You might check McMaster-Carr.

https://www.mcmaster.com/products/springs/springs-2~/

David,

I have a rolling chassis from a '34 Master, the front end has been changed out to one with juice brakes. I could rob the rear springs for you, if you don't find them anywhere else. Do you have a sample for comparison to generic springs at the hardware store?

Mike Russell

Columbia, MO

That's a generous offer Mike!  I will need to pull off a drum (for the 87th time!) to get a good measurement of the springs.  I've avoided the generic route as I have not found any specifics regarding the spring tension, diameter of the wire used, etc.  Also the hook ends should swivel as the originals.  

I'll get back under the car this week and advise you of my findings.  

Best,

DH

David,

I have never been sure why the ends need to swivel. As long as they are pointed in the same direction, they should work. I always thought the swivel design made the springs more vulnerable to breaking. I just took a look at some NORS springs for '34/'35 Standard and they are not the swivel type. My friend's '35 Standard Coupe is on my lift with the axels out. It has plain springs. It has been a while since I saw the original springs in my Coupe. If asked to guess, I would have said swivel type, but I really don't know. 

Those springs have a pretty simple job. They are just supposed to get mad when you apply the brakes, and try to undo what you have done, when you take your foot away. It's not Rocket Spring Science.

All that being said, like you, I would try my best to find the real thing, before substituting something else.

Mike

@david-hill David, I may have some used ones from a '34 Master. It will take a day or two to find them if you are interested.

David,

Look at eBay number 364176349876. Looks like 2 different springs, but worth a look.

Mike

Guys,

Many thanks for all your help!  I am probably over-thinking this whole project but I'm trying to resolve a brake binding issue on my '35 Master.  I am using OEM/NOS asbestos brake linings.  I've sanded the inside of the drums to break the glaze, lubed all the pivot points and the cables (front and rear) and made many many adjustments at each wheel.  The idea to replace the brake return springs is yet another attempt to eliminate possible causes to binding and pulling.  

Today I pulled a drum off and took the following measurements.  The overall spring diameter is 1/2".  The coil wire is roughly .105".  The 'inside hook' dimension (not stretched) is 6.125".  When looking at various online spring catalogs I've not come across the OEM dimension.  The catalogs also reference a load rating but again I have no idea what the original rating was.  The swivel feature on the originals seems to serve no real purpose as was suggested.  

My next step is to go rummaging through the local hardware drawers to see if I can find a match.  No need right now for any of you to rob parts off your cars!  I'll keep searching and advise if/when I find something worthwhile!

Thanks to all!

DH

@35mike 

Yes, I saw those the other day.  I think those on Ebay are the brake pedal/pivot arm return springs, not the shoe tension/return springs.  By the way, I've already replaced the pedal return spring with one from my local hardware store...and they are a bugger to replace!  

David, I will jump in again and say that the longer spring int the eBay photos looks like the shoe return spring on the '35 Standard, in my shop. What I mean is, it could be the "Master" version of the spring I see here. I'm puzzled by the short springs in the auction since the parts book states that all the return springs are the same, front and back, so 4 are required. $20 is a lot for one usable spring.

I'm still thinking that a generic spring from the hardware store could be made to work.

Mike

If all else fails I have quite a few shoe return springs of different styles and lengths. If you can post a picture with dimensions, I might be able to match it up.

Dave

I found that later model springs are virtually identical to the originals!  A friend with a '45 GMC pickup had NORS springs and said 'try these.'  As you can see in the picture they are the same length (6 1/8" inside hook ends) but perhaps a hair smaller diameter coil wire.  (new on the left with longer hook ends, original on the right). My unscientific measuring method found them to have roughly the same tension as the originals.  The major difference is the shape of the hook end, but these fit fine with no modification needed.  The bad news is they have not helped solve my braking issues but they have eliminated one possibility.  Progress!