Posted 4/2/2015 21:32 (#4493008) Subject: 1963 C60 Chevrolet truck air brakes
Milford, IL
I bought a 1963 Chevy C60 truck with air brakes. I need some help understanding how the brake system on this truck works so that I can better maintain the brake system.
The truck has an air compressor under the hood and an air gauge in the instrument panel to show air pressure in the system. It also has an air tank mounted under the cab like a more modern truck would have. The brakes currently work great and will stop the truck IMMEDIATELY if the operator applies the same amount of pressure to the brake pedal that would be required to stop a similar truck with hydraulic brakes.
The truck seems to have a hydraulic fluid reservoir mounted on the firewall with air lines leading to and from it? The drum style brakes also seem to have hydraulic bleeders? The cab of the truck does not have a 'Push to Release' knob like a moden air-brake equipped truck would have.
How does this brake system work? The seller stated that the truck had sat idle for two years and the brakes did not give any trouble when it was returned to service. What should I look for?
I had intended to remove the 14' grain box and mount a gooseneck plate to the frame and use the truck to pull a 37' tandem dual gooseneck trailer to haul hay out of the field (26k load). The truck is not worth much (and I didnt pay much for it) and I would hate to cause an accident if the brake system in question is prone to failure. Thanks in advance.
Posted 4/2/2015 21:50 (#4493070 - in reply to #4493008) Subject: RE: 1963 C60 Chevrolet truck air brakes
Liberty, MO
My guess, and only a guess, Air over Hydraulic, instead of vacuum over hydraulic as is usually found on 2 ton trucks. Does the compressor have its own oil supply or is it tied into the engine, air cooled or liquid cooled. My dad bought a 63 Chevy 60 series years ago that had been modified with Air over Hyd, With a tag axle that was straight air brakes, had to pedal easy or slide the wheels.
Posted 4/3/2015 00:33 (#4493291 - in reply to #4493008) Subject: RE: 1963 C60 Chevrolet truck air brakes
Fresno, California
Neighbor has a 65 Chevrolet C60 with the same set up with a duel master cylinder, the truck brakes are hydraulic and the air is used for a trailer with air brakes. The duel master cylinder is no longer available, it is easy to remove the lines from the duel master cylinder and just use the vacuum booster.
Posted 4/3/2015 08:15 (#4493616 - in reply to #4493008) Subject: RE: 1963 C60 Chevrolet truck air brakes
Sac & Story county IA
Does your trailer have air brakes? You can probably get trailer brakes from that system. Try to use trailer brakes as much as possible. Over use of truck brakes will make them more prone to leaks.
On the wheel cylinders, it is just the age is against you. If one of the wheel cylinders start to leak, you may as well plan on doing them all. There are guys that put a stainless sleeve in them to get a smooth surface for the rubber cups to move on. If you get a leaker, you probably can't hone the cylinder good enough not to cut out the new seal.
May as well not try Chevrolet for parts. Hemmings motor news is your friend for restorations.
Posted 4/3/2015 11:17 (#4494055 - in reply to #4493616) Subject: RE: 1963 C60 Chevrolet truck air brakes
Milford, IL
Trailer has electric brakes on both axles.
After a quick google search, it appears that the truck does indeed have 'air over hydraulic' or 'air assisted hydraulic' brakes. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.
1963 C60 Chevrolet truck air brakes
