Starfire information

[66starfire]

Ok since Im not getting responses in brakes, Ill try here.

I have 2 extra drums, with olds bolt pattern, wondering what size drums 66 starfires have. the drums were mic'd at 11.155 and 11.053 we machined them and now they are bigger. just wondering if they could be original drums? and if anyone know what discard specs might be for them?

second, how can I find which steering system and or brake system I have. I think I could ahve either saginaw or TRW, and Delco Morraine or Bendix brakes. how can i figure this out?

[Oldsmaniac]

I 've driven a 66 Delta convert daily for 10 years and never had brake fade and never had a stopping problem. The power brakes were so great that mearly a light pedal pressure was all that was needed. I would suspect your car needs the complete go around with new master cylinder, wheel cylinders, rubber hoses (3)...very important on a single reservoir brake system, (had one crack on my car and lost all brakes)...Also change the shoes...Get a factory shop manual, it will tell you every technical thing you need to know. The questions you ask are technical in nature and not ones that a person would be able to answer from recollection. Ya need the book

[keith6989]

Fusick can tell you all about drums and they have lots of parts, USA parts suppliers will also tell you for sure to.

[Mister]

Howdy,

I think I can help you with at least part of your questions. The two master brake cylinder types can easily be distinguished by looking at their caps over the reservoir. If it's a metal dome with a bail that you have to pry up, then it's the Moraine type. If the cover is a simpler screw-on flat-top cap, then it's the Bendix type.

That's the good news. The bad news is that this is only true if you still have the original master cylinder. Unfortunately replacement assemblies sold nowadays all use the bail-type cover, for both Moraine and Bendix styles.

As to the steering linkage differences, there is a small distinction to be found when looking at the tie rods. Find the tie rod grease zerks. Saginaw grease zerks are fairly smooth on the sides, and have a gentle slope. Imagine a partly-melted Hershey's kiss which has lost its sharp tip. If it's a Thompson-style linkage, its tie rod grease zerks have no "curves". The very tip of the zerk has a flat top, which then comes to a small bezel. Another distinction appears just around the grease zerks. With Thomson tie rods, the whole area surrounding the zerk (maybe a half inch in diameter) appears to be sunk into the unit, with a seperate metal piece reaching around the edges. On Saginaw units, this whole area is flat, and looks like it is comprised of a single piece of metal.

FYI, I got all this info from the Oldsmobile Service manual, and have not personally verified it for correctness. I have an electronic copy of the manual, but it is far too large to upload to this forum. If you have some place where I would be able to upload the manual, I would be happy to do so for you.

Mister

[RadioJunkie]

I believe you should review your manual. Or, contact a creditable mechanic in your area.

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