Need a little help here. My dad is having a real hard time locating brake drums for his 49' ford F-3. Ive asked many people and called a few places who have given me the run around. Do any of you know a place or places in california , to find brake drums front and rear for this truck. He would like to do a mild restoration, so discs are out of the question. Also, If he can't find the drums, he is concidering selling and wonders what the going price is. I know without knowing all the specifics no one can say for sure but a general high and low would be helpful. Any info is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
have you tried asking this question here? http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum41/ also, have you considered swapping out the entire rear axle to a newer style 3/4 ton 8-lug Dana 60? there are few that a very similiar width and spring perch location.
Check out this post on the FTE site: http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/732030-f2-parts-for-an-f3.html Your dad could also swap in a newer rear axle from a pre-73 Ford F-250. It would much easier to find parts and you should be able to get better gears for better performance. There also a lot of discussions on the FTE site about rear end swaps.
have you tried: Little Dearborn Parts Minneapolis MN OR Ford Parts SPecialists, JOBLOT Automotive, Quenns, LI, NY
The only drums I have been able to find are for the '48-50 F-2s. Job Lot had them listed and also Mac's. LMC lists rear brake drums for F-2, 1948-52 but I think they are incorrect. Ford changed brake styles in late '51 and have different drums. The '48 to early '51 F-3 have a larger drum on the rear and as far as I know, no one sells them new. There has been a lot of guys posting on FTE over the years looking for them. Another option is to swap out a rear axle from a same vintage F-2. I'll have the same appearance as the F-3 axle. No one will know it's now the exact stock rear axle. I have a F-2 parts truck sitting in my shop, too bad you're so far away.