VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Mechanical - Engine, Trans, etc 1935 Std brakes not up to scratch..

The 1933-36 Standards had a rather uncommon bolt pattern. At one time I read where some Japaneese trucks had the same pattern. Thats not to say the drums would work.
In 1936 Chevrolet specified a different lining material for Standards even though it was the same brake shoe used on the Master.(due to the steel drums)
I am wondering if the Master drum could be drilled to match the Standard bolt pattern.

My information on Model A's is limited but I believe the brake drums when worn or turned thin are fitted with an external cast band reinforcing the steel drum and adding to the heat sink.

My reply is not correct. I was thinking of a 1936 Standard.
The 1934 Standard had rather small (narrow) brakes. Were made wider in 1935 but not enough to gain what you need.
Aand also there are thousands of Model A,s around and all probably had the same brake. There would be only hundreds (if your lucky) of '35 Standards.

Yes, bands for Ford A drums are readily available.
I didn't read every bit of this. Did anyone mention cutting the new shoes to the radius of the drums? I think this used to be routine for quality brake jobs, but I haven't heard of it lately.

My Model A would lock the wheels with moderate effort, but adjustment was important to get good performance.

Yes, My friend mentioned that also, you can buy bands that fit around the external circumference of the drum. Thats what most model A owners did and still do. He gave me a link of a Ford dealer that sells them. Were they ribbed for additional cooling?
Peter

The drum diameter must be measured with a micrometer. Any good
brake shop or many parts stores have capability to do that. If
a drum Is too thin beyond specs, it cannot be turned and must
be replaced. Before disc brakes became so common, the proper
way to do a brake job was to 'mic' the drums and 'cam grind'
the shoes to fit the drum diameter! It really was not an expensive procedure, but it was very effective because now you
started out with proper shoe to drum contact area! I do
business with a local NAPA store and the manager still has the
equipment to do it with! I have relined my shoes with woven
lining and will be doing that in the near future! The braking
with harder molded lining leaves much to be desired! My first
car as a youngster was my Dads' '34 Chevy Master. I knocked the front bumper off so many times I just left the bumper at
home and bolted a 2inch by 6 inch board in its place!

The drums can not be turned on a brake lathe. Becuse they are stamped steel they must be ground. Also very thin so leave well enough alone if the surface looks fairly good.

The drums must also be checked for an out of round condition.The ones on my 32 were not and while I agree grinding may be best the shop I used turned them in a lathe and has been doing so for many years with no adverse effects.