The Ford Barn

Jim M · 05-02-2015, 08:00 PM

I recently went through my 29 Std Roadster brake system and replaced almost everything. The only thing I didn't do was the drums and brake shoes. The drums LOOKED very good and the shoes had probably 1/8 - 3/16 left to get down to the rivets. One mistake I know I made was I am fairly sure...but NOT positive... that the shoes are on the correct drums but what I am NOT sure is if they the are placed back in the same positions on the drums. The end result is the play is all gone, I have plenty of pedal, but the brakes won't lock up tight and stopping is a slow process. I did make the notched board to do the adjusting and feel quite confident they are adjusted properly.

I have searched all through many posts and I have not found out how to know if my drums are cast iron or what they are. It seems to me my next step would be to take the wheels apart, have the drums turned down, get new linings and have them "centered". I love to do everything myself as I have learned so much in the project, but I think it is time to get some expert help as I am now VERY hesitant to drive on anything but a rural back road and even then I putt around an about 25 MPH.

Any suggestions or advice would be GREATLY appreciated. JIm

05-02-2015, 08:00 PM	#1
Jim M Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Sebastian, FL Posts: 483	Brake drums. I recently went through my 29 Std Roadster brake system and replaced almost everything. The only thing I didn't do was the drums and brake shoes. The drums LOOKED very good and the shoes had probably 1/8 - 3/16 left to get down to the rivets. One mistake I know I made was I am fairly sure...but NOT positive... that the shoes are on the correct drums but what I am NOT sure is if they the are placed back in the same positions on the drums. The end result is the play is all gone, I have plenty of pedal, but the brakes won't lock up tight and stopping is a slow process. I did make the notched board to do the adjusting and feel quite confident they are adjusted properly. I have searched all through many posts and I have not found out how to know if my drums are cast iron or what they are. It seems to me my next step would be to take the wheels apart, have the drums turned down, get new linings and have them "centered". I love to do everything myself as I have learned so much in the project, but I think it is time to get some expert help as I am now VERY hesitant to drive on anything but a rural back road and even then I putt around an about 25 MPH. Any suggestions or advice would be GREATLY appreciated. JIm