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01-13-2013, 10:48 PM | #1 |
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Brake Drum Retainers
Hey guys. Wanted to know about the brake drum retainer sets that vendors sell for 39 to 48's. They dont look original but would you recommend them? Are they worth it? Thanks
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01-13-2013, 11:17 PM | #2 |
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Re: Brake Drum Retainers
If you ever need to pull your drums in the future, you'll be glad you installed them. If the drum has a ridge, you'd need to use the hot wrench.
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01-14-2013, 12:16 AM | #3 |
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Re: Brake Drum Retainers
If you are talking about the 'U' shaped brackets that bolt to the backing plates and extend up and over the drum to its front surface....I think they are worth installing. If you have ever seen the damage that could happen if an axle snaps and the drum and tire comes out into the fender or possibly completely off the car, you would be surprised and definitely want to install them. I used a set from Speedway on one of my cars that I converted to hydraulic brakes. Would like to figure out how to put them on a 35 Ford with mechanical brakes.
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01-14-2013, 01:49 AM | #4 |
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Re: Brake Drum Retainers
I would not be without them... the A V8 would be a sorry state with one rear wheel missing...
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01-14-2013, 06:28 AM | #5 |
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Re: Brake Drum Retainers
Finishing up MT Carproducts bendix rear brakes on my 39, and installing the axle/brake retainers after conversion.
I learned about these from the Vern Tardell book #3, Ford Brakes pg.21. He sells the retainers on his web site. Vern Tardel Ent. is in Santa Rosa. |
01-14-2013, 06:36 AM | #6 |
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Re: Brake Drum Retainers
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01-14-2013, 07:23 AM | #7 |
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Re: Brake Drum Retainers
I didn't plan to "need" them but installed the drum retainers when I built the rearend with the Mitchell OD. A few years later I was sure happy I had them when I broke an axle.
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01-14-2013, 07:52 AM | #8 |
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Re: Brake Drum Retainers
There is a more deluxe version that takes more work. You have to weld a ring to the hub and there is a casting that replaces the grease seal. It all bolts through the backplate with 2 studs. More work, but might work with Bendix.
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01-14-2013, 07:54 AM | #9 | |
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Re: Brake Drum Retainers
Quote:
Last edited by 19Fordy; 01-14-2013 at 12:35 PM. |
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01-14-2013, 08:13 AM | #10 |
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Re: Brake Drum Retainers
They are cheap insurance. I recommend them; ask me how I know... I'd like to put a set on the '39 LZ with factory Bendix Brakes. Does anyone make a kit or do I need to make a set like 19Fordy did?
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01-14-2013, 12:37 PM | #11 |
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Re: Brake Drum Retainers
I don't think anyone makes a set to fit the '39 LZ style Bendix brakes. Please post your success if you do make a set.
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01-14-2013, 12:53 PM | #12 |
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Re: Brake Drum Retainers
I'll do that but it won't be for a while, I've got to go through the Columbia rear and install it first.
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01-14-2013, 05:46 PM | #13 | |
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Re: Brake Drum Retainers
Quote:
Bert's is closed sun./mon. and Tues. I will see if it's an item still available. If not, I will work on a retainer that will be fuctional using the brake anchor pin. |
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01-14-2013, 07:13 PM | #14 |
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Re: Brake Drum Retainers
Ive heard shocking storys of these things loosing a wheel
what a top idea and the ones shown above look simple enough to knock up, looks like sunday norning I have a little jog to do with some scrap in the shed |
01-14-2013, 07:52 PM | #15 | |
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Re: Brake Drum Retainers
Quote:
I tried making a pair held in place by the wheel cylinder bolts, like the 40 Ford pair. However, I found that the wheel cylinder bolts did not provide sufficient, consistent and reliable clamping power to hold the retainer in place so that the retainer lip would fit between the grooves of the MT brake drum without rubbing. Another option might be to weld a small mounting plate near the upper edge of the backside of the MT backing plate. The retainer would then be bolted to the threaded holes in the mounting plate and the lip would extend over the brake drum ribs and then bend down 90 degrees in front of the first rib. Perhaps the retainer could be held in place by utilizing the anchor pin nut without making brake adjustment difficult. It might also be possible to install two retainers on each backing plate ( at 10 and 2 o'clock) so as to avoid interference with the anchor pin or nut. I guess it's time to start making some cardboard templates. |
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01-15-2013, 12:52 AM | #16 |
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Re: Brake Drum Retainers
I misread the original post, sorry.
About the retainers, They don't fit my '38 or I'd have them. I did get very lucky once, thought I had transmission problems that turned out to be a broken axle at the keyway. The lucky part was when I got a rope tow for a half mile to a friend's garage. It was only then I discovered my drum had moved just slightly outboard!
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01-15-2013, 06:33 AM | #17 |
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Re: Brake Drum Retainers
19Fordy, I did start cutting out some idea's last nite. Would like to start a new thread "Bendix axle/brake retainer" and post some pic's.
I like the idea to collaborate a design that would help a whole lotta folk's |
01-15-2013, 06:44 AM | #18 |
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Re: Brake Drum Retainers
Because of this thread I bought a pair from C & G this morning ! $ 38.
Drake had them for sale at $ 60 ! Thx....Mike |
01-15-2013, 07:21 AM | #19 |
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Re: Brake Drum Retainers
speedway motors $25 !
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01-15-2013, 11:21 AM | #20 |
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Re: Brake Drum Retainers
Was this part a stock item on the cars/pickups or is this something created by the current vendors?
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01-15-2013, 11:31 AM | #21 |
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Re: Brake Drum Retainers
Created many moons ago by the "after-market". DD
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01-15-2013, 11:35 AM | #22 |
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Re: Brake Drum Retainers
No,not a stock Ford part. I got mine from Speedway in 1997 for $29.95. Believe they were developed several years prior.
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01-15-2013, 12:11 PM | #23 |
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Re: Brake Drum Retainers
I had them back in 1962. Probably from Honest Charley.
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01-15-2013, 12:59 PM | #24 |
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Re: Brake Drum Retainers
I would assume aftermarket, but after reading this I don't want to take the chance !
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01-15-2013, 02:36 PM | #25 |
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Re: Brake Drum Retainers
It was NOT stock and I believe it was created by vendors or "car folks" who found the need for such a product.
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01-15-2013, 03:10 PM | #26 |
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Re: Brake Drum Retainers
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01-15-2013, 04:09 PM | #27 |
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Re: Brake Drum Retainers
I put a pair on our 46 "just in case". I had to grind the radius to clear the hub (no big deal). Then the next problem I encountered: We bleed the brakes every year to "freshen" the fluid. I have to remove the retainers so my bleeder hose and wrench can get on the fitting. Again, no big deal - 3 minutes to remove/ install the retainers. If they/do they make longer wheel cylinder bleeders???
Now, if I hit the lottery I can go thru the process of changing over to that silicone stuff and save the cost of a pint of DOT 3 and an hours work to bleed the system every year. The wife would like it also so we wouldn't have to go thru the "pump and hold" process. (c'mon Vic, I know what you are thinking). I am referring to the brake pedal. Oh well, He will never change. John Last edited by oldford2; 01-15-2013 at 04:24 PM. |
01-15-2013, 04:42 PM | #28 |
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Re: Brake Drum Retainers
To answer to original question YES worth it. Having been through it one time, it was an open wheeled roadster and the damage was to the backing plate only. ( it was also chromed ) and that hurt. 1950 something ..... And like other barner's I will be putting them on my 39 fordor. ..............OLD..............BILL
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01-15-2013, 06:13 PM | #29 |
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Re: Brake Drum Retainers
olford2: Yes they do make longer brake bleeders. I use these.
http://speedbleeder.com/size.htm You can get various sizes here also. http://www.speedbleeder.zoovy.com/ You can also buy longer grease fittings, instead of those short little ones. Last edited by 19Fordy; 01-15-2013 at 06:23 PM. |
01-15-2013, 07:53 PM | #30 |
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Re: Brake Drum Retainers
19fordy,
Thanks for the info. So many sizes. What size do you use? Thanks, John |
01-15-2013, 10:31 PM | #31 |
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Re: Brake Drum Retainers
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02-27-2013, 08:40 PM | #32 |
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Re: Brake Drum Retainers
I see where a couple of Fordbarners report that the brake drum retainers really did "save the day" and their car. But I do have a few questions.
1. When the axle does break is the lip of the retainer strong enough to actually hold the axle in without getting destroyed? Does the retainer maintan its shape or get bent up and twisted under the condition of doing its job? 2. Will the sparks created between the brake drum and the retainer might cause an explosion if there is a slight leak of fumes from the gas tank filler neck? 3. What guage metal is used to make the retainers currently being sold? 4. Could there be a product liability issue with this product? The reason I am asking is that I am considering making a set for the Lincoln brakes. Thanks, Jim 19Fordy Last edited by 19Fordy; 02-27-2013 at 08:59 PM. |
02-27-2013, 09:21 PM | #33 |
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Re: Brake Drum Retainers
19Fordy.... Thanks for the pics. I tried a set of proprietry retainers and they didn't fit because my drums only have the single ridge with a sloping face, as per the ones in your photo. I think they're from a 47 pickemup. Seeing your homemade... er... home crafted ones has inspired me to do the same.
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02-27-2013, 09:41 PM | #34 |
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Re: Brake Drum Retainers
Just fitted a set.. Think from macs or speedway, My mate ordered a few?? Anyway Needed a bit taken off here and there I have drums that have multipule ribs so the fit was very fine , said you must have.080 clearance , I was lucky to get .040. .Got me wondering about the "spark issue" Guess we'll see if I burst into flames any time soon.. They come with spacers and new bolts to go into the wheel cyl. Looked weak to me if anything did go, but I guess better than nothin'..
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02-27-2013, 09:47 PM | #35 |
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Re: Brake Drum Retainers
I have made a few sets. I have them on my 34 roadster and my 34 three window. I drive both of my cars alot. Both of my cars have Lincoln brakes. The bolt holes are different and they are futher down on the backing plate. You can make them out of some 2x4 steel tubing with a 3/16 wall. You only need a piece 4 inches long for each rear backing plate. You will have to make a pattern and cut and drill the tubing to size.
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02-27-2013, 10:08 PM | #36 | |
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Re: Brake Drum Retainers
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02-28-2013, 02:39 AM | #37 | |
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Re: Brake Drum Retainers
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Thanks much for the great pics and this website info. Inspires me to finally do something for safety! |
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09-10-2013, 06:13 PM | #38 | |
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Re: Brake Drum Retainers
Quote:
https://fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=115994 |
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09-10-2013, 11:08 PM | #39 | |
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Re: Brake Drum Retainers
Quote:
Karl |
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09-11-2013, 02:36 AM | #40 |
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Re: Brake Drum Retainers
At the insistence of the customer, I have installed several sets in the past.
I never used them on any of my cars that had original type rear ends. I always used the weld on ring type. A little more work to install but far more reliable and safer. Also, once installed, you can remove the hub faster and much easier than with the clips. |
09-11-2013, 05:53 AM | #41 |
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Re: Brake Drum Retainers
(c'mon Vic, I know what you are thinking). I am referring to the brake pedal.
Oh well, He will never change. John John, I haven't got a clue as to what you are talking about... LOL
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09-11-2013, 06:17 AM | #42 |
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Re: Brake Drum Retainers
Hey guys. I have looked thru the Speedway catalog, but cannot find a listing for the brake drum retainers. Help !!
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09-11-2013, 07:34 AM | #43 |
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Re: Brake Drum Retainers
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02-27-2014, 12:12 PM | #44 |
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Re: Brake Drum Retainers
From the pics; the Speedway retainers look like pretty thin metal... some of the older versions seem to be almost 1/4 steel...
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02-27-2014, 01:10 PM | #45 |
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Re: Brake Drum Retainers
I think everything got started on the race track where losing a wheel was a real disaster. They started with the type that required a ring to be welded onto the snout of the brake hub and evolved to the clips that bolt to the wheel cylinder. I don't know if the later type is approved fort use in the vintage racing circles (anybody?).
Remember that these clips are designed to get you to the edge of the highway, not to hold the wheel on when you are being towed home. You are probably not going to be making a lot of sharp turns getting to the edge of the highway so the drum will not try to walk off. Any car I have with hydraulic brakes has some sort of retainer. I wish there was something made for the mechanical brakes. Charlie Stephens |
02-28-2014, 09:36 PM | #46 | |
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Re: Brake Drum Retainers
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03-02-2014, 10:37 PM | #47 |
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Re: Brake Drum Retainers
I have a friend who has a '37 Tudor. His axle broke while driving on the freeway and it cause quite a bit of damage to his car. Fortunately for him, his insurance paid for the repair damage. After hearing this story, I have installed them on my '40 Deluxe Tudor. Just seemed like a prudent thing to do.............
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04-09-2015, 06:08 AM | #48 | |
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Re: Brake Drum Retainers
Quote:
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04-09-2015, 08:24 AM | #49 |
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Re: Brake Drum Retainers
36 coupe, Please post photos if possible.
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04-09-2015, 05:57 PM | #50 |
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Re: Brake Drum Retainers
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