Bought C3500 basket case - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

jumpsoffrock · 04-26-2021, 12:46 AM

Thank you guys for the input. I am mostly happy and need to attack the power brakes, get some new spring bolts, and figure out the old electricals. Then it should be mostly roadworthy.

What does it mean if the brake pedal goes down and feels solid and stops the truck, but then the pedal doesn't come back up? There is a small spring I can see under the dash, seems fine.
Is this a booster issue?

**dagnabbitt** · 04-26-2021, 09:21 AM

Most likely explanation is you have a leak somewhere in the brake system. Replacing the master cylinder is a good idea in general, but especially if you don't have a lot of confidence in the previous owner's care of the truck.

You could also just bleed the lines and see if the problem goes away, first.

72c20customcamper · 04-26-2021, 10:00 AM

I guess living in California your idea of rust is different than here in NY . I've seen much worse and fixed much worse . Like been said make sure the fram is safe and if it were mine I would go threw the entire brake system . I may be on the extreme but I change all the wheel cylinders on drums and all rubber lines.

**dagnabbitt** · 04-26-2021, 11:11 AM

Just occurred to me that if they messed with the frame, then they messed with the brake lines, I would start there.

jumpsoffrock · 04-26-2021, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dagnabbitt

Just occurred to me that if they messed with the frame, then they messed with the brake lines, I would start there.

Wow this completely escaped me as well, great point. Let me see what I can do.

Apparently the front rubber brake lines for these trucks are no available. Ten years of threads with people trying to find them and not a lot of for sure answers.

BLAZERMAN · 04-27-2021, 03:50 AM

Is the SPID label still on the glove box lid? Just wonder if it started as a 133" or 157" wheel base. If it started as a 133" I would not see a need to both cut the frame and move spring hangers....Im betting they moved the spring hangers and bobbed the rear of frame. Its to bad they didnt hold out for a Longhorn bed.

I just bought a 70 C/30 that still has the factory flatbed. It seems they usually get changed out to something else after a few different owners.

04-26-2021, 12:46 AM	#1
jumpsoffrock Registered User Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: California Posts: 1,001	Re: Bought C3500 basket case Thank you guys for the input. I am mostly happy and need to attack the power brakes, get some new spring bolts, and figure out the old electricals. Then it should be mostly roadworthy. What does it mean if the brake pedal goes down and feels solid and stops the truck, but then the pedal doesn't come back up? There is a small spring I can see under the dash, seems fine. Is this a booster issue?

04-26-2021, 09:21 AM	#2
dagnabbitt Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Edmonton Alberta Posts: 1,509	Re: Bought C3500 basket case Most likely explanation is you have a leak somewhere in the brake system. Replacing the master cylinder is a good idea in general, but especially if you don't have a lot of confidence in the previous owner's care of the truck. You could also just bleed the lines and see if the problem goes away, first. __________________ DAVE Edmonton, Alberta 1959 Apache 1967 K20 1968 C20 1970 C10 1972 GMC 2500 1981 C10 Last edited by dagnabbitt; 04-26-2021 at 09:27 AM.

04-26-2021, 10:00 AM	#3
72c20customcamper Registered User Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Catskill Mountains,NY Posts: 8,925	Re: Bought C3500 basket case I guess living in California your idea of rust is different than here in NY . I've seen much worse and fixed much worse . Like been said make sure the fram is safe and if it were mine I would go threw the entire brake system . I may be on the extreme but I change all the wheel cylinders on drums and all rubber lines. __________________ Mark 72 c20 custom camper Husky edition, 66 SS396 Chevelle 1964 Hawk, 63 Avanti,62 lark 1969 AMX , 1968 c20 stepside ,85 K20 1977 Suburban sold 68 anniversary.

04-26-2021, 11:11 AM	#4
dagnabbitt Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Edmonton Alberta Posts: 1,509	Re: Bought C3500 basket case Just occurred to me that if they messed with the frame, then they messed with the brake lines, I would start there. __________________ DAVE Edmonton, Alberta 1959 Apache 1967 K20 1968 C20 1970 C10 1972 GMC 2500 1981 C10

04-27-2021, 03:50 AM	#6
BLAZERMAN Currently Blazerless Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: St. Joseph Mo. Posts: 4,828	Re: Bought C3500 basket case Is the SPID label still on the glove box lid? Just wonder if it started as a 133" or 157" wheel base. If it started as a 133" I would not see a need to both cut the frame and move spring hangers....Im betting they moved the spring hangers and bobbed the rear of frame. Its to bad they didnt hold out for a Longhorn bed. I just bought a 70 C/30 that still has the factory flatbed. It seems they usually get changed out to something else after a few different owners. __________________ 1972 C/30 133" W.B. C&C 1970 GMC 3500 157" W.B. single wheel C&C

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