Jim Roach

Merle, I knew you would reply. Anyway, I wouldn't feel so bad if I had a pedal that faded, but there is no pedal at all. It almost feels as though the MC is missing. I thought about the problem being the MC, but it's new. What are the odds it could be bad? Thanks for your help, Jim

I havn't had brakes on my 52 B3B for the past two years. They worked when I parked it in the winter of 2005. In the spring of 2006 I went to start the truck, stepped on the brake pedal and it went right to the floor. Rebuilt the entire front brake system and went over the rear brakes. Bled the entire system rear to front. First I rebuilt my current MC and re-bled the system, again with no luck. Went out and purchased a new one from NAPA. Attempted to install it this week with not luck. Tried adjusting the push rod at five different positions from all the way out to all the way in and three places in between. Totally disgusted again. That is why it's been two years. All four brakes are adjusted up to a slight drag on the drum. Any ideas? I am at a loss. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Jim Roach [/img]

Merle, are you going to have your truck ready for the PA. show? Good luck, Jim

Merle, Add me to that list. I'm sure as more members read this it will get pretty long. I'm #3! Thanks, Jim Roach

This is interesting. Didn't the club get a msg last year or so from a production company looking for East Coast "50's" trucks that they wanted to use in shooting a movie? Or am I just having a sr moment? Anyone recall this? Jim Roach

Merle, Thanks for the link. I ran my number and to my surprise I have a 3/4 ton. I thought my truck was a B-3-B. Turns out to be a B-3-C. Here is what I found: Year:1952 Model:B-3-C Engine:217.76 Wheel Base:116 Rating:3/4 Ton Engineering Code:T308 Plant:Detroit, MI Build Number:7199

Shane, I purchased one of Charlie's brake kits and he did a great job with it. I had an extra front end so I took the entire unit to the machine shop, had them tap the holes and install the new king pins. After that was completed I test fit everything on the bench. Once that was completed I took it all apart and had everything powdered coated. It turned out great. Good luck on your project and let us know if you need any more help. [/img] [/img]

The last time I checked Roberts didn't carry them any longer. Jim Roach

Good job Merle. Glad to see you didn't roll it over this time. Jim Roach

Merle, It was great meeting you and talking about our trucks. Looks like we had the best weather of all. Too bad our time was too short. I'm glag you made it home safe and sound. You also inspired me to get working on my brakes, get my truck off the jack stands and back on the road. Good luck on getting your truck completed for your Chrysler show here in PA. this summer. Thanks again for stopping by and I look forward to meeting up with you again. Jim Roach

Looks to be in much better shape than what most of us started with. Good luck and keep us posted of your progress. Jim Roach

Hi Merle, I'm only about 1 hour east of Williamsport in Berwick. My wife and I would love to have you down one evening for dinner. You can check out my "52" Pilot House and we can enjoy some good conversation. E-mail me and we'll try to make plans. Looking forward to meeting you, Jim Roach

and he would produce a lot of steaks!!

That's a big DITTO from me too. Great job!!! Jim Roach

Jim, Thanks for the greeting and to you, and everyone in the club, have a Very Merry Christmas. From my family to yours, Jim Roach:)

Tony, Please don't tease us like that. Can you provide more information like part numbers and maybe some pictures of your project? This is an issue that is always comming up. Please help us all if you can. Thanks, Jim Roach

Merle, Check out Charlie Akers web site. He has a detailed picture of how he moved the steering box forward about one inch or so to make the clearance needed for a modern MC. There is also the option of using the drop down pedal set up with a new MC bolted to the firewall. I'm not sure which way I'm going to go yet. I've heard pros and cons to moving the steering box. I have my battery mounted on the firewall just above the MC now, so I would have to go back to the floor battery if I went with the drop down setup. Then there is the proportioning valve set up. I understand this allows you to use your original MC. You would install different gage valves in each line, one for the front brakes and one for the rear. This allows the single MC to apply different pressures to the front and rear at the same time. I guess I'll decide when I get closer to that point in time. Jim Roach

[/img][/img][/img][/img] Here are a few pictures of mine, Jim Roach

I think you've made a wise decisions to use Charlie's brakes. I purchased a set a while ago and there are very easy to install. I had to do a little grinding on the back side of the calipers for clearence, but other than that they go together nice. I built mine on the bench so I haven't mounted them on the truck yet, but that's the easy part. Send us pictures when your done. Jim Roach

Hi Guys, For those of you that have installed the T5 tranny, what did you do about the emergency brake? Thanks Jim Roach

I had a donor cab that was rust free that I was trying to give away for the longest time. I posted it a number of times with no takers. Finally had to junk it to get it out of the way. Hopefully there will be someone else out there that might be able to help. Good luck, Jim Roach

Reg, Cool Truck, Just one question, is that a keyhole on the side where you would wind it up? Have fun, Jim Roach

Talking about the brake hoses, how difficult is it getting to the connection inside the frame rail? Thanks guys, Jim Roach

Ed, what's with the ford in the background? Oh I know, it makes you appreciate your Dodge truck that much more. All kidding aside, the seat looks great. I chose to go with the naugahyde trim with cloth inserts. Of course that was before the elusive nauga became extinct. Now everyone uses real leather. Thanks for the pictures, Jim Roach

Jim, I can't help you with the painting technique. My friend who buffed them also painted them, and he's not talking. Trade secret you know. They did turn out very nice. A while ago I checked with Roberts and if I recall correctly, they told me they couldn't get these any more. I'll check again. Thanks, Jim Roach