brake drum bands

[Quigley1930]

I have 2 brake drum bands (gift) and was wondering if all drums are equal would you put them on the front or rear?

Sewall Tyler

[mrraford]

I have effectively used the reinforcements on original steel drums. Make sure your drums are in usable condition (ie not gouged, split or paper thin) and put the two bands on the front.
The brakes on my 29 were very much improved after adding the bands.

[Anteek29]

Do the bands have to be heated in order to slip onto the drums? How to install?

[Patrick L.]

Originally Posted by Anteek29

Do the bands have to be heated in order to slip onto the drums? How to install?

Cool the drums, warm the bands and then true 'em.

[Bob-A]

I read that you have to pretty much heat the bands cherry red hot. I tried just heating up a couple of bands very hot in a kitchen stove. I drum
came out Okay, one was ruined. If I ever try again, I will definitely heat them cherry red with a torch.

Bob-A

[Keith True]

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One big thing to remember when installing bands is,get the band and drum clean.Not wire brush clean,not wire wheel clean.Clean as in zero paint,rust,scratches,burrs,nothing.just a little paint dot will force it out of true.I use to work for an old fellow that did hundreds of them.He would put the drum in his brake lathe and run over the OUTSIDE of it.You would be shocked at the amounts of rust and mung that build up on the outside,and the wire wheel leaves behind.Also,check to see if the band has a weld seam.Make sure that is 100% flat on the inside.I put a set on some thin,but evenly worn drums.I scraped the outside in the lathe,heated the bands red,and dropped them on.They bottomed out with a clink,and stayed there.I never even had to true them.

[Quigley1930]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm aware that they have to be heated and trued. I'll see if my shop will do the outsides as Keith suggests. I'll just show him your reply. I have good brakes now but am aware of fading and knowing the drums have a few years on them. I'll get them measured and when the snow is flying may get her done.

Sewall Tyler

[larrys40]

I've installed many and have put the drums in the freezer and the bands in the oven to the max . Most of the time they just drop right on . I have probably installed over 150 or more of them over the years this way . It is not necessary to get them cherry red
Larry Shepard

[Brentwood Bob]

Dry ice is probably overkill??
Bob

[RandyinUtah]

Before I made the upgrade to cast iron drums I used the bands on all four and had improved braking.