My 1962 Electra 225

[page2171]

Thanks, John. I haven't had the drums turned recently. I've been hoping the solution wouldn't involve turning the drums, but it looks like that may be the fix (won't know until I get a chance to take the front drums off). The drums had to be turned when I took the car out of storage years ago, and the shop told me that one of the drums (I don't remember which) was getting close to the limit. I had thought about converting to discs, but at this point I know that I can getting roadworthy faster by keeping the drum brakes, and I know that when everything is in good shape the drums work just fine because they did when I bought the car years ago.

[JohnD1956]

Brian, Should have known you'd know about this. On a whim I went to E bay. Check this link out ( note, 9 available) Front Brake Drum 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 Buick NEW | eBay

[page2171]

Well, John, the only reason I know about this is that I spent most of the last two years travelling for work and had plenty of time sitting in a hotel room to research. I think I have read every thread on this forum dealing with front drums and disc brake conversions. But, all of that travelling is also why years later I still have not gotten the brakes fixed.

[JohnD1956]

I'm certain you have been doing the best you can do with the car. Moving it with you across country several times shows your dedication. I sure do wish you the best of luck and many hours of quality Buick time ahead.

[John_Maine]

Nice original car, I've always liked the '62.

[page2171]

I made a little more progress today. This morning I got the front drums off and took them in to the auto hobby shop to get them checked out. Both drums were out of round, although the driver's side was worse than the passenger side. Thankfully, there was more than enough material left for them to get them back into shape. I got to tell the story about my Buick a few times while I was waiting. A bunch of the guys there working on their cars had never seen drums like those before and wanted to know what they go to. So, now I am at a standstill again as I wait for new shoes to come in. Looks like next weekend I'll be working on it again.

[Rob McDonald]

BRIAN, following the link provided by JOHND, I can see why the shop guys were interested in your brake drums. In as-new condition at least, they are quite beautiful. No wonder that hot-rodders have been using them for years, on projects in which the front suspension is hanging out for all to see.

[page2171]

Another case of a self-inflicted delay. Didn't have time to work on the car last weekend, but did this weekend. Started working on replacing the shoes and realized I have an adjustor that isn't adjusting anymore. Wish I would have checked everything out before ordering the shoes, or right away when I took the drums off. Now I am waiting again...this time for adjustors.

[JohnD1956]

They could not be freed up and greased?

[page2171]

John...thanks for bringing that up before I went ahead with ordering new ones. After cleaning them up some I was able to free them up with the aid of two vise grips. I haven't had time to work on it because of the college class I was taking was coming to an end and being very busy at work (thanks to some taskers coming down from DoD). Next weekend is a long weekend for me, so hopefully I will get it put back together then.

[JohnD1956]

Glad you were able to salvage em. Hope you "A"ce the College course.

[page2171]

Finally had time to work on the Buick again today. Got the brakes back together. A lot of drag on the driver's side drum, very little on the passenger side. I can adjust the passenger side so it has the same amount of drag as the driver side, but it feels to me like too much drag. Adjuster on the driver side is in all of the way. How much drag is too much?

[old-tank]

If the shoes are new or you changed drums you may need to drive it a little to seat the shoes and and wear off any edges. What is the adjusting procedure outlined in the service manual for your car?

[JohnD1956]

Finally had time to work on the Buick again today. Got the brakes back together. A lot of drag on the driver's side drum, very little on the passenger side. I can adjust the passenger side so it has the same amount of drag as the driver side, but it feels to me like too much drag. Adjuster on the driver side is in all of the way. How much drag is too much?

I would double check that the adjusters are fully seated and that the shoes are fully seated in the adjusters. I would also check that the shoes are riding on top of the three flat spots on the backing plate ( three flat spots for each shoe, front and rear).

Did you follow the wheel bearing adjustment proceedure in the manual?

[60FlatTop]

I checked into having a set of drums for my Riviera and my "60 relined- 4 total. I figured if I did both cars I would be set for my lifetime and not have to monkey around if they need replacement when I am something like 75 years old. Below is the quote.
Although I don't need them right now I might score a car sale or write myself a bonus check this year and get it done. If you think the price is high just watch the Barret-Jackson auction for 20 minutes before you scrawl off the check. Anyway, its not much compared to what you'd have to pay to get either of those cars from me.
Bernie

"To reline your drum would run $275.00 ea. but if you ship me both pairs at the same time we can reline all four drums for $ 965.00
all drums will come back to you with new races and bearing. If you have extra cores we pay $ 25.00 ea for those drums if you would like to sell them.
Thanks"
Don
J&G Brake drum relining
815-276-2578.

[page2171]

Got the brakes back together today. Took the car for a spin and the brakes are OK, the shuddering is gone (which is awesome), but the brakes could probably use some more adjusting. As it is, though, it is safely driveable, and it was a real treat to step on the brakes and not have the car shake.

[4 bufords]

got my 62 invicta back on the road today after the disc brake conversions,what big diference the discs make.also got the dash lights working,rewired the parking lights so they work with the headlights.can't wait for the cruise season,4 bufords from ct

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Looking back, I wish I had done the disc brake conversion. My reasoning for sticking with the drums was that I wanted to get it back on the road quickly. But, as you can see by looking at the dates of my posts, this has been anything but quick, and in the time I spent putzing around with this I probably could have done the disc conversion.