This piece is either cast or forged, and might even be cast iron. I TIG welded some beads to fill in the part number cast into the side, and the welds cracked almost instantly. Even though I don't consider the welds structurally sound, they're still better than bondo.
I cut off the ends, trued up the overall shape on my lathe, and made two tabs which will bolt into the spherical bearings on each adjacent piece. I tacked it together, but I will leave the final TIG welding to Bill Lewis.
I also spent about 30 minutes replacing the plastic/steel piece in the foreground with a steel rod and rod ends. As I was tapping the second side, I started wondering if the cold finish steel rod would sand smooth enough for paint without using any putty. Then I remembered making a similar part a few years ago. I couldn't remember what it was, so I checked my 'finished parts' shelf... Sure enough, I already made one of these and even painted it! I'll paint this one black, then I'll have two choices lol.
During the welding of this piece, it moved a bit and I had to drill it out straight. This was an interesting lathe setup!
I received the parking brake parts for my F100 from Bob's F100 in California.
I pulled the drum brake setup apart using tools I own, but don't know how to use, and it turned out mostly OK!
I killed all of the spiders and wire brushed years of rust and dead insects away.
The adjusters were all seized up, so I had to break them loose.
I wasn't sure if I would be able to use it, but there was one parking brake link stuck inside the passenger side rear brake. this piece was totally missing on the drivers side!
I was hoping that I could free up the rear parking brake cables with PB B'Laster and 3-in-1 oil, but I couldn't get this one loose. It was so seized up, it started to fray before it broke loose. I ordered a new one from LMC Truck, but unfortunately I can't finish the truck until it arrives.
I rolled the old truck back into its parking spot. Brakes are overrated!
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