1964 Brake shoe question

[David R.]

I am in the process of breathing life back into a 1964 Convertible that has not seen the road since the early 80's.

The brake cylinders and e-brake cables are all completely seized. I entertained honing the wheel cylinders and rebuilding them but they are all deeply pitted and not OEM.

I will be replacing the wheel cylinders, shoes and hardware. As well as truing the drums after a quick trip through the shot blaster.

Upon disassembly I found that the front brake shoes are wider than the rears and the all 4 brake assemblies are missing the self adjusting levers.

I ordered AC Delco replacement shoes, wheel cylinders, hardware. The new front/rear shoes are all the same width (2.000")

It is obvious that the previous owner did some modifying on these brakes. He owned another 64 that was used exclusively as a SCCA Road race car.

Two Questions:

Any insights on why he might have left out the self adjusters?

Can anybody tell me what is the correct width of the front and rear linings?

Thanks for the help.

Dave

[Joe R.]

Re: 1964 Brake shoe question

Dave,

Find you a passenger car and use the self adjusters from it. Nothing special about the Std. 63-64 brake system BUT the front shoes are wider than the rears. You should be able to find them at any NAPA store.

JR

[Duke W.]

Re: 1964 Brake shoe question

Front linings are approximately 2.75" and rear is 2.00". The '63/'64 Corvette drum brake hardware is essentially the same as the contemporaneous full size Chevrolet.

I believe '62 shoes are 2" wide, front and rear, so the '63/'64 front brakes are an upgrade from previous models.

I haven't a clue why the self-adjuster levers are missing.

Duke