1934 Brake Drum Measurement

[flathead34]

What is the maximum ID measurement for a 1934 brake drum?

[Brian]

12.060"

[34fordy]

Originally Posted by Brian

12.060"

With absolute respect Brian! Where have you found that spec in any Ford literature? I saw a post somewhere that said to the contrary. I am sure there have been many thousands and perhaps millions turned far past .060. Whether safe or not, and no new drums available, folks will probably take chances. Possibly not as critical for the mechanical brake cars I would think. IMHO.

[DavidG]

12.060" is the Ford Service Bulletin recommendation. Recalling that was printed when you could still buy new ones for a song from Ford, modern experience suggests that 12.090" is the outer limit.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by 34fordy

With absolute respect Brian! Where have you found that spec in any Ford literature? I saw a post somewhere that said to the contrary. I am sure there have been many thousands and perhaps millions turned far past .060. Whether safe or not, and no new drums available, folks will probably take chances. Possibly not as critical for the mechanical brake cars I would think. IMHO.

Yep, and oversize brake shoes used to readily available. Of course, after a number of folks were hurt because of them, and the lawyers got involved, well, no more oversize shoes.
Just because "there have been thousands and perhaps millions..." doesn't make it smart or safe.
Me? I prefer to do things correctly.
12.060" is the Ford spec.

[Newc]

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Legal businesses will stop at 12.060" After that you're on your own. Newc

[34fordy]

Originally Posted by DavidG

12.060" is the Ford Service Bulletin recommendation. Recalling that was printed when you could still buy new ones for a song from Ford, modern experience suggests that 12.090" is the outer limit.

Any chance you could post a picture of that bulletin David? Then we could finally put this to bed. I do believe that Kube is absolutely right on better safe than sorry. When the high cost of new parts is extremely high for some of us folks we take the low road and do things we should not do!

[fordyford]

When Colorado still had the annual safety inspection windshield sticker program (many years ago) the rule for machining any brake drum was .060" oversize then it could wear out to .090"

[DavidG]

Sorry, I'm away from my car stuff until next month. Make no mistake, I am not suggesting that the drums be turned past .060.