with 218 Flat six. All original. Runs well but gears too low and not for highway or out of state travel. Plan to install a late model drivetrain to make it more highway worthy and dependable. Looking for advice on what drivetrain would be the best. Engine, auto trans, and rear end. Will end up selling the current original drive train. Thanks.