37 brake cylinder cap replacement

[1937sedandelivery]

Hello,
I am restoring my 37 mechanical brakes. I intentionally adjusted the brake cylinder to maximum which popped the cylinder cap off. This let me clean it out and clean up the internals, while also applying slight heavy grease as lube.
Question: I purchased a new cap, now how do I install it? The cap OD is slightly larger than the cylinder diameter where it seats (see attachment). I tried angling the cap in and tapping it to start it in place, but no luck. Do I unbend the cylinder lip, install the cap and then bang the lip to fold it back over the cap?


Thanks,
gregg

[Brian]

I refit the original cap by using a socket that just matches the od of the cap and hitting it in with a hammer. It will go...

[JM 35 Sedan]

Originally Posted by Brian

I refit the original cap by using a socket that just matches the od of the cap and hitting it in with a hammer. It will go...

I do the exact same thing on my 35's.

[ford38v8]

First, I gotta take the opportunity to bash you for thinking that "New" can be better than original. However, I think I do see why the new as well as the old would not go in... It looks as if someone has used pliers to remove the cap in the past, bending the lip inward in three places.

I had removed mine the same way as you, while holding my breath, unsure if I was doing right! Yes, the original cap should go right on as easy as it came off.

[1937sedandelivery]

Bashing is always welcomed. My intent is to restore this beast to as original condition as possible. It is easy to start cutting corners.
That said, I found the original cap and have no idea how it became so mangled (see the attachment). I will try to smash it back into original shape, then clean up the cylinder opening and apply the socket method. I would think a slight tapping around the opening edge would be appropriate to prevent the cap from coming off.
And yes, I too was nervous to adjust the cylinder until the cap popped off, but it was uneventful.
Thanks everyone for the tips.
gregg

[JSeery]

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Is it ok to post it as photo.

[1937sedandelivery]

If that question is directed to me, I don't know the answer. I assume it is ok.
BTW, just got the original cap installed!!!
gregg

[JSeery]

Originally Posted by 1937sedandelivery

If that question is directed to me, I don't know the answer. I assume it is ok.
BTW, just got the original cap installed!!!
gregg

It's your image, just didn't want to jump into posting it without saying something! Thought it might be easier to view as part of the thread without having to open an attachment. I can remove it if you would prefer.

[1937sedandelivery]

Ah, I misread your question. Sure, definitely ok to post the photo, thanks.
BTW, I don't know how to do that, so I always make it an attachment. It must be simple to post a photo, how is this done? Paste it in the message box, along with the text?
gregg

[JSeery]

Click Go Advanced, there is a paper clip on the top bar, click the down arrow and you get a dropdown menu. Select and you get a popup menu. Select the the photo from your computer file. Then select the Upload botton on the side that converts it and wait for it to appear in the space below. Go back to the Quick Reply window and select Post Quick Reply. There are other ways to post photos as well. Just be sure the photo file size is under 500Kb.

[RalphM]

I had the same issue with the wide five screw in front hub cap. No matter what I did the repop ones would not fit, so I ended up straightening originals.