Stuck rear drums on 33 Vicky

[34fordy]

When I put together my "homemade" puller it works like the Vintage Precision with the hardened cap to put on the axle. I also have a short hard pin that I slide into the cotter pin hole to give the axle threads near the end extra protection.

[itslow]

Originally Posted by KeithH

Not sure how to back the shoes off.

It will depend upon which hydraulic brakes you have since they will use different adjustment methods. The Lockheed brakes ('39-48 type) have adjustment cams that rotate the shoes in/out. The Bendix brakes (same era Lincoln, F1, F100) have a "star" adjuster bolt that push the bottom of the shoes apart.

[KeithH]

Thanks for all of the info. I did reverse the castle nut and thread back on from the start to protect the end of the axle. Never got it to pop loose. The very sturdy puller suggested above finally started to bend, so I am crying "uncle". Rather than take a chance on damaging anything on this sentimental and in very good shape car, I found a shop not 15 minutes up the road that specializes in classic autos and trucks. Everything from general maintenance to frame-off restorations. They're picking it up in 2 days. Will also give it a once-over to see if anything else needs addressing from years of sitting. I'll update with how it all went.