Cast Iron brakes
 

How can I tell the difference between steel and CI break hubs. I have a model A and have nothing to compare it with. Hope its not too much of a dumb question.

Re: Cast Iron brakes
 

Here is a photo of a steel drum and a cast iron drum, with a red circle over the difference. The steel drum has a rolled edge and the cast iron drum has a solid edge.

Re: Cast Iron brakes
 

And there is a significant weight difference. Go to a mail order, like Raybestos, or one of the suppliers we normally deal with. Lots of them have cut-sheets, or weights for shipping.

Re: Cast Iron brakes
 

i have a cut away sample showing both the stamped steel and the cast. but I cannot seem to figure out how to post a picture from my computer.

Re: Cast Iron brakes
 

I figured it out

cast iron is on top the stamped steel is on the bottom.

Re: Cast Iron brakes
 

Hello all.

New member here.

Re: Cast Iron brakes
 

Just curious, does anyone sell steel brake drums?

BigGameJames welcome:)

Re: Cast Iron brakes
 

Not that I am aware of, even if they did I do not think there would be much interest as the cast iron drums improve braking due the improved heat dissipation you get from the cast iron brake drums.

Re: Cast Iron brakes
 

A word about cast iron drums. This weekend our local chapter had a "test=n-tune" where we all do minor fixes to our cars to ready them for the touring season. A member was there with a A he bought. He drove it over never using his O/D because no one ever taught him. I took him for a spin in mine to teach him, and then on the way back I had him drive. He almost "put me through the windshield" (not really, but you know what I mean), and said "wow you really got good brakes". Anyone still think cast iron drums with equalizing wedges don't count?

Re: Cast Iron brakes
 

I've got the cast iron drums, still haven't put equalizing wedges in. (I have them still in the box on the shelf).

Re: Cast Iron brakes
 

Good points as you and Gene noted.

I can see where they work better and Ford thought they must have been a good idea to bring them out in '31 from the factory. The rolled ends look more authentic to me than the flat part of a cast drum, but that's just me:) Almost no one else would ever notice that!