Finding parts for early versions of equipment has been a challenge. Improvements to equipment results in the old part being removed from inventory and the new parts being stocked. For my M101 made in 1953 (coincidentally the same year as the truck) it did not come with service brake levers, and it appears they were removed quite a long time ago. The previous owner had purchased M101 levers, but they are the newer improved type, and the bracket did not fit, and even if it did would not engage the brake cable correctly.
After some extensive research I found the brake lever type and a source for the handles, but not the brackets they mount to. I got the handles from http://powderriverordnance.com – who has an interesting selection of parts and manuals. The brackets simply couldn’t be found, but I asked a local machine shop if they could make one from photos and the trailer and they stated they could. The staff at http://meridenmachineshop.com / http://www.randsmaintenance.com were very helpful and did a very high quality job making and fitting the parts.
I’ll have to adjust the brakes now, since the cables aren’t set, and then test it, but I know the levers on the drums work from when I serviced the wheel hubs and the levers/cables work so I just have to tension them appropriately now. Once that it done, I can park and disconnect this trailer safely without fear of it rolling away. I have read that these levers tend to pinch your hand, which may be why they were replaced, so I’ll have to wear gloves when operating them which isn’t really a bad idea in any case when disconnecting the trailer.
I have the later style M101 brake levers if someone needs that type, I cannot use them with my setup.
