Different Rear Drums

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by J Franklin

I guess I'll ask a different way as I can not see a problem with your new drum fit. Did the axle nut go on the same distance where you could get the cotter key in ok????. I ask because I can not see an air-gap, just the indent of the cast drum.

I agree, and I don't see an air gap. I was going to see if I could find a good picture of the cast drum not installed to see how the rear edge looked, since I don't have any. The ones I've installed for friends have always set back close to the backing plate, like they should.

That was a good suggestion about additional pictures and one to show how the nut screws on. If the nut goes on and the cotter fits, I'd say you're good to go with this side. But I'd still buy a matching drum for the other side.

[Mitch//pa]

no arc X4

[Mikeinnj]

Jwaldrich, began this thread and stated that he purchaser a rear cast drum and hub from Brattons. He goes on to say he had a local shop turn the drum to allow it to clear his old linings and he show photos of that cast drum installed compared to his steel drum on the other side of the car. The drums are shaped differently because they ARE different.
One poster went so far as blaming the supplier for possibly doing a bad job when in fact the hub and drum are installed on the vehicle and appear to be correctly installed. The owner is concerned with the cosmetic issue in that the drums do not match. That is his only concern. I cannot believe how some posters here jump to conclusions and go as far as blaming Brattons for something that never happened. I know Walt Bratton for the past thirty years and he is one of the best if not THE best supplier in the hobby providing us with the best products available.

[Joe K]

As you're such good supporter of Mr. Bratton, please extend my apology for speculating on the quality of his product line.

As to a gap, I saw the pix and I saw what looked like a not fully seated hub/drum.

Others report different and they may indeed be correct. The query by Tom W. about how the hub appeared on the taper/thread/slotted nut is probably the best and perhaps final indicator of seating.

And I will admit I have not owned the drums first-hand - that is still to come.

You are to be commended for supporting your friend though. It says a lot, an awful lot, when people will take the time to comment in support of another.

I prefer to think of it not as conclusions - but as considering possibilities.

Please tell me you're still open to that even despite the support of your friend?

Joe K

[Charlie Stephens]

You never answered my question in post #10. Did the machine shop take the drums off of the hubs to turn them? That may be your problem.

Charlie Stephens

[Tom Wesenberg]

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That flange being a bit inward on the cast drum is better for cooling and strength.

[1931 flamingo]

Over the past 80+ years I'm sure brake drums have been replaced in backyards on a tree stump, hubs welded to drums, inaccurate swedging, other mismatched parts, etc.
Does the car stop?? Does it pull either right or left?? Does the drum in question drag or overheat??

If not, drive it. JMO

Paul in CT

[Ford1931]

I just fit a new set to my Mitchell Overdrive rear end yesterday. Looks like the picture and the fit is fine.

[jwaldrich]

Originally Posted by Charlie Stephens

You never answered my question in post #10. Did the machine shop take the drums off of the hubs to turn them? That may be your problem.

Charlie Stephens

No they did not Charlie.

The axle nut and cotter key "fit correctly" which indicated to me (originally) that the drum was on correctly.

Another thought (you may kill me for)... This went on a "replacement axle", used but in very good shape. The old drum had several shims I discovered during removal from the old axle but no shims were used in the assembly of this drum.

I have not yet contacted Bratton's as I have been crack deep getting ready to hit the road for a month. I will be interested to hear what they say.

By the way, I am pleased with Bratton's and am sure they hold no responsibility for this issue.

[Joe K]

Originally Posted by jwaldrich

No they did not Charlie.

The axle nut and cotter key "fit correctly" which indicated to me (originally) that the drum was on correctly.

Another thought (you may kill me for)... This went on a "replacement axle", used but in very good shape. The old drum had several shims I discovered during removal from the old axle but no shims were used in the assembly of this drum.

So if there is a quality issue, it may be in a replacement axle as well as a replacement drum/hub?

Wow.

No kill. Too old and barely have any decent fight left. Wife wins with a threat of cutting off the food supply.

Still, what you have may be AOK.

It would be curious to try a little blue (mechanics layout dye) on the inside of that new drum to see exactly where the brake shoe wear tracks. If it seems normal, it probably is - despite any variance on the appearance on the outside.

Joe K

Still love your dog.

[jwaldrich]

Originally Posted by Joe K

So if there is a quality issue, it may be in a replacement axle as well as a replacement drum/hub?

Wow.

No kill. Too old and barely have any decent fight left. Wife wins with a threat of cutting off the food supply.

Still, what you have may be AOK.

It would be curious to try a little blue (mechanics layout dye) on the inside of that new drum to see exactly where the brake shoe wear tracks. If it seems normal, it probably is - despite any variance on the appearance on the outside.

Joe K

Still love your dog.

As the old Indian once said... "Dog gone". Max has passed away but he has always been my favorite.

I just got a message off to Bratton's. Will let everyone know what I find out.

[J Franklin]

I will bet everything with that drum is as it should be.

[Tom Wesenberg]

What am I missing here?
I thought the only problem was that the drum looked like it wasn't all the way back (which it is).
So I thought all was good to go.

Still need to buy a match for the other side though.

[Ed Wendell]

Just had my axles rebuilt by some old time Model A folks. Used new cast iron drums from Mel (Randy now) Gross. Took a couple of photos so you can see what they look like. That gap on the rears seems to be common.

Ed

[jwaldrich]

Originally Posted by Ed Wendell

Just had my axles rebuilt by some old time Model A folks. Used new cast iron drums from Mel (Randy now) Gross. Took a couple of photos so you can see what they look like. That gap on the rears seems to be common.

Ed

Wendell,
That is exactly what mine looks like. Thanks for putting my mind at ease!!