The Ford Barn

Bowen5573 · 08-17-2021, 08:52 AM

Good morning, Everybody,

Well, I began this latest journey with the intention of replacing the clutch on my '40 Deluxe Coupe. After reading as much as I could, including very helpful advice on The Ford Barn, I picked the option of removing the rear end, rather than removing the engine and transmission. This decision was mostly driven by my other decision to add a Mitchell Overdrive, and to do that I needed to remove the rear end anyway.

You know how it goes, right? So, I decided while I have the rear end out, I might as well do a brake job, because access will never be better, right? And, while I'm at it, I might as well do the front brakes as well, because, you know.... As an aside, I'm really fighting my natural urge to turn this clutch replacement/adding a Mitchell Overdrive project into a frame-off restoration which would be totally unnecessary, but "project creep" is a real thing and I've known many a car guy to be overtaken by it. So far, I'm not falling for it, but, I have to confess, like most addictions, it is a daily, if not an hourly struggle.

As I removed each of the brake drums, I inspected and measured them. Left front is 12.03". Right front is 12.03". Left rear is right at 12.0". Things are really feeling good at this point, because I just know I'm on a roll, and if three of them are within tolerance, the last one has to be also, right? Well, so much for hoping on that. The right rear measured at 12.156". Bummer!

So, as with most things, I have three options. First, I could just put it all back together with new brake shoes, etc., adjust the brakes per my "Ford 1939 and 1940 Engine & Chassis Repair Manual", and let it eat. Second, I could replace both the rear hubs and drums with some new two-piece stuff, but I really hate to do that for a whole lot of reasons, not the least of which is the expense. Third, I could try to find a replacement rear brake drum that is in good condition and within tolerance, i.e., measures less than 12.060".

At this point, it's obvious I'm pursuing option three. I really hope to be able to find a replacement brake drum. Anyone have any ideas or have a rear brake drum needing to be sold? I'd buy two if you have them and only want to sell them as a pair. Any help or advice will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!
Borron

08-17-2021, 08:52 AM	#1
Bowen5573 Member Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Winter Springs, FL Posts: 71	'40 Brake Drums Good morning, Everybody, Well, I began this latest journey with the intention of replacing the clutch on my '40 Deluxe Coupe. After reading as much as I could, including very helpful advice on The Ford Barn, I picked the option of removing the rear end, rather than removing the engine and transmission. This decision was mostly driven by my other decision to add a Mitchell Overdrive, and to do that I needed to remove the rear end anyway. You know how it goes, right? So, I decided while I have the rear end out, I might as well do a brake job, because access will never be better, right? And, while I'm at it, I might as well do the front brakes as well, because, you know.... As an aside, I'm really fighting my natural urge to turn this clutch replacement/adding a Mitchell Overdrive project into a frame-off restoration which would be totally unnecessary, but "project creep" is a real thing and I've known many a car guy to be overtaken by it. So far, I'm not falling for it, but, I have to confess, like most addictions, it is a daily, if not an hourly struggle. As I removed each of the brake drums, I inspected and measured them. Left front is 12.03". Right front is 12.03". Left rear is right at 12.0". Things are really feeling good at this point, because I just know I'm on a roll, and if three of them are within tolerance, the last one has to be also, right? Well, so much for hoping on that. The right rear measured at 12.156". Bummer! So, as with most things, I have three options. First, I could just put it all back together with new brake shoes, etc., adjust the brakes per my "Ford 1939 and 1940 Engine & Chassis Repair Manual", and let it eat. Second, I could replace both the rear hubs and drums with some new two-piece stuff, but I really hate to do that for a whole lot of reasons, not the least of which is the expense. Third, I could try to find a replacement rear brake drum that is in good condition and within tolerance, i.e., measures less than 12.060". At this point, it's obvious I'm pursuing option three. I really hope to be able to find a replacement brake drum. Anyone have any ideas or have a rear brake drum needing to be sold? I'd buy two if you have them and only want to sell them as a pair. Any help or advice will be greatly appreciated. Thank you! Borron