Brakes, drum, obsolete (but you knew that, right?)

The shoes wear and are not (Usually) self-adjusting. That means you must adjust them periodically. It's a process of using a screwdriver tip to turn a little wheel inside that moves the shoes out closer to the drum. If you take the car to a brake shop before the trip, they can pull the drums and maybe turn them. You can then see how the stuff in there works.

When drums get hot, they expand away from the shoes, thus the brakes fade. Getting water in there lubricates the shoes, thus the brakes fade.

Practice by driving through puddles, if possible. Stepping on wet brakes can feel as if the car speeds up, due to your wrong anticipation.

Steering almost demands that the car be in motion when turning the wheel, Even verrry slowly moving makes a difference.

Down-shifting into first requires double-clutching. 2 -N - 1, and while in N, rev up a bit.

Good Lucy,

Bob

:>)

PS: Had similar set-up on my 1947 Chevy. How things do change.