OT: classic truck brakes

So, I am rebuilding the brake components on a 1952 IH L-162 (GVW 16,000) - truck is parked at a friend's house 300 miles away. Parts haven't been a problem, until I got to the hydrovac booster unit. Automotive parts shops haven't had anything, local International dealer pretty much laughed at me.

There's no tag on the unit, but a local (boise, ID) shop identified it as a '6 3/4" Series 3' Hydrovac. Any ideas where to find a rebuild kit for this? I don't like the idea of spending $300 for a rebuilt unit, when I can do the labor myself. (Besides spending half the price of the truck on a single part!)

So...Any ideas where to find the rubber / leather parts to bring this back to usin' condition?

Thanks,

Nathaniel
(e-mail is open)

First, are you trying to keep it all original or are you looking to make it a driver?

Second, is there a way you could mount a power steering pump on the engine?

If you're interested in a truck that's safe to drive, I'd suggest upgrading the brake system to a more modern dual circuit hydroboost unit. They're not much larger than a non-power master cylinder, not like a vacuum booster with that humongous diaphram to worry about. A lot of panel trucks/motorhomes/etc. in that weight range used them, and they're easy to find from a junkyard to use as a core on a rebuilt.

I have an '56 Willys pickup I'm thinking about doing the same thing to. They have a single circuit master cylinder mounted in an odd place, and a hydroboost would provide a lot of flexibility in coming up with a linkage. I had an old Dodge motorhome one time that had single circuit brakes with a hydrovac booster unit. Never had any problems, but always worried about its braking capabilities. As I get older, the last thing I want is to have to stand on the brakes just to slow down a little...

Good luck,

Keith

Actually, thats a good suggestion. As this point, I want to get the truck running and operational so I can drive it home where its more convenient to work on. Josephine was upgraded to 12V, but hasn't run in ~7 years. She was "properly" put to bed, but left out in a field. A friend was driving by and saw the owner starting to strip down the body...

To make a long story short, we rescued a "near perfect" L-162 from becoming a body donor to a more modern pickup chassis.

Nathaniel

• L-162 - as found

PS. RUSTY MAKES A LOT OF SENSE.

I do hear you on the failed brakes - its downright scary! About 4 years ago, I blew a wheel cylinder on my '63 dodge. I was pulling a trailer (with brakes) at the time, so that helped...just not enough!

I hope you didn't misunderstand me - I'm not trying to skimp on this project - which I why I am tearing into the booster, not just rebuilding the wheel cylinders and master cylinder. On the other hand, I don't have a very big bank to try and break, either!

Could you be specific on why I should "get a professionally rebuilt unit"?

Is rebuilding booster significantly different from rebuilding a master cylinder or wheel cylinders? Is there a warranty on rebuilt units, or is the operator still on the hook for any damages? (It seems like it would be difficult to prove faulty components or workmanship in a rebuilt unit.)

I want to do a good job with this project - to have a usable truck that is safe and enjoyable to operate. Anyhow, seems like whether I want to be or not, I am responsible for the safe operation of any equipment I am using (whether owned, borrowed, or rented)!

Best Regards,

Nathaniel