So, how did it go with the baster? Do you have functioning brakes?
Looking at your photos, the first thing I’d say is to clean them up. Rust on the pad retaining bolts and return springs is not good, it may inhibit the release action.
The old EKN had a thread about getting Brakes to work well. Find that here:
http://eknclassic.com/viewtopic.php?t=111402&highlight=
Let us know how your system is working….