going to do the brakes --

[Burchtree]

If time allows this weekend, I'm going to find a way to get the gorilla lock nuts off my wheels (no key :-[ ) and take the rotors to be turned and tune up the brakes. Should I do anything else while I've got it apart? I've got a 76 and it has the factory hubs.

 

[Skiddy]

I would check and grease your wheel bearings while your at it. The locking lug nuts you can weld a nut to the end of them.

 

[DonsBolt]

Call a few tire dealers in your area, one of them may have a master wheel lock set

 

[Burchtree]

I've tried a few, but no one seems to have one. I'll keep checking because its going to be a PITA to get every single lug nut off.

Edited to add -- #@$#$# PO.

 

[Skiddy]

I've tried a few, but no one seems to have one. I'll keep checking because its going to be a PITA to get every single lug nut off.

Edited to add -- #@$#$# PO.

You have all locking lug nuts some po's?:?

 

[Apogee]

Good luck with the locking lugnuts...I had (4) to deal with when I bought my '77 and I remember it taking about 4 hours and lots of work to get them off. I finally used a socket with reverse internal threads and while it wasn't great, it did eventually work when combined with heat and patience.

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=SUM-900460&N=700+115&autoview=sku

You may want to check your front axle u-joints and spindle bearings while you've got everything torn down. I know mine were pretty rough, so I replaced them all.

 

[mountain14er]

They say welding a nut to the lock nut can be an easy way to get these off.

As far as other work, I would check the price of new rotors. You might be surprised to see that it's not much more than having them turned.

 

[Burchtree]

ah, I might have some luck -- found a guy that can have a key here by tomorrow. ;D

I can't wait to get into those drum brakes, I haven't worked on those since the old fastback.

 

[Mikey]

I'd turn the rotors only if you feel a pulsing of the pedal. If not, just break the glaze (scuff up the rotor surface) with some heavy grit sand paper or emery cloth. If you are concerned, then you could also check the thickness of the rotor to ensure it's in specs.

 

[Burchtree]

I felt it through the wheel and it feels like a glacier went over them. But, I'm all for saving some dough.

 

[mp]

I would change your wheel bearings out if you have not done so in the last 10k miles, or you are unsure of the history of your truck. Good, cheap insurance.