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I don't know about new ones, but I've got some used ones if you can't find replacements that are new. If nobody comes up with a source for you let me know and I can dig out a pair to measure and see if they're still useable. I've got several sets but some are loose and some are on parts cars. John
I would first try getting your current drums turned if possible and then getting some drums from John if he has some that can be turned. They will be better quality (not made in China) and probably cheaper. Just a reminder that your wheels on the left side are left handed threads.
Well here it is the passenger side had the what seems to be the original packed bearing and spindle compared to the driver's side with a sealed unit.
I prefer the sealed unit over the other plus the rotor on the passenger side has cracking inside.
I've had her for a year and spent time getting to know her and saving to upgrade all I could so I can get her out.
Ok learning curve
I thought that it was 2 different type drums but not the case .
The drum on the driver's side slid off but on the passenger side seized itself to the hub.
Either way I believe that I will put new shoes and some better drums and I'll be good.
OK, this was the easiest one for me to reach. It came off a 1955 front axle, the tags on the car had expired in 1973 so it has been sitting for a while. Glenn, do you know if the 1954 and 55 drums interchange? Funny thing is I slid the drum/hub off the spindle and there were no brakes inside! It does look like the drum has been turned, but I don't see any numbers stamped into it saying what the maximum diameter is. For you vintage Olds guys on the site, what do you think? Can you see anything that would indicate this is turned too far, or OK to use? The inner bearing is the rollers, the outer bearing is sealed but there was no dust cover on it so the bearings likely need replaced. Let me know if you'd like to see close-ups of any areas. If this doesn't interchange I do have some 1954 drums, its just that this was the easiest one to get to and pull. John
John, I don't know for sure but I can't imagine the 54 and 55 drums are different. They did change to tube shocks in 55 but I doubt they changed the brakes drums. I just checked Kanter and they list the same brake drums for 52 to 58 and they are on sale for $89/each. You should be able to take the drums to any auto parts store that turns drums and they can tell you real quick if they can be turned. I did not see any brake drums listed with Fusick.
Glenn
53 thru 56 front brake hub and drum assemblies are the same , almost .
53 thru 56 right hand drums are the same . 54 thru 56 left hand drums are the same , but the 1953 LH drums are a different number .
Check group 6.306 on this page ;
[QUOTE=2blu442;1165283] It does look like the drum has been turned, but I don't see any numbers stamped into it saying what the maximum diameter is. For you vintage Olds guys on the site, what do you think? Can you see anything that would indicate this is turned too far, or OK to use? /QUOTE]
Maximum drum diameters were not put on drums until some time in the late sixties or early ,seventies .
However , there is consensus among most machinists that a drum cannot be safely turned more than .090 oversize .
If your drums were originally 11 inches , the maximum diameter that they can be turned is 11.090 .
It looks like they might have been turned a little, but there seems to be a lot of meat left. The object to turning drums is to take off the minimum amount of metal just to true them.
They were probably turned originally, that's why they have a "machining step" Until you measure them accurately, its a guess. Cracking would be a problem. When drums go out of round, they become oval or egg shaped, possibly worn bigger. Either way, measuring size and out of roundness will clear up doubts. Its nice to know that "reproductions" are available. Tapered bearings would be a good idea.
April 4th, 2019, 07:19 PM
