Using Vintage Electric Brakes?

So I put on my big boy pants and did a good bit of research. No - you cannot buy replacement brake shoes/magnets, etc.  for old 1961 assemblies which means I will be buying new assemblies that will work with my current axle and drums.

I know there can be surprises with this approach but it seems to be doable. I believe the HH takes a 27" leaf spring as well - so after quadruple checking measurements I'll be getting new springs and installing them too :-).

PT,

Did you consider just replacing the whole set up? Spring, axle, brakes all in one package? I think Dexter sells the whole shibang for @ $400. Don't quote me on the price.

I haven't done this (yet?). It's just on option.

Rod

I have a 57 Trottwood. I dissassembled my axles, replaced the bearings, replaced the felt grease retainers, cleaned and tested the original brakes with a battery charger, they work great. Then I took the leaf springs all apart. Cleaned them and re installed with new bushings and shackles. I even made new bump stops from material the local spring shop had. Now my axles and brakes look NOS but they are original. If anyone has seen an axle on a trottwood they would say WTH. The springs are only on the back side of the axle. And the axle is only about a foot long on each side. They are held into an axle tube with a key that gets held on by a wire wrapped around the axle tube. Why re invent the axle.

It will come as a surprise to no one with the possible exception of myself that I'm getting a new axle, hubs and brake assemblies. It appears the other Holiday House owner I know either had a different axle/brake setup or had access to some mystical brake shop that was able to get his up and running. The best shops in Portland Oregon were stumped though they were impressed by the antique Warner brake system I showed them...

Bought from etrailer.com. As I get older I try to buy American made so went with Dexter. I probably could have saved a hundred bucks or more if I bought etrailer's Chinese offerings or even more if I drove into Portland to pick it up but that's four hours on the road. There will also be a welding charge since I could not find anything off the shelf that would fit. Tight space in the wheel wells and between a thicker axle and longer studs on the hubs I'm hoping the wheels fit without too much grief...