The Ford Barn

Ed Northrop · 04-05-2012, 05:46 PM

Can any one comment on the use of Mel Gross cast iron brake drums. The Model A Times wrote them up as being a good product. I was looking at replaceing my steel drums with these.

Ed

dfish2931nc · 04-05-2012, 05:51 PM

I have them and have had zero problems with them. In my opinion they are a great product.

Vic in E-TN · 04-05-2012, 06:02 PM

I have them on several of my cars. No problems ever. I spent time this afternoon removing 2 hubs from front steel drums and cleaning them up. I will send them to Mel or Randy (his son). You must be careful in removal by backing up the hub or you will bend it. Look at Vince's web site to see how to begin the process. Ace Hardware has a steel tool (11/16 OD) that will help release the studs before pressing them out. Call them up before you proceed to see what they want.
Vic

SLPreston53 · 04-05-2012, 06:22 PM

I bought the rebuilt hubs on new drums from Mel and ran them over 5,000 miles on my 29 Tudor with no problems at all.

brum1 · 04-05-2012, 08:20 PM

We used Mels drums-great service and quality

Ed Northrop · 04-06-2012, 07:58 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Thanks for the information it has been helpfull.

Ed

kenparker · 04-07-2012, 07:39 AM

I have installed 8 sets of Mel Gross drums and as yet have not had a single complaint. Two sets are on my own vehicles...Miz Charlotte- '31 Slant and Miss E the Speedster.

Patrick L. · 04-07-2012, 09:32 AM

Its good to talk to Mel or Randy, good guys.. I'm also considering trying one of their steering boxes..

Ed Northrop · 04-07-2012, 07:39 PM

How bad of a job is it to swedge lug bolts.
Ed

BRENT in 10-uh-C · 04-08-2012, 03:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed Northrop

How bad of a job is it to swedge lug bolts.
Ed

IMHO, none if you have the proper equipment! Like anything that is specialized, it really is not a procedure that can be successfully accomplished in someone's backyard with just hand tools.

Vince Falter has posted some information HERE that I feel you will find helpful.

Gary Gregory · 04-08-2012, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed Northrop

How bad of a job is it to swedge lug bolts.
Ed

I just had to replace some rear lug bolts....good luck finding a machine shop that will even talk to you. Like Brent said...not a bad job if you got the rght tools.

Ed Northrop · 04-08-2012, 07:04 AM

Brent thanks for site I have a 30 ton press. Dons fixture looks like it would aid in installing bolts.
Ed

Skeezixx · 04-08-2012, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed Northrop

How bad of a job is it to swedge lug bolts.
Ed

It's not hard if you have the correct press and the swedging tool. I used a 60 ton press at a nearby machine shop and it took me about 20 minutes.

04-05-2012, 05:46 PM	#1
Ed Northrop Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Naples, New York Posts: 182	Brake Drums Can any one comment on the use of Mel Gross cast iron brake drums. The Model A Times wrote them up as being a good product. I was looking at replaceing my steel drums with these. Ed

04-05-2012, 05:51 PM	#2
dfish2931nc Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: NC Posts: 68	Re: Brake Drums I have them and have had zero problems with them. In my opinion they are a great product.

04-05-2012, 06:02 PM	#3
Vic in E-TN Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Maryville, TN Posts: 491	Re: Brake Drums I have them on several of my cars. No problems ever. I spent time this afternoon removing 2 hubs from front steel drums and cleaning them up. I will send them to Mel or Randy (his son). You must be careful in removal by backing up the hub or you will bend it. Look at Vince's web site to see how to begin the process. Ace Hardware has a steel tool (11/16 OD) that will help release the studs before pressing them out. Call them up before you proceed to see what they want. Vic

04-05-2012, 06:22 PM	#4
SLPreston53 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Long Beach, CA. Posts: 219	Re: Brake Drums I bought the rebuilt hubs on new drums from Mel and ran them over 5,000 miles on my 29 Tudor with no problems at all.

04-05-2012, 08:20 PM	#5
brum1 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Raynham, Mass. Posts: 583	Re: Brake Drums We used Mels drums-great service and quality __________________ "no one knows more than everyone"

04-06-2012, 07:58 PM	#6
Ed Northrop Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Naples, New York Posts: 182	Re: Brake Drums Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Thanks for the information it has been helpfull. Ed

04-07-2012, 07:39 AM	#7
kenparker Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Van, Texas Posts: 1,122	Re: Brake Drums I have installed 8 sets of Mel Gross drums and as yet have not had a single complaint. Two sets are on my own vehicles...Miz Charlotte- '31 Slant and Miss E the Speedster.

04-07-2012, 09:32 AM	#8
Patrick L. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Largo Florida Posts: 7,225	Re: Brake Drums Its good to talk to Mel or Randy, good guys.. I'm also considering trying one of their steering boxes..

04-07-2012, 07:39 PM	#9
Ed Northrop Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Naples, New York Posts: 182	Re: Brake Drums How bad of a job is it to swedge lug bolts. Ed

04-08-2012, 07:04 AM	#12
Ed Northrop Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Naples, New York Posts: 182	Re: Brake Drums Brent thanks for site I have a 30 ton press. Dons fixture looks like it would aid in installing bolts. Ed