Re: Brake Drum Thickness

Posted by Joe (again!) on May 14, 1998 at 06:45:35

In Reply to: Brake Drum Thickness
posted by Roger Dean on April 29, 1998 at 08:57:26

: Can anyone tell me what the real minimum for brake drum thickness is?I've read in various places that the drums are junk if the wall thickness is less than .120", .130", .110", etc.I'm doing a frame-up restoration of a '29 Tudor and am discovering just how expensive a job I've got in front of me.I'd love to have new cast iron drums, but the cost... Right now, I've got four front drums to choose from, ranging in wall thickness from .108" to .128" None have been turned yet (at least not by me). So my question is this: Is it likely I can use any of these after getting them trued -- with or without brake bands -- or should I try to find better, thicker drums?And if "better, thicker" is the answer, how thick should they be?Thanks for any information.
Roger
The rumors that I am a little tight with my money are correct but I just purchased (!) Book 5 of "How to Restore Your Model A" by the MAFCA.In this book there is a detailed article on how to install cast iron brake drums.It is a little more involved than I previously imagined.(I'm still going to do mine, however.)
You may have already seen Book 5 but this is for those who may not have seen it.
The author also indicates the degree of wear present on his previous pressed steel drums and indicates it was down to the .087 range at points. (!)
Drive Safely, Best regards,
Joe

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