Brakes - parts and labor cost

[BulldogTom]

OK, as soon as we get the gasket between the intake and carb installed, we should be able to fire up the '52 again (this time without the oil spewing all over the engine compartment).

Next item is brakes. I really don't have the tools or skill to do the job myself, and since my son will be driving this thing, I want it done right. Called Les Schwab and they did not know if they could get parts for this truck. Any one know what the cost of a front and rear brake job should cost? I don't want to get taken for a huge bill if I can avoid it.

BTW, I would love to convert the front to disc, but I really don't have the tools or ability to do that. Someday we might give it a try, but right now, I just want to get this thing on the road.

Tom

Lodi, CA

[HanksB3B]

by far are from Roberts Motor Parts. Gary says they are from the original manufacturer Back-in-The-Day. Excluding the brakes lines the total cost is under $300.00 (cheaper than rebuilds) for the master and all the slave cylinders (6). Brake shoes not included. If you can find a local friction material bonder you are way better off to have them relined for around $12 apiece. That way you avoid core charges and get to keep the original parts you already have, ultimately finding another set (like I have) so you have back-up. My brake jobs cost a total of $88.00. Mechanically on a scale of 1-10 brake jobs are about a 5 you and your son should be able to do it. You will more than likely require a brake drum puller which can either be rented or purchased new or used on Ebay. Having the Truck Manual will make it a lot easier. So D.I.Y.=$500.00 supplying parts (to an agreeable mechanic) $500.00plus maybe 2 days (including lines) I'm guessing somewhere between $1,200 and $1,500.

Like laundry, not a fun job, but you feel real good after it's over. (just ask Reg) .

Hank

[Aaron]

A couple years ago I rebuilt my entire brake system, lines and everything. Got all material from Kanter Auto. Everything but steel lines cost me a little over $500 bucks. Shoes, wheel cylindars, master cylindar and 3 rubber brake lines. I bought my steel lines from NAPA and a little tool to bend them. Worked great.

The worst part of rebuilding the brake system for me was getting everything tight so I didn't have any leaks!!! Kids could have learned a few new words during that process... Other than that, it wasn't too bad...

[Reg Evans]

Like laundry, not a fun job, but you feel real good after it's over. (just ask Reg) .

Hank

Yes Hank. I've found the easiest route to make your braking system like new again is to get your significant other to purchase the parts for you and then when she is watching you begin the job make it look like you don't know what the BLEEP you are doing. 9 times out of ten she'll say "Oh Hun,just go in the house and fold that load of laundry. I'll take care of it.

[41/53dodges]

got my shoes from bernbaum for $70, cylinders from jefferson car show for $25, and drums from northern tool for $100 (trailer drums) work fantastic and are cost effective. rubber lines were $12 each, front was the same as the back. just swapped the rear end out for $75

[HanksB3B]

Yes Hank. I've found the easiest route to make your braking system like new again is to get your significant other to purchase the parts for you and then when she is watching you begin the job make it look like you don't know what the BLEEP you are doing. 9 times out of ten she'll say "Oh Hun,just go in the house and fold that load of laundry. I'll take care of it.

No question the more you hunt most likely the more you'll save. I forgot about those flex lines up front. I bought them in a hurry from Napa and paid twice what I think they're worth. As far as a one stop shop for brake cylinders I'd still go with Roberts.

Hank