killy_4_u Posted June 18, 2016 Share Posted June 18, 2016 So I got my original new master cylinder rebuilt, all new asbestos shoes, springs & hardware, new wheel cylinders, hoses, and the system is bled and ready to go EXCEPT for my drums. They're in horrible shape. All Four. I'm not thinking they're able to be turned. Finding them has been a challenge. I've found some VERY expensive ones, but before spending almost $1,000 on drums, is any one aware of interchangeability from different models or years? I'm only searching 1956 Buick Century but I'm hoping it's not the only model and year to use these. Any help or resources would be much appreciated. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leif Holmberg Posted June 18, 2016 Share Posted June 18, 2016 How about this "Old Parts Source". Leif in Sweden http://stores.ebay.com/Old-Parts-Source/_i.html?_nkw=brake+drum&submit=Search&_sid=588617204 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old-tank Posted June 18, 2016 Share Posted June 18, 2016 Take yours in to be checked and turned if possible. The originals have much more 'meat' than any currently available replacement. Answer to your question: front hub and drum assy = 52-56 rear drum: 53-55 exc special; 56-58 front and rear drums are the same if fronts are removed from hub. Get a BRAKE DRUM CALIPER and go shopping... also handy to adjust the shoes for 'pretty close' fit before installing drum. Willie 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beemon Posted June 19, 2016 Share Posted June 19, 2016 Do not try to adopt later year drums without shaving the lip off your backing plates. It was an embarrassing experience for me, would not recommend it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
killy_4_u Posted June 19, 2016 Author Share Posted June 19, 2016 (edited) 23 hours ago, old-tank said: Take yours in to be checked and turned if possible. The originals have much more 'meat' than any currently available replacement. Answer to your question: front hub and drum assy = 52-56 rear drum: 53-55 exc special; 56-58 front and rear drums are the same if fronts are removed from hub. Get a BRAKE DRUM CALIPER and go shopping... also handy to adjust the shoes for 'pretty close' fit before installing drum. Willie Thank you! That's awesome because fronts are much easier to find! I just need to remove the hub??? That would solve a lot of problems. I'm definitely looking for OEM. I can tell just by looking at them on ebay that the meat looks almost like 1/2" to 3/4" thick! They're much cheaper than new too. I do have a drum caliper and other drum tools, spring removal tool, adjusting fork, etc. I might have two that are saveable but the other two are definitely not so I'm just going to get all four hopefully from the same car. Edited June 19, 2016 by killy_4_u (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
killy_4_u Posted June 19, 2016 Author Share Posted June 19, 2016 16 hours ago, Beemon said: Do not try to adopt later year drums without shaving the lip off your backing plates. It was an embarrassing experience for me, would not recommend it. Thanks for the tip! I'm already trying to stay OEM in my model year range. You just gave me another reason to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
killy_4_u Posted June 19, 2016 Author Share Posted June 19, 2016 (edited) Here's something I've found while looking at various drums on ebay. Mine have what look like balancing weights welded to them as in the below photo, while many I find do not. I don't know why they'd be there if they didn't need to be so I'm worried about buying any without them. Is this a valid concern? Edited June 19, 2016 by killy_4_u (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old-tank Posted June 19, 2016 Share Posted June 19, 2016 If you are worried, they can be balanced. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
killy_4_u Posted July 13, 2016 Author Share Posted July 13, 2016 I'm wanting to re-pack the bearings on the front drums I bought but can't find the WHEEL SEALS at the regular chain stores. Does any one have any resources for finding these? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick5563 Posted July 13, 2016 Share Posted July 13, 2016 http://www.rockauto.com/m/mobilecatalog.php Use these guys to find a number. Or go to Napa or O'Reilly. They both have most "maintenance" items. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beemon Posted July 13, 2016 Share Posted July 13, 2016 You also need to find the guy that's been there before computers and knows what a book looks like. Here's the part for you: https://www.napaonline.com/napa/en/p/NOS20118/NOS20118_0220807107 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
56 Buick Posted December 28, 2018 Share Posted December 28, 2018 On 6/19/2016 at 3:57 AM, old-tank said: Take yours in to be checked and turned if possible. The originals have much more 'meat' than any currently available replacement. Answer to your question: front hub and drum assy = 52-56 rear drum: 53-55 exc special; 56-58 front and rear drums are the same if fronts are removed from hub. Get a BRAKE DRUM CALIPER and go shopping... also handy to adjust the shoes for 'pretty close' fit before installing drum. Willie Have I got this correct that a 1956 Century can only use rear drums from a 1953- 1956 Buick series 50, 60 or 70? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beemon Posted December 28, 2018 Share Posted December 28, 2018 4 hours ago, 56 Buick said: Have I got this correct that a 1956 Century can only use rear drums from a 1953- 1956 Buick series 50, 60 or 70? Thanks 53-58 rears from series 50, 60, 70. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
56 Buick Posted December 28, 2018 Share Posted December 28, 2018 Thanks Ben Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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