Hello list and happy Labor Day.
Yesterday I took my newly restored '53 TD on a short maiden voyage, a
5-mile country road loop beginning and ending at my home. The first 3
miles or so were terrific..............smooth engine, quiet and
responsive. Then I started feeling some drag and soon realized that the
front brakes were not releasing properly. After a stop to confirm that
they were heating up, I took "Maggie" home very slowly in first and
second gear, but having to exert increasing throttle to keep her moving.
I made it home just before a thunder boomer let loose. The front wheels
both seized completely. I had to jack up the front of the car with a
large floor jack and roll her into the garage to get out of the
downpour. Wintin 30 minutes, they had cooled off and would turn freely
again.
Today, after spending the day with the family, I finally got to pull off
the driver's side front wheel. The wheel cylinders seem to engage fine
but return is not complete. All four front cylinders were honed and a
rebuild kit installed during resto. New shoes were installed all around.
The master cylinder was also rebuilt and silicone brake fluid was used.
All four drums were turned.
Does anyone have any suggestions short or replacing the cylinders? My
budget is not prepared for four new cylinders right now since I just
sent my eldest son off to college. Would doubling the return springs be
of any benefit? The adjusters are at their lowest settings and there is
still a very slight drag of the shoes on the drums at one point during
their revolution.
Also, my brake lights are staying on all the time. Has anyone had any
luck getting the brake light switch unstuck?
Thanks in advance for all your suggestions.
Bill Snyder
Waynesville, NC
'53 TD
'66 B
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