Brake Drum Rust Protection?
 

Just bought some new iron drums. Still in the back of my car, they are starting to flash some rust. Not to the question, why are the Drum/hub so damn heavy? Back to the rusting, what can I do to slow the rust until I can paint or should they be painted immediately. Original drums are noticeably lighter. Never heard of unsprung weight in China? Even worse, they say USA. Thanks: Fred A

Re: Brake Drum Rust Protection?
 

why are the Drum/hub so damn heavy? You're weak.:)

what can I do to slow the rust until I can paint or should they be painted immediately. If they have already flashed, you'll need to remove that prior to painting. So, methinks it won't hurt if they flash more until you can properly prepare them for paint.

Re: Brake Drum Rust Protection?
 

Remove the rust with OSPHO which will convert the rust to iron phosphate which can then be wiped off with a rag or clean steel wool. I painted my drums with black enamel paint, although black spray on bar-b-que paint would probably be better for enabling better heat transfer.
Here's some good reading on this topic, including Fordbarn.
https://www.google.com/search?q=shou...hrome&ie=UTF-8

Re: Brake Drum Rust Protection?
 

Like Kube said, when you are ready to paint them, clean off the rust and etch the metal with either a metal conditioner (an acid) or a self-etching primer then paint. Of course following all directions.

Re: Brake Drum Rust Protection?
 

When I had some steel heads surfaced they wanted to rust. I used the metal prep sold by Bill Hirsh on them and they still look good years later although putting them in a plastic bag until needed helps. I even used it on my pressure plate before I installed it as I didn't know when I was going to use it.

Re: Brake Drum Rust Protection?
 

I bought the Iron drums because they already were on new hubs, bearings and arced to the shoes. I have other drums that have remained shiny for years while these heavy assed samples went from new, satin black to a subtle rust red dusting since Friday. I think of gray iron as being porous. This makes me cautious about rust treatments that often appear to leave residue on the surface to be painted. They should be OK but my lack of experience may be much of my problem. I'm off shopping for 3M pads and etching primer in a rattle can. Then I'm off to the gym... Fred A

PS: Just weighed the drums. Eight pounds heavier than a Ford front.

Re: Brake Drum Rust Protection?
 

The Boiling Bros drums (just drums) are approx. 15 lbs heavier than stock. Stock drums have a stamped steel center welded to a cast iron ring.