Brakes, leave them alone or Disc

Did they measure the drums? There is a max diameter they can be turned to and you can usually find it on the drum. I had to buy my own measuring tool. No shop or parts store in my town even has one, they just turn anything and never know the final size.
And as I previously mentioned, they need to be cut to the same diameter on each end of the car.
 
Most shops with Ammco lathes will have the measuring gauge for drums. I'm probably the last of a dying breed that can work on drum brakes with success. I'd be curious to know what the drums measure at, it is actually a safety item so shops should know what they're doing. More metal removed, less metal to use to transfer heat.

I would get self adjusters on the car too, easy and inexpensive.

The problem with older cars on the road, its no longer a level playing field. New cars stop so much better, they handle better too. My highway speeds going to work every day are 70-80 mph and I drive a newer car. You do 55-60 you had better be in the right lane and keep out of the way.
 
The drums have a bevel on the inside. That is if you look at the cut surface there is a bevel that angles out to the flat edge. If the drum is cut to where the bevel is gone it is trash.
 
Turned the front drums. Did help the pulsating in the brake pedal but did not completely get rid of it. Steering wheel still shakes a little. Could it be the front and rear brakes are still not adjusted correctly. Someone said too much front brake and not enough rear. Had this problem with a 54 I had and that was the problem except it had disc on the front. Any ideas if brakes still need adjusting more.
 
bobss396 said:
Are the shoes new? They may still have a funky pattern worn in them from the old drums.
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A new / fresh surface on the drums needs new brake shoes, or you are keeping half the problem you're trying to fix.
The uneven worn surface of the old shoes will unevenly wear the new surface of the drums, and they'll warp or get glazed spots sooner.

Oilslickwillie said:
Is there a code on the shoes in order to get the correct ones?
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Unless a prev owner changed the brakes to something from another car, just tell the auto parts store counter person what car you have and they'll likely ask about optional equipment on the car and if you want the: 'cheap, regular or high dollar' ones. If there's a Made-in-USA option get those, and take the old shoes with you to make sure the new ones match up.

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The core itself fits many Fords over the years, from the '50's well into the '70's. Any decent parts store should have them or be able to get them the next day. Rock Auto could get them to you in 3 days.
 
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