Brake Parts for 1947-55 Chevy GMC 3100 1st Series Trucks
Find brake parts built around 1947-55 Chevy and GMC 3100 1st Series trucks. Choose from front and rear disc brake conversions, power brake booster systems, master cylinders, proportioning valves, brake lines, hoses, and supporting components for stock and modified pickups.
Brake Options for 1947-55 Chevy and GMC 3100 Trucks
On a 1947-55 Chevy or GMC 3100, the braking system can evolve in stages. One truck may still use drums and an original-style master cylinder, while another may already have front discs, a different rear axle, and power assist. This collection covers different points in the build rather than assuming every truck starts from the same place.
The front wheels create one of the first major decisions. Disc brake conversions are available in both 5- and 6-lug configurations, letting the brake upgrade follow the wheel and hub setup rather than forcing every truck into the same pattern.
Moving toward the pedal changes the options again. Drum and disc brake master cylinder setups, firewall-mounted power boosters for different-year brakes, proportioning valves, residual valves, lines, and fittings let you build the hydraulic system around the brakes already at each end of the truck.
The rear axle can take the build in yet another direction. GM 10- and 12-bolt disc conversions support trucks that have moved away from the original rear end, while Hydropower components create a hydraulic-assist path for builds that do not use a conventional vacuum booster. The result is a collection that can support anything from preserving much of the factory brake layout to rebuilding the system from pedal to axle.
FAQ
How do I choose the right brake parts for my 1947-55 Chevy or GMC 3100?
Start with the exact model year and determine which braking components are currently installed. Check whether the truck has drums or discs, the front wheel bolt pattern, rear-end type, manual or power assist, master cylinder location, and wheel clearance. These trucks are often modified, so the current components can be more important than the original factory specifications when determining fitment.
Should I choose a 5-lug or 6-lug front disc brake conversion?
Base the choice on the wheel pattern and overall drivetrain setup you want to use. POL currently lists both 5-lug and 6-lug front disc brake conversions for 1947-59 Chevy and GMC 3100 trucks. Consider the existing wheels, rear axle bolt pattern, hubs, and any planned wheel changes so the front and rear configurations work with the direction of the build.
Can I convert my 1947-55 Chevy 3100 from drum brakes to front discs?
Yes. Front disc brake conversions make up a significant part of this collection, with both 5- and 6-lug configurations available. A conversion may also require changes elsewhere in the hydraulic system, so check the master cylinder, proportioning setup, brake hoses, wheel clearance, and existing rear brakes when planning the conversion.
Which power brake booster fits a 1947-55 Chevy or GMC 3100?
The correct system depends partly on the truck's year and mounting arrangement. POL lists a firewall-mounted power brake booster specifically for 1947-53 trucks and a separate firewall-mounted kit for 1954-55.1 1st Series models, along with another 1947-55 booster package. Check the exact year, pedal connection, firewall configuration, master cylinder, brake type, and available engine clearance before choosing.
Which master cylinder do I need for my Chevy 3100?
First determine whether the truck has drum brakes, front discs with rear drums, or four-wheel discs, then determine whether the brakes are manual or power assisted. POL offers a 1947-55 1st Series master cylinder kit for drum brakes and a manual master cylinder kit for disc brakes, along with other GM and Wilwood master cylinder configurations. The master cylinder should be matched to the complete brake system rather than selected by model year alone.
Can I add rear disc brakes to a 1947-55 Chevy or GMC 3100?
Yes, but the rear-end assembly determines which conversion will fit. The collection includes a rear disc brake conversion for GM 10- and 12-bolt rear ends. If the original rear end has been replaced, identify the housing, axle flange, bolt pattern, axle offset, and bearing configuration before choosing a rear kit.
What else should I check when planning a complete brake system for my 3100?
Look beyond the rotors and calipers. The master cylinder, proportioning valve, booster or manual pedal setup, brake hoses, hard lines, residual pressure requirements, wheel bearings, wheel clearance, and rear brakes all need to work together. The collection contains many of these supporting components, including proportioning valves, master cylinders, hoses, line kits, vacuum fittings, wheel-bearing conversion parts, and Hydropower plumbing.