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.
 
It was NOT stock and I believe it was created by vendors or "car folks" who found the need for such a product.
 
Vern Tardel has tooling to make those drum retainers for '39 to '48 Ford hydraulic brakes. I don't know if he was the first to make them but he probably makes them for other suppliers as well as his own business.
 
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
 
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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
 
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
 
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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.
 
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'..
 
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.
 
quickchange34 said:
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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Do you have a picture of them that you could post?
 
19Fordy said:
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
Click to expand...

In my opinion, the surface of the outside of the drum determines the fate of the retainer... That being said, mine are rough but I am not so fussy as to remove the drums and machine the out side- but it's a possibility.
Karl
 
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.
 
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