jeffr777

Hello all and thanks for the great advice. I purchased a different 3 lug puller, got a bigger sledge and yesterday (5/18) I beat that thing "like it owed me money" (from an earlier response)!! It finally gave in and came off and what was under the drum wasn't very pretty, but can be easily be replaced. The wheel cylinder failed, the return springs were broken and there was no material left on the brake shoes...none. I've ordered the wheel cylinder, shoes and return springs and will inspect and replace the components of the other side as well. The brake lines are in very good condition and must have been replaced in the not-too-distant past. Thanks again for all the great advice and I should be up and running in a couple days!

All...I've been trying to remove the right rear brake drum on a 50 Special Deluxe. I've been using the "three legged" puller to no avail. The wheel spins freely, the minor adjusters have been loosened, the major adjuster nuts are removed and the bolts have been pushed in towards the drum, and we even loosened the spindle nut a 1/4 inch and took drove it around some corners to try and break it loose but it still will not come off. Any suggestions out there would be greatly appreciated...thanks.

Great suggestions from everyone...thank you! Prices are fairly wide-ranging and the re-sleeve/restoration looks like a great option since I have ample time for the project - it's been a bit chilly and snowy here in the area (salted roads and ice) and I probably won't have it on the road for a few more months.

Don, I'm just getting started and have looked at a few parts places on the web and Ebay. Thanks!

I would like to purchase a replacement master cylinder for a '50 Special Deluxe and would appreciate any suggestions on parts suplliers that anyone has used or would recommend. Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

Hello again, Thank you all for the GREAT advice and the links to additional info...I am going to take all of your advice and replace the brake system. I'm not even remotely interested in discovering at an inopportune time that the brakes have failed! Thank you all again.

Hello again all, My recently acquired 50 Special Deluxe (purchased at an estate auction) has non-functioning brakes...when the brake pedal is depressed, it goes to the floor with no pressure or resistance. The car appears to be all original and there are no apparent modifications. Can anyone suggest the best way to troubleshoot the brake system (after making sure the master cylinder has brake fluid in it)? As you can probably tell I'm relatively new to repairing this vehicle and would really appreciate any suggestions you might have. I'm also thinking of replacing the master cylinder with a dual-reservoir system and any input would be very helpful Thank you all again.

Thanks again, all. Got the cover off this morning, replaced with a NAPA 1010 and saved the gasket. Tried to smuggle the turkey baster out of the kitchen but was caught red handed By the way, everyone gave extremely helpful information - thank you again and they were all "best answers" in my book.

Thanks everyone for the quick responses - very much appreciated! Don - I'm located in Lorain County about a half-hour west of Clevleland.

Hello from another new member, I recently acquired a '50 Special Deluxe and I'm not sure how to remove the top from the assembly that holds the oil filter (picture is of the top of the filter assembly). The bolt on top can be loosened and raised about 3/4 of an inch, but I'm not sure how to remove the orange top cover. I'm also not certain if this is original equipment or an aftermarket assembly. Many thanks in advance for your assistance. JR