what is a dummy drum?

Hi,

I got instructions on how to put new brakes on a 50 dodge coupe. They say the best way is to have a dummy drum or brake shoe-centering gage. I was going to try to do this myself, as no shop here will work on it..Any help or advise will help. Thanks Don

A dummy drum is a drum with some cut outs so that you can use a feeler gauge to set the brake shoe location. Trick is that the dummy drum has to be the same exact diameter as the drum that will be used in service. So if your drums have been turned, especially if they've all been turned different amounts, you'll need a dummy drum that is an exact match for each real drum.

The factory tools were made by Miller but Ammco made a tool that was very popular with mechanics of that time to to the job. Not sure about the Miller, but my Ammco is two tools in one: It can measure the drum diameter and it can be used to center and adjust the brake shoes.

There is an on going thread about making up your own shoe adjustment tool at http://p15-d24.com/topic/346-homemade-ammco-1750-gauge/

Be advised that in order to adjust the shoes properly they must be arced to the drums. There is a thread that mentions that at http://forums.aaca.org/f145/strange-hydraulic-brake-issue-1950-windsor-375510.html

A dummy drum is a drum with some cut outs so that you can use a feeler gauge to set the brake shoe location. Trick is that the dummy drum has to be the same exact diameter as the drum that will be used in service. So if your drums have been turned, especially if they've all been turned different amounts, you'll need a dummy drum that is an exact match for each real drum.

The factory tools were made by Miller but Ammco made a tool that was very popular with mechanics of that time to to the job. Not sure about the Miller, but my Ammco is two tools in one: It can measure the drum diameter and it can be used to center and adjust the brake shoes.

There is an on going thread about making up your own shoe adjustment tool at http://p15-d24.com/topic/346-homemade-ammco-1750-gauge/

Be advised that in order to adjust the shoes properly they must be arced to the drums. There is a thread that mentions that at http://forums.aaca.org/f145/strange-hydraulic-brake-issue-1950-windsor-375510.html

Thanks for the info. I think I will just sell my 50 dodge 3 pass. coupe and my 50 dodge cornet 4 door.I think that's the way to go, as I don't have the time to work on them. And living in a small town nobody here can work them either. But thanks for the info. anyway.

DON

Got any photos of the 1950 Dodge coupe to post?

Hi, I have these right now.

I have these right now.

50 cornet

THANKS!

I just recently found this tool. Doing brakes on a 1957 Crown Imp with 12" brakes.

Thanks for the info. I think I will just sell my 50 dodge 3 pass. coupe and my 50 dodge cornet 4 door.I think that's the way to go, as I don't have the time to work on them. And living in a small town nobody here can work them either. But thanks for the info. anyway.

DON

Ship your cars my way. I have a lot of the tools to do most of any task on these cars. Even the gizmo the is used to tell your MPG.

Ship your cars my way. I have a lot of the tools to do most of any task on these cars. Even the gizmo the is used to tell your MPG.

That is a good thought, but I live in Kansas. That would cost more than the car is worth. Thanks for the interest.

Don