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looking for solutions to have my '66 Starfire brake system in a good state. I started to look into replacing rear drum brake components (drums, shoes, wheel cylinder, hardware kit)...
1. Rear brake drums
On my car, original drum brakes are mounted on the rear axle. one of the drum was still the original shape, the other one had already been replaced with a different type (which still fitted mechanically). The part number of this drum was C-2263 (manufacturer: Centric). Attached some pics of my previous setup: Original brake drum (left side)
Replacement Centric C-2263 drum (right side)
Detail view of replacement Centric C-2263 drum (right side)
Casting detail of replacement Centric C-2263 drum (right side)
Inner view of replacement Centric C-2263 drum (right side)
Problem: Unfortunately, for service replacement neither the original brake drums nor the Centric C-2263 are still available. So far, this reflects what was also written in other related threads.
So, I had to identify a new brake drum type. Comparing all characteristics and especially searching for drums fitting a 5x5 wheel bolt pattern and with nominal brake dimensions of 11” diameter and 2” show width, I found out that rear drums will fit from the rear axle of a 1974 Chevrolet C10 Pickup truck. Also, according to this post (Link: ClassicOldsmobile forum) such drums should fit. They have the additional advantage of being equipped with cooling fins.
I checked the available 11x2" drums for 1974 C10 pickup on Rockauto (since I can conveniently order from this company to my home in Germany/Europe) and ordered a set of drums. I personally selected the BendixPDR0254.
Solution: They fit and work really fine! See the attached pictures for reference:
Inner view of my new Bendix PDR0254
Bolt pattern & center hole comparison of the new Bendix PDR0254 vs. my old Centric C-2263. Fits nicely, just the center hole is ~0.4mm bigger on the new Bendix drum
Side view comparison of the new Bendix PDR0254 vs. my old Centric C-2263.
New Bendix PDR0254 mounted on axle. Fits nicely
Detail view
Top view of new Bendix PDR0254. Also the fit towards the backing plate looks good
Remarks:
Disclaimer: This worked for me personally, brake function & performance is fine, clearance is given and I have no noise. Of course I don't guarantee that this works for you, you do the changes on your car at own risk.
The only downside of these drums is that they lack the slot to tune the adjuster wheel
Rim clearance: This mmust be checked in each individual case, especially when using original 14” wheels. But in my case with 15x8.5 Ansen Sprint Wheels, clearance was no issue at all.
2. Rear brake shoes
CAUTION: Do NOT order parts like Centric since they have wrong (round) slots for the park brake lever. Check product images before ordering.
For the shoes, you should order parts which are listed to fit for the Olds 98 of 1967, e.g. Power Stop B462 or Bosch BS272. See following pics:
Correct trapezodial shape of park brake lever slot (top-most hole in the brake shoe)
"Wrong" round hole for park brake lever
3. Rear drum hardware kit
CAUTION: Also here, the listed kit for 1966 Olds Starfire includes wrong springs and cannot be used!
Look for “1969 Oldsmobile 98 7.0l” hardware kit instead, e.g. Dynamic Friction P/N 37046005.
4. Rear drum adjusters
Use Dorman HW1544 (left), and Dorman HW1545 (right), or similar (these are the same P/N’s for front and rear brake).
5. Open question
Having solved the "obsolete rear brake components" topic, I hope this helps anybody interested. Now, I am very curious about the same topic for the front axle. There, we talk about 11x2.5" shoes and drum friction surface. Shoes are available, but no solution seems to exist for the front drums.
So my question to you is: Did anybody of you guys find a replacement front brake drum which works for the '66 Starfire?
Since you are from Germany , I don’t expect you to call —- you can private message me …..
Let me correct a couple things —- C2263 is NOT for centric , a Chineseum company , whose doors are presently shuttered , due to money mismanagement ( you can read about the two Malaysian brothers who are I. Jail right now , because of billions of dollars of misappropriation)
Google “ First Brands situation “ — interesting reading …….
C2263 is the old CENTURY part number —- a great company that went out of business in 1991 , with the start of the Chineseum world of warpable brake drums……
The Front Brake Drums and Brake Shoes are NOT 11 “ x 2 1/2 “ —- they are
in fact , 11 “ x 2 3/4 “…..
I have the absolute Greatest Brake Shoes ever —- *** N.O.S. ***Asbestos***
Brake Shoes —- for Front and Rear —- the softest , smooooooothest braking system known to mankind , and they do not rip up Brake Drums to smithereens……
You would have to check the Asbestos Laws in Germany , however…
Australia and New Zealand are serious anti - Asbestos countries —- and not only will they be confiscated if someone tries to bring them into those countries , but the individual receives a heavy fine !!!
This is a great post. Many thanks for the part number citations and your specifics. I have been worried about finding these service parts for 25 years.
