What's to stop me?

[Jack A.]

Hi Guys,

Here is another question that I'm sure won't stump you. I'm trying to rebuild the brakes on my 61 non big brake car. I am having trouble determining if I have enough left on the drums to turn and rebuild. I was told that there were specs engraved on the drum to determine the minumum drum left. I cannot find that on mine. I only see the GM parts number on the outside, which is correct. Does anyone Know what the minimum is. I have measured the thickness on what it is now. It is .0225 and the inside diameter from side to side is aprox 11". Any help on this is appreciated.

Jack Alexander 35730

[Bill I.]

Re: What's to stop me?

Jack, I doubt there any marking way back then. Certain nothing from the Fed. See if you can find an old established garage that might have specs on how thin they can be. Your #'s suggest they have been turned more than once. Bill ERROR on the side of safety.

[Mike S.]

Re: What's to stop me?

Jack I show a 11" drum max is 11.060. Mike

[Terry D.]

Re: What's to stop me?

Mike
If you don't have the right equipment to measure the drum, take it to a good brake shop and they will be able to measure it for you.
Terry

[Jack A.]

Re: What's to stop me?

Thanks guys!

That is exactly what I needed. You all are such a big help.

My best to all of you.

Jack

[Dennis C.]

Re: What's to stop me?

Jack,

While the ST-12 indicates the 11" drum diameter, it is silent on the tolerance for cutting down the drum. However, the 1961 Chevrolet Passenger car service manual is where the maximum .060 cut is defined.

Dennis

[Jack A.]

Re: What's to stop me?

Hi Dennis,

Thanks for the additional information. Those are the spec's I've decided to go with. I apprecate your looking that up for me.

Regards,

Jack Alexander