spoked brake drums

beast_3

beast_3

Member
I have a spoked cast front brake drum & hub that I'm told were sold as replacements for original drums in late 1931 and later for the Model A. I've seen them in larger sizes (12") at flea markets & was told they were for '32 and later Fords. They have 5 spokes from the center hub running to the rim where the shoes make contact. The lug studs are on each spoke.

Anyone know the history of the one for the Model A?

Any specifications on how far they can be turned to true them up? The drum surface seems much thicker that the original steel drums.

Thanks!
Bob
 
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Ahhh, the very desireable cast brake drums. They were introduced in September of 31. My very late CCPU 31 had cast drums on the front and rear. 11 inch are model A and I believe the 12" are considered 32 on. The holes are to improve cooling?

Barb
 
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Wow, besides cooling I have to think that style drum also helps water get in between the drum and shoe even without driving through puddles.
 
I am not certain if they cool any better, but water cannot enter the open areas of the spokes as long as the rim is mounted onto the drum.

Also, as far as I know, 5 spoke cast iron drums were Front only. The Rear cast iron drums are Solid, similar to the modern replacements. There are photos of both original front and rears in my photo albums here on fordbarn.

Darryl in Fairbanks
 
Darryl, I didn't mean to infer my rears were also spoked only that they were cast iron also. Sorry if my post was confusing.
 
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