VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 '37 brake shoe replacement

Hello Everyone,
is anyone familiar with the clips that hold the brake shoes to the pivot?? There is a large pin with a clip and a small spring loaded pin with the same type of clip. The manual I have does not describe or show how this clip is removed. I have replaced brakes on my daily driver as well as friends and family cars but this type is a first for me.
Thank you for any info you can pass along.

I think what you are describing is called a "pin lock" in the Chevs of the 40s catalog. Scroll down here Chevs of the 40s until you get to "pin lock". The small curvatute fits into a groove in the pin and the other side is bent up so that it can't slide out and off. You must carefully bend the lip back down and then slide it off. There will be pressure from the spring that you have to overcome. These retainers are sometimes hard to find so I would try to preserve them. Even if you don't want to reuse them, it is good to keep them to compare with a replacement.

They sale on ebay. See the pictures :
brake hardware

Thank you guy's for your info. I checked with Chev of the 40's and The Filling Station and found they have both the original pin lock and a replacement "E' clip for the pin lock. I would like to ask for your advice...... use the easier "E" clip (strong enough?) or wrestle with new pin locks??

I just discovered that in my earlier post, I had the install description reveresed. A new pin lock is bent up on the big end. You slip it over the pin, slide it into the groove and bend the other side down so that it can't come off. Removal is the opposite.

I tried an E clip and found it wasn't very strong. It tended to deform from the spring pressure. I used the original type pin locks.

Thank you Old216,
I'll take your advice and check out the kit on e-bay. Here are pics of my cars.

It must be great to have two to work with. Are you going to redo both of them?

My overall plan is for the "black car" to remain stock in memory of my "Uncle Bill". I'm in the process of rebuilding the brake system. I would like to replace the fuel pump with a vacuum assist type for the wiper motor and replace some of the more prominent rubber parts (gas tank filler grommet, anti-rattle rubber for the hood, front and rear bumper bracket grommets, running board mat.). I have a line on a rear differential with 3:73-1 gears to replace the 4:22-1 gears that are stock for the '37 Master DeLuxe. I'll be picking that up in a couple of weeks.

The "white car" was originally planned to be a street rod. The interior is junk due to mice making a motel out of it. Just recently I discovered that the frame has suffered the same fate and for the same reason (damn mice). So stripping the body off is now mandatory.

At least I'll be able to drive the "black car" while I work on the "white car".

Thanks wbg 1000,

I priced out the parts in Chev of the 40's and the Filling Station, the e-bay kit is a great price. Unfortunately when I did a compatibility check, the '37 Master DeLuxe was not a match. I don't understand how you guy's find this stuff. I get so frustrated when trying to find parts for these cars.

You might try writing them a message and ask. I didn't know they differed between 37 straight axle and knee action.

I've tried the Chev of 40 clips recently, and the ones I received were not quite the correct size (sloppy fit; concerned might fall off) so I ended up reusing the good old ones and buying some good used ones.

Guy

I have found buying the clips from a vendor is a gamble at best. usually the sizes and the descriptions don't match up. I would suggest being very careful with the originals in case you are stuck without replacements.

old216,

I plan to try your technique on the removal of the clips on my "white car" and if it works as you say, then I'll keep those as back-up/extras as i work on the "black car". Did you have any issues with replacement springs and hooks??

My experience so far is with the brakes on my 1 Ton. They are Huck style brakes but they don't use hold down springs. I have however purchased a hardware kit for my 38 for when I am at that stage. Time will tell!