Another RPO 684 question

[Ken H.]

I do not have the correct brake shoes for my big brake '58 and was wondering what shoes I should use for driver use. I have been told that there is a set of Oldsmobile shoes that work. If anyone knows what shoes and hopefully a part # for them, i would appreciate it.

Same thing goes for a set of brake springs, etc. for putting the shoes in place.

thanks!!!

Ken

[Jim L.]

Re: Another RPO 684 question

I ....was wondering what shoes I should use for driver use. I have been told that there is a set of Oldsmobile shoes that work.

You want NAPA TS160 shoes. These are the 2-1/2" wide shoes that fit '56 Oldsmobiles.

As to the pull back springs, get NAPA brake shoe hardware kit UP 2987. The hold down pins may be too short in this kit, but pins are available individually in whatever length you need.

Jim

[Tom P.]

Re: Another RPO 684 question

Ken,
For the front shoes, use late 50s (starting about 55-57) / early 60s (up to about 64) full size Olds front shoes. They are 2 1/2in wide, same width as HD front shoes. The earlier cars (I think 57-59) used 2in rear shoes with HD brakes, so the Std front brakes shoes can be used on the rear. Then (I believe it was 60) the HD rear shoes went back the the 1 3/4in shoes (same width as std rear shoes).
The 2 1/2in Olds front shoes are readily available from your local parts stores (O'Reilly, NAPA, etc). If your local store doesn't have them in stock, they can usually get them out of their warehouse by the next day.
For pull back springs, just use the std brakes type springs (or just install the HD springs).

This info was provided many years ago by GM for people who had cars with HD brakes and wanted to drive the car on the street when not being used for competition.
The 2 1/2in Olds front and 2in rear (same as std front brakes) is what I use at all times on the 56. Works fine!
I don't race the 56, but there have been a few times that I've had it 120+mph, and the brakes worked just fine.

[Ken H.]

Re: Another RPO 684 question

Thank you both for the answers!!!!

[Tom P.]

Re: Another RPO 684 question

Here's a comparrison of the stock 2in and the Olds 2 1/2in front shoes.