Brake Fade is Real!

Omar Morales

Omar Morales

Junior Member
Had a recent experience with brake fade coming down a hill and it is not fun! Now one of the studs on my rear wheel is stripped. I had planned on switching to cast iron drums over the winter.

My options: (1) Go through the trouble of buying the tools to fix the current stud OR (2) buy the pre-assembled cast iron drums and hubs that come with properly pressed on studs?

Part of the reason I am considering option 2 is because I do not have any of the tools to fix the current stud so I would be ~$500 in just to fix the current setup and ~1K to go cast iron.

Would love to get your thoughts!!
 
You will need access to a 30 ton press to swage the studs in the drums. If that is not available, then your decision is made for you.
 
I personally would opt for the cast iron drums with the studs already installed. Otherwise you could find a machine shop that has a 30 ton plus press and have them press the stud In.
In the long run I think you know the answer, you want to go with cast iron drums!
 
John said:
You will need access to a 30 ton press to swage the studs in the drums. If that is not available, then your decision is made for you.
Click to expand...

You also need access to a lathe and a mandrel needed to true the Hubs before installing the Drum.

It is also worth noting that the Hubs need to be check for bearing race surfaces are not oversized, ...especially the taper on the rear Hubs. At that point, you are better to purchase new Drums already installed on new Hubs. (Don't forget to grind each Shoe's lining to the Drum surface)
 
My suggestion is to use the services of Randy Gross. He has an excellent reputation. You will get back the hubs with the cast iron drums attached, the drums turned for concentricity, and the shoes fitted to the drums. And the best lining for cast iron drums.
 

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nkaminar said:
My suggestion is to use the services of Randy Gross. He has an excellent reputation. You will get back the hubs with the cast iron drums attached, the drums turned for concentricity, and the shoes fitted to the drums. And the best lining for cast iron drums.
Click to expand...

Your only problem then will be the "arcing" of the shoes/pads to fit.

Expect you will have problems even getting the drums on with new shoes/pads. Arcing or turning the drums will solve it.

Hence (not to brag) my purchase of an 1873 "Flather" 20 inch lathe.

It was only after I got it home I found out it was "Serial Number 1."

Number done by some proud machinist as <1> with the "v's" done using a cold chisel. He thought enough of that number to try to "set it off."

Sorry. Not relevant but notable. Here in the East we're surrounded by industrial history - and NOBODY has any appreciation for it.

Joe K
 
Why not just re-thread the stud to 7/16-20, a common size so it won't be hard to get a nut that fits and run with that until you do the the switch to cast iron drums.
 
As suggested, don't go thru the work twice, get cast iron brake drums and as much or as little as you want in regards to backing plate rebuilding. Randy Gross will give you a great product and then you will have a safe Model A that you can drive and not fear brake fade and the possibility of hurting yourself or anyone else. YOU NEED GOOD SAFE BRAKES!!!
 
As a temporary fix I would go with Katy' suggestion. Seeing that you live in the east I suggest going with Tams Model A parts in W. Boylston, MA and save some money on shipping. I recently purchased a set of USA made cast drums with new hubs from them. They came turned with hubs assembled and installed with inner bearing races. Very nice quality and quick turnaround.
 
Joe K said:
Your only problem then will be the "arcing" of the shoes/pads to fit.
Click to expand...
That is not a problem. Randy will send you shoes already arced to his new drums. Or if you'd like he'll send you complete newly loaded backing plates.
 
For one or 2 studs a swedging tool can be made from old wristpins,I have used small block chevy ones and ground the end tapered like the real tool — you woul still need acess to at least a 25 ton press.
 
I believe this is a classic "no-brainer" here- Get the set from Randy Gross all done and ready to install. Randy's phone number is (714) 292-8660 and his email address is melmodela@aol.com

Here is a video showing what to do- https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=csQ2kB3Hhlg



Omar Morales said:
Had a recent experience with brake fade coming down a hill and it is not fun! Now one of the studs on my rear wheel is stripped. I had planned on switching to cast iron drums over the winter.

My options: (1) Go through the trouble of buying the tools to fix the current stud OR (2) buy the pre-assembled cast iron drums and hubs that come with properly pressed on studs?

Part of the reason I am considering option 2 is because I do not have any of the tools to fix the current stud so I would be ~$500 in just to fix the current setup and ~1K to go cast iron.

Would love to get your thoughts!!
Click to expand...
 
I'm lucky to live close enough to visit Randy at his "Shop". One of the nicest guys around. Be prepared to spend a little time there, Randy like to show you around...
 
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