drum brake question

[Ron Gusack]

1970 Nova, trying to put secondary shoes on all the way around. The first corner I do won't allow me to put the drum on. The adjuster is all the way in. Do I have to grind one shoe to allow the adjuster to seat deeper in the shoe? I guess I could take a little off the short end of the adjuster too.

[Jim B]

Never having done that myself I would start by placing the secondary shoe and lining over the primary on the bench and look for the differences. If the reason for the drum not going over the brakes is the different thickness of the lining you may be in the area that arc grinding the brake shoes may be required for correct lining to drum contact. (am I showing my age??) If the reason is a different shoe and you choose to grind be sure the adjuster end has proper engagement in the finished cutout and be careful not to weaken the adjuster end by excessive material removal. Use of a brake drum gauge will give you an idea of the amount that is necessary to remove. That said why are you going this route anyway? I have no prior experience on your particular combo but increased lining area may result in an unsatisfactory higher pedal effort and improper lining contact will reduce braking performance. Can't source premium/high performance brake shoes to increase your stopping requirements?

[ss3011]

When I did this to my Firebird stocker it was an easy bolt in, with no modifications required. Are the pistons retracted fully on the wheel cylinder ?

[Ron Gusack]

I'll check the piston depth first and start measuring stuff. I was pretty sure this would be a bolt on deal. In fact, I think I accidentally put both secondaries on one side when I did my first brake job back in the 60's. It helps to know that this should be a bolt on.

Jim, I'm trying to get all the holding power I can in my foot brake car to allow for higher launch rpm. I know many racers do this and haven't read of any braking problems.

[Jim B]

Experience always trumps opinions and theory....listen to the guys who have done it.....

[ss3011]

I also went through the parts books and was able to pick a wheel cylinder with a larger piston diameter. This will increase the force on the shoes.