Most painless way to fix bent front brake backing plates on a 1962 c10?

[tednet]

Long story short, the truck was transported twice without wheels. The back brake backing plates are good, but the front ones on the 1962 c10 have a bent lip on the bottom.

I need to make it a roller and I can't put the brake drums (which have the wheel studs) with the bent backing plates.

All the rusty brake hardware is getting trashed. I see two bolts. Will removing those let me take the backing plate off or is it more involved? Can I even put the drum on without a backing plate?

Is removing the spindle in order to straighten the plates a better approach?

Where can I even buy a replacement backing plate if I end up cutting out the lip?

Anyone ever tried using a big hammer and straightening them out while still on the car?

Honestly, any advice and tips are appreciated it. I just need to get it rolling.



Full size images: https://imgur.com/a/AvYuyrs

[Wrenchbender Ret]

You could take a torch or hacksaw & cut the bottom off of the backing plate. Then watch for a good used one & replace it when you rebuild the brakes.

[nsb29]

If your not going to use them a BFH should give you enough clearance

[tednet]

I ended up taking out all the brake hardware. Turned out the backing plate wasn't as tough to work on as I thought, a big hammer was enough to get it back to almost normal. Thanks for the input, everyone!

[demian5]

I'm thinking in this order (done it a few times):
1. Screwdriver
2. Huge channel locks
3. Crescent wrench