Re-use these drums?

Scoopy G

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I was thinking of re-using these rear brake drums....NOT! It's amazing that the car actually would stop, not at any speed of course. So now I'm doing a complete brake overhaul again, the second one in the last 4 months. I will have questions, so stay tuned.... Rich

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The car was a street find up in Columbus last month. Owner was moving, car had a bad ammeter and wouldn't start. I was at the right place at the right time. C-body forum helped e diagnose the electrical issues. I had it shipped here to Tampa, which cost 800, so the buy-in was just $2050. Now she runs great, but the brakes are a fright as you can see. Almost the same story with the '63 Riviera, except the Riv cost me 6K.
 
Have the machine shop MIC the drums, if they can safely be turned, go ahead and use them as even a little rusty they are probably still better than the ChiCom replacements. If the inner radius of the drum(s) next to the backing plates show severe erosion with gaps along the outer edge, the drums will need to be replaced. The backing plates are severely rusted and should be replaced. This car has seen salt so check all the steel brake lines carefully. Car looks nice otherwise. Note the rear axle brake line is improperly routed.

Dave
 
I have new drums, from Advance Auto Parts actually. I was joking of course about re-using the old drums, the back rim is all but rusted off.
 
6k for the Riv!?? 2050 for the Newpie?!! Let me know when you are done with that horsehoe up your arse! Lol!!
Great scores and yeah keep posting!!
 
There's a chap up the road from my parent's house with a silver 65 Riv that I've never seen leave his garage ... last I saw it it had become a shelving unit. I was obsessed with that car from an early age. I don't believe I'll be having that for 6K.

Awesome cars, man. Best of luck with em.
 
$6K for the Rivera? Wow... I looked at a '64 once... The guy was hot for the C4 Corvette I had. That was worth about $7.5k at the time and he wanted $2k with the Corvette for the '64 Riv that wasn't anywhere near as nice as my Corvette.
 
$6K for the Rivera? Wow... I looked at a '64 once... The guy was hot for the C4 Corvette I had. That was worth about $7.5k at the time and he wanted $2k with the Corvette for the '64 Riv that wasn't anywhere near as nice as my Corvette.

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OK, new problem: I was trying to order new brake parts from a supplier, and they asked if I had 2 3/4" front brakes, or 3". I hadn't pulled the front brakes apart at that time, so I just bought both sizes. Then today I got one of the front drums off, and the shoes measure 2 1/2", just like the rears. The wear surface inside the drum looks like 2 1/2" as well.
What's the deal? Thanks for all your collective help, it's most appreciated. Rich in Tampa
 
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OK, new problem: I was trying to order new brake parts from a supplier, and they asked if I had 2 3/4" front brakes, or 3". I hadn't pulled the front brakes apart at that time, so I just bought both sizes. So today I got one of the front drums off, and the shoes measure 2 1/2", just like the rears. The wear surface inside the drum looks like 2 1/2" as well.
SO, what's the deal? Thanks for all your collective help, it's most appreciated. Rich in Tampa

Typically 383 Newports had self adjusting 2-3/4 front drums and 2-1/2 rear drums.
Except 383 or 440 with tow package got 3 inch wide drums without the self adjusters.
440 cars (300 and NYer) had 3 inch front drums and 2-1/2 rear drums.

I measure the drum inner surface not the shoes just in case the wrong shoes were installed.
I bet the front shoes are too narrow,but may be wrong.
 
Thanks as always CBARGE. My setup does have self adjusters, and no indication of any tow package. It sounds like the big 3" drums came with the tow package, and thus the 2.5" shoes I found on the front of my car are probably incorrect...and the fronts should be 2.75". Does that sound right?
 
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Thanks as always CBARGE. My setup does have self adjusters, and no indication of any tow package. It sounds like the big 3" drums came with the tow package, and thus the 2.5" shoes I found on the front of my car are probably incorrect...and the fronts should be 2.75". Does that sound right?
Based on my experience yes. Unless others chime in with a different experience.
We have a member here posting drum brake parts and shoes for sale...
For Sale - NOS Mopar # 3879231 11 x 2 3/4 brake shoe set for C Body - $45 ea. shipped in U.S.
 
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