Exactly! The guy who did mine (prior owner) used the wrong parking brake cable (didn't reach or fit in) that I had to cut out with a grinder. Because the parking brakes were not hooked up, he removed the parking brake levers and shoe link/springs so they would not bounce around freely inside the drum. I used that brake handle almost a year before I found out it wasn't connected to anything!
The rear brakes have adjustment and things that can go wrong with them only (parking brake). They should be adjusted and tested separately. You may want to do the front or back only, test them and then do the other pair. Have a working "E"/Parking brake before testing the drums in case anything goes wrong!!! Also makes it easier to isolate any problems.

 

Thanks for all the replies, very helpfull info. I would rather get opinions and tips than dive in with no knowledge. Iv'e done disc brakes and that was pretty simple. I knew drums were going to be different. Guess it's time get the parts and get started.

 

I have a 65, i'm sure the 64.5 isn't too different. This site has free instructions and parts that aren't over priced. http://www.discbrakeswap.com/

 

That's a pretty cool link. Looks like a nice kit for the money.