arcing brakes

kwisor

Senior Member
hello
i am getting ready to do the brakes on my 30 tudor i am still waiting on flat head teds deluxe kit i have been reading a lot on how to do this. i see that there is a lot mentioned about arcing brakes but could not find out how to do this or what is means any help
thank you
kevin
 
Last edited:
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/arcing-drum-brake-shoes.317327/


You need someone with both a brake drum lathe as well as a brake shoe arching machine to do it properly, the first machine to true up your drums if they need it, the other to allow full contact of the brake shoes to the drums. I am sure there is someone within a few hours of you that still has the equipment. 60 years ago when I started doing mechanical work this was done by every good shop when they worked on brakes. Most auto parts places would have the machines to do the drums and shoes also.
 
Mike's is about three hours from Lexington, and I believe they'll arc your shoes to your drums for you.
 
I found a set of really good original front drums for my AA and re-lined my shoes. (Pressed steel original drums). I arched my shoes by hand with a bench type belt sander. I chalked the shoe and worked it back and forth inside the drum. I sanded the marked spots lightly and repeated until full contact was achieved. Admittedly a little tedious and somewhat shade tree approach but worked.
 
You can put sand paper in the drum and sand the shoes if you want to try it yourself.

This will work very well. It may be a little time consuming but will work. I recommend #80 paper and cut it into strips the width of the surface on the drum. You can use some spray adhesive and glue the paper to the drum and then work the shoes back and forth until you get at least 90% contact. Peal off the paper and wash off all the adhesive with acetone or lacquer thinner and that is all there to it.

This is actually very accurate and will work quite well. It just takes a little patience.

Chris W.
 
Automotive paint shops sell sandpaper that is meant for sanding blocks. It comes in different grades and has a sticky back surface. It comes off clean without leaving a residue. It comes in rolls.
 
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