Finally got the proper anchor for the spring that holds the brake shoe to the backing plate. I muffed the first attempt at putting it on and the spring disappeared into the brake assembly
so out came the floor jack and off came the wheel and drum and I worked some magic to get it on. To accomplish this I ended up getting back to my Ohio Farm Boy roots by making a loop out of baling wire and after fishing that spring through the backing plate I hooked the loop of wire onto the spring end. That made for a much more secure means of holding it while I fiddled with hooking that ridiculously small anchor onto the spring end (big fingers + small parts = a lot of frustration). Then I just cut the wire and everything went in, like Flynn. AND..... I totally killed the most annoying rattle on the whole truck which was caused by the absence of the large metal strap used to secure the muffler in place. Mine didn't have one. Well, it does now and I'm a totally happy camper. Still many other rattles to resolve on this truck but I must admit, the vibration and rattles are part of its charm and character. It wouldn't be much fun if the truck sat there an purred like a new car.
Guys, if you are looking for some additional inspiration to slog forward on your particular project, check out some of the offerings on Youtube when you have some quiet time. There are loads of videos showing like-minded people firing up engines that have sat for years, or pulling tractors and tanks out of bogs and bringing them back to life. I don't mean to get all misty, but I came to the conclusion that we are among a select group of special people who are doing some amazing things with these machines while the rest of the world turns their backs on them. Whether you are producing things restored to factory fresh or simply motor pool/combat ready, give yourself a BIG pat on the back for your passion, dedication and skill.
Cheers,
TJ
