At 01:34 AM 8/10/2001, Sean Lynch wrote:
>I've collected all new parts, except for backing plates

If you get to taking these off another van, know that the pivot-piece at
the bottom (where the bottoms of the shoes rest) is spotwelded to the
backing plate.  There is a dowel pin through it -- it may be easier (and
it's certainly possible) to twist it back and forth and remove it
separately.  No harm done, except embarrassment if you didn't realize the
weld was there.  You can grind down the nub and weld/braze it back together
-- or not.  Like the little bolts on the drum, the weld appears to be there
for ease of assembly, not for any structural purpose.  Also, the pivot
forks themselves will probably be frozen into that support -- they're
supposed to be free to rotate.  A good solid dose of heat on the support
will break them loose where you can wiggle them enough to get them out
(then free them up and grease them).  It doesn't seem as though they should
need to rotate, but they're supposed to be able to.

david

David Beierl - Providence, RI
  http://pws.prserv.net/synergy/Vanagon/
'84 Westy "Dutiful Passage"
'85 GL "Poor Relation"