Will 1933 Series 60 Rear Brake Drums fit a 1931 Series 60?

[Pat_n_Pat]

Hi All:

We have a 1931 8-60 that we run on The Great Race. I need to replace the two rear brake drums, which are a bit out of round. It turns out that these are very hard to find!

I have found a pair of 1933 Series 60 rear drums. According to Hollander’s, they are 14”, as are the drums on my ’31. Hollander’s says that the ’30 and ’31 Series 40 and 60 use the same Drum, and the ’33 Series uses a different Drum.

The fellow that has the ’33 Drums says he “thinks” they are cast iron (he has to dig them out). Again, my ’31 Drums have cast hubs, but stamped drums.

My questions are:

1. Will the ’33 Drums fit on my ’31 axle? (both have tapered/keyed axle shafts).
   
2. Are the ’33 Drums cast iron? Is that the only difference?
   

Thanks for your help and insight!

Pat

[freeman]

Hi Pat,

I have a set of drums (front and rear) from a '33 50 Series that might work if the 60 Series don't. I can do some measuring if need be.

Thanks,

Pat

[Pat_n_Pat]

Thanks for the offer, however the '33 Series 50 drums are 12" (according to Hollander), and mine are 14".

Pat

[Mark Shaw]

Pat,

That is a tough call... I suggest you get the seller to send photos with measurements before you buy.

Did the seller's drums come off a wire wheel like yours? If not, you may have the wrong bolt circle.

The ultimate solution might be to have a section of heavy wall pipe welded to your current drums like a cylinder sleeve.

This could solve your out of round problem, but may require a change in the hand brake geometry.

[Pat_n_Pat]

Hi Mark:

I have thought about the heavy wall pipe idea, and it may be the best answer.

Actually, we have been running the out-of-round drums on the Great Race for the past two years with no problems, even on panic stops. Because they are stamped steel, the shoes just push them round when stopping. As you know, our car is very light (relative to the original Buick 60) and the rear brakes only do about 35% of the stopping. While they work fine, I really would rather fix it right!

Since our drums are riveted to the hubs, I might be able to take some 14" drums off another year and mount them on our hubs as an alternative. I have been on a search for the correct drums/hubs for over two years.....they may turn up yet!

Pat

[42crazy]

The '41 and '42 model 90's use 14 inch drums, maybe you could figure out how to use them, they are cast iron. Paul

[freeman]

Pat,

I had a chance to check out the brakes and drums that I have, they measure 13" in diameter, smaller than your 14" but maybe an option.

Pat

[Pat_n_Pat]

Pat:

I assume that is 13" O.D. Our drums are 14: I.D. Right now I am keeping all options open. Our existing brakes work fine, It is in my nature to make it right"!

Thanks, Pat

[Pat_n_Pat]

Thanks Paul,

They could be an option, depending on bolt pattern and axle taper.

Pat

[Guest daydreamer1950]

if you have artillery wheels the 1930 40 series will fit . and only 1931 60 series .all other years no.s are different

[Pat_n_Pat]

We have wire wheels.

[Guest daydreamer1950]

wire and artillery wheels would be the same . the wood ones were different . i am working on a drive train out of a 31 but i dont know what series yet. if you email me your no i will keep it on file . paul buickregistry@aol.com

[Pat_n_Pat]

Paul:

I will e-mail my number, thanks. For 1931 I believe the artillery wheels were the wood wheels as opposed to the later stamped "artillery" wheels.

Pat