Drum brake ovality?

[pat in Santa Cruz]

Lucas, it sounds like you are reluctant to do whats necessary to get good brakes. Of course the seller would tell you the brakes are "rebuilt". Most replies here are telling you the truth: those are steel drums, warped, with improperly arced shoes that do not fit. Ford did not recommend turning those drums, they recommended replacing them when worn. Even when new, steel drums give poor results. I would guess the tracks are worn too which means the shoes are not centered. You do not want to be in an accident in a Model A. Cutting corners on brakes can get you or someone else killed. The brakes need a total rebuild using new cast iron drums, soft molded linings that are arced and centered, with all worn levers, bushings, rollers, tracks, clevises and pins replaced. A Model A can and should stop almost as well as a modern car.