How to adjust the rear drum brakes

[Rory McNeil]

On older cars that were made before self adjusters were used, the adjusters had much larger peaks on the star wheels used for adjusting the brakes. The larger space between the points allowed the lower shoe retaining springs to grab the star wheel tighter. You may still be able to buy the early style adjusters new, maybe ask for adjusters for something like a 57 Chevy , and see if they are the same length.
On my Mustangs rear drum brakes, I when I got rid of the self adjusting stuff, I cut down the female end of the adjustors enough to allow a jam nut to fit. Yes, you do have to remove the drums to adjust the brakes, but as long as the jam nut is tight, the brakes will never mysteriously adjust themselves too tight.

[Dragsinger]

Good job Rory! I like the jam nut idea. And you are correct about the pre-self adjusting star wheels. With most GM products self adjusters began in 1963.

[Mark Yacavone]

Mostly all covered already...

My opinion is that the aluminum 9.5 x 2 GM drums are worth a few hundredths anyway

[Lonnie Cox]

Originally Posted by Mark Yacavone

Mostly all covered already...

My opinion is that the aluminum 9.5 x 2 GM drums are worth a few hundredths anyway

Mark do i need to go to the dealer to purchase them. Thank You

[gsa612]

Originally Posted by Lonnie Cox

Mark do i need to go to the dealer to purchase them. Thank You

You can try the wreckers, late 70's early 80's malibu, cutlass, etc. There getting hard to find nowadays. Discontinued at the dealer for years. All the jobber ones are cast.

[Dragsinger]

and about the aluminum drums. Be careful about drums that have been machined several times and are way over the safe spec limit. They have been known to break away from the flange.

Because of the rarity they have become pricey and finding a pair within spec is a problem.

[Mark Yacavone]

Originally Posted by Dragsinger

and about the aluminum drums. Be careful about drums that have been machined several times and are way over the safe spec limit. They have been known to break away from the flange.

Because of the rarity they have become pricey and finding a pair within spec is a problem.

All true..
Use at your own risk. I've never had any trouble with good ones. I've got one pair left that I don't think I want to use...Maybe on a U/SA car ;-)