Did you know that the factory front drums were riveted to the hubs, so you take them off by removing the outer wheel bearing. To me that sounds like it may be your problem.

@dennis-christianson Well, Dennis, I did not know that. Where are the rivets located? From what I've could see, the brake linings and wheel cylinders have been replaced at least on the rear wheels. I can't imagine how the drums would be riveted to the drums? Tell me. 

Edit note: I googled that bit of information and you are absolutely correct. The article said it was done for ease of assembly at the factory and were not necessary beyond that. So, if my drums had ever been off the rivets are probably gone. I'm going to get my 41 manual out and see if I can find out anything further. Thanks for the information.

@jerry-berry Jerry, On most rear wheel drive cars, it is typical to remove the front hub assembly to access the front brakes. Having a seized brake would certainly complicate the removal. I have never had a puller available to me for this operation. Instead, I have employed the age old, "brute force and awkwardness" method. Applying copious amounts of fowl language seems to aid the process.

I might be able to scare up a drum for you if you cannot find one elsewhere. 

Mike

Posted by: @35mike

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Applying copious amounts of fowl language seems to aid the process.

 

Mike

I see we attended the same school system........

Well, the family I bought this old car from are "Snowbirds" and are preparing to move away from Tennessee's frigid weather, so I had to get the car out of their garage or leave it until they come back in the spring. In all honesty, they are really nice people and they have accommodated my intrusions to get the car at least to a rolling status. Instead of trying to free the break drum and prevent simply dragging the car with a locked wheel onto my beautiful trailer, I used one of my wheel dollies and pulled it up on my trailer without a single bad word. So, the 41 Coupe is seeing direct daylight for the first time in more than 10 years. 

It's a great feeling to get them some fresh air after a long sleep isn't it. My old 38 below.

@tiny Exactly, Tiney. I pulled my 54 out of a garage where it had been stored for 10 or 12 years. I was certain the car didn't need tons of work to get it running again and looking good. After spending $4,000 in parts I did just that and the car was a gem. At a barbeque, the guy I bought it from (older and not in great shape) approached me and said, "Jerry, if you ever decide to sell her, please give me first shot at it." I Charlie loved the car but just didn't have the energy to do the work. So, long story short, I sold it to him for what I had in it. I don't know that I've ever bought a barn/garage find with the intent of selling it for a profit, but I can tell you, the grin on Charlie's face as he backed the 54 Belair out of my drive was priceless.

You've got a nice 38 there Tiney. Did you ever finish bringing her back? AND, I just noticed you posted pictures...didn't know that was allowed. 

NOTE: I just realized the 38 is the one in your profile pic. Very nice.

I found a drum for my 41 on eBay. The guy is asking if it's a Series AG or Series AH. I have no clue what he's talking about. Any clues?

@jerry-berry 

I recently sold it and it's living in New Jersey now. Following 'clutch side' surgery on my running gear, it was difficult for me to drive it and my son wasn't as enamored with the car as I was. It needed to be driven more than it was so I sold it to a collector in Jersey who promised to baby her.

@jerry-berry AH is Special Deluxe, AG is Master Deluxe. The Chevy Parts Catalog says they use the same drums front and rear for both series.

Mike

Ok

@35mike Thanks, Mike. I wasn't aware of the AG AH designations...where did you find that info. I have the shop manual and the original user manual and couldn't find anything about those designations.  I ordered one disk from Chevs of the 40s. I also ordered a new fuel tank from Tanks Inc today. The original was leaking and showing signs of rust. I am really anxious to get her running. I hope the engine is in as good a shape as the body of the car. 

On another subject: is that you in the pics with the 38 Chevy? Looks like you're a Vietnam Vet. Me too, 1968-69 Air Force, Phan Rang AB, Red Horse Engineers.

@jerry-berry Jerry, Tiny has the 1938 coupe. I am not sure who is in the pictures of the rescue.

The Series designation came from a Chevrolet Master Parts Catalog. Your cars I.D. tag should have two letters as the 2nd and 3rd characters the number. The first character tells where the car was built. 4th and 5th characters are the month it was built.

That is a great looking car. Congratulations.

Mike 

Posted by: @jerry-berry

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On another subject: is that you in the pics with the 38 Chevy? Looks like you're a Vietnam Vet. Me too, 1968-69 Air Force, Phan Rang AB, Red Horse Engineers.

The fellow in the leather jacket is an old friend locally. The blue jacket with the horizontal stripe is my son.