58 Brake Drums

[Bill B.]

Finally ready to start front end assembly/rebuild. Got everything cued up to take me to the brake drums--brake drums my question. I have four drums with following numbers: two drums 212004-G WF 4M18, one drum W49 nothing else, and one drum W-4 nothing else. The latter two drums have different hole configurations from the 212004 and from each other too. What have I got here as I have replaced many early passenger items on this basket case? If things are most likely wrong, what do I need to look for?

[Pat #25912]

Re: 58 Brake Drums

Hi Bill. Is there any difference in the depth of the drums? Pat G

[Bill B.]

Re: 58 Brake Drums

Pat, the 02's seem much heavier and the 02's state max dia ll.06. The other two don't indicate anything. All measurements seem to be the same for all four drums. The inside pad area is 2 1/2 in and outside width is 2 7/8 in. Suspect they will work but I really don't know about them just looking at them. They are all in pretty good looking condition. For some reason I believe two may be correct that where mounted on the front suspension while I believe the two rear may be something different (although may work) since the rear banjo and housing where a passenger series setup.

[Pat #25912]

Re: 58 Brake Drums

I believe you have 4 front drums Bill. I am no expert but I think the rear drums should only be 2" deep. I just did a brake inspect on the '59 I just picked up and my 78 year old dad noticed that the previous owner had mixed up a front and rear drum. The 2-1/2" drum that had been on the back axle had been rubbing on the backing plate. Now, my back axle could be out of something else as well and that might make what I told you all wrong. Sorry I can't help you with the part numbers. Pat G.

[Bill B.]

Re: 58 Brake Drums

Pat you may be right on 4 front drums. All have a spring groove. The 02 groove is very small roundee-out area while the other two have a very definitive grove and ridge area. Really appreciate your input on this and maybe someone else will validate or id these drums. Like everything else, it seems like such a simple issue. BUT for a guy that isn't a mechanic, it gets so complicated or I make it that way?

[Tom P.]

Re: 58 Brake Drums

ALL 4 (front/rear) drums for STANDARD brakes on 53-62 /Vettes are the same. Also, 51-58 pass car use these same drums at all 4 corners (59-64 pass got the bigger front drums, but rear drums stayed the same through 64 pass car).

[Bill B.]

Re: 58 Brake Drums

Tom, thanks for the info on the drums. My gut was that my two front drums were okay as the front end of this car is essentially right. My rear banjo and carrier was a passenger 64(?) vintage--I have since replaced with a 57 posi banjo. Consequently, I figured my rear drums where probably vintage 64 pass drums too. Based on your info looks like I am just fine! Thanks alot.