Classic/Antique Car Repair: backing plate removal, radius rod, brake levers

Question
Jack, I am now trying to remove a rear backing plate with brakes still attached on a '31 model a. Am following Andrews' book on page 1-40. Can't get it off. Am I supposed to remove the bolts holding the radius rod to axle? I could then let brake levers loose from assembly but am thinking there's a lot of pressure on rear spring. Is something going to go BOOM? There seems to be NO WAY the levers are going to fit through the "Y" opening of end of radius rod.

Answer
Yes they will.  Just turn the rr brk lever about 180 deg and it will fish out.  Put it in the same way.  You have to take off the emergency brk lever, and don't lose the key when you take it off.  Loosen the bolt and pull it off the shaft.  Now you have only one lever to deal with.  Rotate it until it will come out.  You have to twist the backing plate around to get the lever through the hole.  Do not take the rr spring apart.  It will go boom and ruin your whole day.  
 If you have to put in new rr brk lever bushings, you will have to remove the lever to get the shaft out.  Big job, but nothing you can't handle.  Just a lot of work. Stick with it.
jack