So I stopped by my sweat shop yesterday (garage on hot day) and
checked-readjusted rear brakes several times. 1 Wheel required a
*minor* adjustment. Contrary to my earlier post, my adjustment method:
check, adjust, check, adjust (several times),
push brake pedal several times engine off and on then do a final recheck.
(I now understand that even if the wheel cylinder pistons are held out
by internal spring, they simply get held out to the shoe position as
established by adjuster bar and stronger return springs)
At this point, 1 click of adjuster wheel up/down will cause wheel to
noticeably slow or let brake shoes drag slightly. They are set to
"drag slightly". Turning wheel by hand, I can
feel a noticeable difference between these two settings.
Settings remained the same after brief road test.
With e-brake set, wheels off ground, I can final torque wheels.
E-brake was checked
with drums off.

Initially, the pedal felt as it usually did; pushing super hard, I
could hear and feel it bottom out as it. Slamming on brakes at ~ 20
MPH, fronts lock leaving an equal skid patch. No marks from rear
tires. I didn't note if pedal went to floor but it certainly had
enough pressure
to make brakes work.
Driving bus around, pedal height increased but I assume it may or may
not decrease after sitting unused. The odd part is that when pedal is
higher, coasting to a stop in neutral, I swear the sound of the shoes
and/or pads rubbing, is louder. (at idle, engine is quieter than
stock)

Contrary to my past history, I'm loath to throw parts at this but will
replace brake master cylinder..... again. I have a good near new spare
(1000 miles?) I'm tempted to use for experimental purposes but will
likely opt for the van-cafe "German" part. I'll contact them to see if
it's in fact made in Germany.
I have a spare pressure equalizer from my '85 but it may not work
given angles involved, mount holes. Image: http://tinyurl.com/pvn5lea
OEM part as installed, lower LH: http://tinyurl.com/okjlqwj

The bus is driveable as-is but I feel it can be improved.

Neil.

On 6/27/15, Neil N <musomuso@gmail.com> wrote:

> I'll adjust the shoes again and report back.

--
Neil n

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