Stuck brakes on a '73 Brave

[ellie & Chandler Lewis]

So ellie and I bought a '73 Brave a month ago.  I drove it and inspected it, and everything seemed fine.  It was around 30 degrees Farhenheit.  A week later I go to pick it up -- it's now 16 degrees Farhenheit -- and try to drive it home, but the brakes are stuck.  The guy I bought it from knows nothing.  He received it as payment for a painting job.  The original owner kept receipts and records and even napkin-notes and brochures, so I know it's been well taken care of for most of its life.  Until now.

Anyone know where I should start?  I'm going to wait until the temp. gets back above freezing, just in case that matters.  Anyone have experience with the brake adjuster star, and if that may be the culprit?

Forgive my ignorance here -- I'm learning as I go!

--Chandler

[Ronald Witt]

Chandler,

Congratulations! I've always had a sweet spot for the older Winnebago Braves. They are build on a heavy frame. I'm with you on the wait until it's a little warmer. I guess I'd throw a floor jack under each wheel and find out which one is hung up. Then look for an adjuster slot on the backing plate . Going one way or the other try to back off that wheel's brake shoes until the wheel will turn with some drag.They have a bent wrench that they call a brake adjuster tool. It has two different angles on it so you can back the star wheel off and make the brake shoes move in slightly. Good luck with it. Post some pictures please, Would love to see what you start with and how it comes out. Good luck, great project!

[ellie & Chandler Lewis]

Great, thanks for your help Ronald.  I had read about the bent wrench (same as the "brake spoon" some people talk about?) and am looking for one now.  I'll put a few pictures up on my page right now so you can see her.

Looks like at least a week before we get out of the 20s though!  Brrr.  Bad time of year to be wrenching on anything.

[Tony durfey]

Hi Chandler,

   The temp may well be your problem.  Moisture can freeze the shoe to the drum.  Also if the e-brake was set sometimes the brake shoe will rust to the brake drum.  If not the temp thing then you will need to pull the drums off and check/clean and or replace parts as needed.  Not a hard job, it is dirty work.  "You Tube" has how to videos.  Hope this helps, Tony, Joy and Cool Paw Luke

[ellie & Chandler Lewis]

Thank you, Tony.  Going to watch some YouTube right now...

(BTW, is Cool Paw your pup?  We have a Husky who's itching to hit the road.)

[Tony durfey]

Yep,

   Luke would be "The Dog"  He not a swimmer but loves to walk in the water.  Hence his full name.  Sure a pretty pup you folks have.  Fair winds, Tony, Joy and Cool Paw Luke

[Douglas R O,leary]

What a beautiful American classic, best of luck with it. I used to have a 1969 brave I'm currently fixing up a 1973 Dodge class-C. Any mechanical questions you have don't hesitate to ask I know those Dodge chassis pretty well, also when the weather gets warm you should clean the roof using soap mixed with bleach park the motorhome on a slight hill or drive it up on ramps so that the water runs off rince it well, when it dry's give it a coat of (cool seal) it's a silver material, you apply it with a paint brush. Taking care of the roof to insure that it Does'nt leak is very important on these older motorhomes leaky roofs is a very common problem. anyhow  best of luck talk to ya later.....Doug    Long island, New York