Turning Model A Rear Brake Drums

[WHN]

Ruth and ryanheacox are both correct. years ago a close friend owned a front end shop. I took some original brake drum to him to get turned. he told me then that it was illegal to turn the steel drums.

I have heard this before. However, we have never had anyone question turning steel drums or had a problem after.

Were we just lucky?

Great brakes, no issues. Enjoy.

 

[Ruth]

That statement is for the original steel drums

The reason I asked is because the OP did not say if he has steel or cast and turning steel drums was mentioned in post #3. I really don't see where it is mentioned that the thread is about turning cast drums.

We really do need to read the whole thread.

 

[goodcar]

Is it even advisable to turn Model A brake drums? It states in the Service Bulletins "Under no circumstances must attempts be made to turn down brake drums on A cars and AA trucks."

Another thing to consider is how thin are the drums going to be after turning them. I had one of my drums turned. It was okay, then took the other side off and discovered it was in really bad condition. If I would have had that one turned, there wouldn't have been much left and certainly not safe to drive on. Bought new cast iron drums, much less hassle. Problem solved.

 

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Is it even advisable to turn Model A brake drums? It states in the Service Bulletins "Under no circumstances must attempts be made to turn down brake drums on A cars and AA trucks."

Also, the Bulletins do not mention use of aftermarket drum reinforcing bands either. When bands are used, slightly worn drums can be safely trued in a lathe.

 

[Bob C]

I don't know if you can see this but the bottom picture shows a ford rear drum
mounted on the Brake Dokter.


Bob

 

[Ruth]

Also, the Bulletins do not mention use of aftermarket drum reinforcing bands either. When bands are used, slightly worn drums can be safely trued in a lathe.

You're absolutely right, Brent. but reinforcing rings have not mentioned in this thread either (until now).

 

[Smitty]

The VW axle is not tapered,but it is smaller than a lot of the arbors on drum lathes.General rule of thumb was if it could do a VW drum it could do the A's.That's not always true either,I had a drum lathe that could do the VW but was still too big for the A.Steve,I have the Brake Dokter sitting here if you want to get them exact.A couple of the guys around you have used it in the past.

Keith, how are you, have not seen you in a bit. I have a Barrett shoe machine that works quite well. Difficulty is in how to cut my rear drums.

 

[Smitty]

Hi All,
One of the first things I did on my coupe was install cast iron drums. With that being said after swedge drums to the hubs drums need to be turned concentric with the hubs.
A critical step.

 

[larrys40]

The drum lathes I have for the early Ford’s are all 5/8 arbor shaft to accept a small taper outer cone. And 11/16 would not leave you enough for a cone and would have slop.
Another Fmc lathe I have is the 1 inch. I think I’m fixing to turn down the arbor to 5/8 on that one as it’s a newer model when I retire the other guys .

Someone noted about leaving bearing and seal in but I can’t see how you would escape shaving debris and would have to remove the bearing for repacking anyway. I friend had an old expander hub which I’d like to obtain to try and see how accuracy is with that, albeit I can see where hub variance although slight might be a factor.

The best answer is to find a model A or flathead guy in your area. I’m it here and I can’t imagine not having bought and had my equipment and Krw tools over the years .
Super invaluable and allows me to be mostly self sufficient capability wise.
I do lots of brake jobs so do these all the time and use the equipment every week.
Larry shepard

 

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

The reason I asked is because the OP did not say if he has steel or cast and turning steel drums was mentioned in post #3. I really don't see where it is mentioned that the thread is about turning cast drums.

We really do need to read the whole thread.

You're absolutely right, Brent. but reinforcing rings have not mentioned in this thread either (until now).

You are correct in that, but as you mentioned, some need to read the entire thread, --AND most importantly, the content of the original post. In this circumstance, Steve is looking for info on knowing which machine he should purchase to do the job, -not where to take them or whether it should/shouldn't be done.