keithb7 Posted April 23, 2020 Share Posted April 23, 2020 (edited) Hi folks, I had a tool made to try and set up my old Mopar brakes better. The original Miller tool is quite pricey, so I needed to do something else. I had great success using this tool to set my shoes concentric to the drums. I've had a few people ask if I'd consider making more of the same tool. So I did. I had my friend make up a batch of 5 . I’ve used this tool on my 1938 with 10” brakes and my 1953 with 11” brakes. Axle thread nut is ¾”-16. Only USA high quality hardware used. $100 USD, for 1 shipped anywhere in USA or Canada. $110 USD to $120 USD shipped to Australia. Any interest? Prefer Paypal. Price includes prepaid shipping within Canada, USA or Australia too! . - Keith Edited June 1, 2020 by keithb7 (see edit history) 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
broker-len Posted April 24, 2020 Share Posted April 24, 2020 I may be wrong, but the original tool has another piece,, the distance from the center to the outside of drum has to be established to set the distance of shoes in relation of drum that is the key to have a good, high peddle ------ 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithb7 Posted April 25, 2020 Author Share Posted April 25, 2020 (edited) Yes, the original tool measures the inside drum diameter. Also the toe and the heel settings separately. It does help in getting you the best brake setting you can set up. The original tool sells for about $600-$700 USD plus shipping. This $100 tool works very well to get your shoes concentric to the drums, netting an improved brake system. I've used it for set shoe set up and enjoyed much improved braking. Seems to me, it gets me quite close, quickly, and for much less cost. What I did was adjust a shoe until it made contact with the drum. Backed it off slightly, then removed the drum. Then used this position as my benchmark. Set my tool here, then around the shoes, setting them both up. Equal distance. Concentric all the way around. Netting very good, much improved brake performance. I have a good high pedal. I could not justify the cost for the original tool. So I made this. It worked well. Others have asked if I'd consider building more. I did and offered them to others. The batch of 5 all sold. I am sure they'll help other Mopar owners set up their brakes. Cheers, Keith. Edited April 25, 2020 by keithb7 (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithb7 Posted April 30, 2020 Author Share Posted April 30, 2020 Seven sold. I have 3 remaining from batch #2. If in need send me a message. I tweaked my Chrysler brakes this past weekend. They feel great! Thanks. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keiser31 Posted April 30, 2020 Share Posted April 30, 2020 Hope I receive mine soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hilgretasmom1 Posted May 4, 2020 Share Posted May 4, 2020 Do you have any of the brake adjustment tools left? If so, how do I obtain one? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Harwood Posted May 4, 2020 Share Posted May 4, 2020 I wish I'd seen this sooner. If there are any left after the gentlemen ahead of me, 'll take one as well! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keiser31 Posted May 4, 2020 Share Posted May 4, 2020 (edited) Got mine and it works quite well. Thanks, Keith. Edited May 4, 2020 by keiser31 (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithb7 Posted May 4, 2020 Author Share Posted May 4, 2020 1 hour ago, hilgretasmom1 said: Do you have any of the brake adjustment tools left? If so, how do I obtain one? Yes i have some left. Please send me an email to obtain one at kbarron2679@gmail.com 1 hour ago, Matt Harwood said: I wish I'd seen this sooner. If there are any left after the gentlemen ahead of me, 'll take one as well! Yes, guys I'd be happy to send you both one. I look forward to hearing from you. - Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithb7 Posted May 4, 2020 Author Share Posted May 4, 2020 1 hour ago, keiser31 said: Got mine and it works quite well. Thanks, Keith. I am glad to hear that Kaiser. You were quick to get on the brakes and try it out! Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Isaiah Posted May 10, 2020 Share Posted May 10, 2020 How do you use this tool on the front axles it dosent rotate like the back ones? A indicator could be adapted to this set up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithb7 Posted May 10, 2020 Author Share Posted May 10, 2020 (edited) It does rotate on the front spindles. They are threaded with the exact same thread pitch and diameter as the rear axles. The tool works on all 4 corners. The photo seen above it is mounted on the LF wheel of my 1953 Chrysler. By chance I just used it today on the RF and LR of my ‘38 Plymouth brakes. Edited May 10, 2020 by keithb7 (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Isaiah Posted May 10, 2020 Share Posted May 10, 2020 ok I under stand what you are doing now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brooklyn Beer Posted May 31, 2020 Share Posted May 31, 2020 Have any left ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithb7 Posted May 31, 2020 Author Share Posted May 31, 2020 Yes. I can ship Monday. $100 USD including shipped, standard ground to the USA or Canada. If you’d like one, I accept Paypal to kbarron2679@gmail.com Thanks. Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brooklyn Beer Posted May 31, 2020 Share Posted May 31, 2020 Thanks buddy. on the way Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithb7 Posted May 31, 2020 Author Share Posted May 31, 2020 I just keep making more batches of these tools as they sell. There are plenty of happy customers using their tools now. I won’t be running out of tools any time soon. I’ll just build more. So if you have a need, let me know. I’d be happy to supply you with one. Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian_Greenlaw Posted June 1, 2020 Share Posted June 1, 2020 Hi Keith, Do you have any left, I'd like to get one if I can. iangreenlaw@netspace.net.au Cheers Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithb7 Posted June 1, 2020 Author Share Posted June 1, 2020 (edited) Shipping into Australia now too folks. Sell price of the tool, prepaid shipping to down under is: $110 USD via boat. Up to 6 weeks shipping time $120 USD via Airmail. Up to 2 weeks they tell me. "Chees Maights".. ...Keith Edited June 1, 2020 by keithb7 (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Auburncoupe Posted June 3, 2020 Share Posted June 3, 2020 Would this tool help me with my 1957 Dodge Coronet? I am knew to the Chrysler cars. Received this car as a gift from my father. It has two pistons per wheel such as your car. Thank you, Glenn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithb7 Posted June 4, 2020 Author Share Posted June 4, 2020 @Auburncoupe do you have a photo or parts image of your brakes? I’d like to learn if they are the Lockheed brakes? My tool is designed for use with the Lockheed brake system. I’m not sure what your ‘57 Dodge Coronet brakes system is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
c49er Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 The tool will not work on your 57 Dodge Center Plane brakes. The shoes are self centering. They are much easier to adjust than the Lockheed brakes. There is a upper and lower 7/16" hex bolt used to adjust the front shoes and two even spaced hex bolts on the rear backing plates adjusting the rear shoes. It's always smart to read the service manual to safely repair brakes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jukejunkie1015 Posted August 21, 2020 Share Posted August 21, 2020 Any idea if it will work on my 1931 Chrysler CD-8? If so I would like one, if still available. Kurt M Tacoma WA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithb7 Posted August 21, 2020 Author Share Posted August 21, 2020 (edited) @jukejunkie1015Hi Kurt, I have not personally worked on a 31 Chyrsler brake system before. Do you know the size and thread pitch of the axle nut or front wheel spindle nut that hold the brake drums on? Usually they are the same on all 4 corners.¾-16 is the nut size on my tool. So far it has fit every old Mopar that I have sold a tool for. Up to about 20 sales so far and the same nut has fit every old Mopar. I suspect it will fit you car, however I'd like to be sure before I sell you a tool. Thanks, Keith Edited April 15, 2023 by keithb7 (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithb7 Posted August 22, 2020 Author Share Posted August 22, 2020 (edited) @jukejunkie1015 A fellow AACA member here that owns a 1931 Chrysler confirmed with me today that yes, the axle and spindle nuts are ¾-16. My tool will fit your car. If you'd like one, I'd be happy to ship it to you. - Keith Edited August 22, 2020 by keithb7 (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jukejunkie1015 Posted August 22, 2020 Share Posted August 22, 2020 Hi Keith, I saw that. Thank you and thanks Gunsmoke! I was not able to pull a wheel yesterday and the few hours I spent with the Master Parts Lists book were not much help PM me with your payment method and I will take one. Kurt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithb7 Posted September 3, 2020 Author Share Posted September 3, 2020 Hi folks. I just completed another batch of 4 tools. Now available if anyone is in need. Thanks to a fellow member here, I was recently able to determine that my tool will also work on the larger 1932 Chrysler brakes. They have a 12" ID drum. The tool will open up to about 13 ¼" diameter if needed. This same tool also works on my 10" diameter 1938 Plymouth brakes, and my 1953 11" diameter Chrysler brakes. I now know that it fits, 10", 11", or 12" brakes on the early Mopars. They all use the same ¾-16 axle/spindle thread too. Regards, Keith 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doozer Posted September 3, 2020 Share Posted September 3, 2020 Hello Kieth, I would like to purchase one of your brake adjustment tools. I will e-mail you. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJ62 Posted September 11, 2020 Share Posted September 11, 2020 Hello, Will this take the place of the Ammco brake gauge model #1750? Will your tool work on my '55 Chrysler 300? If it works on your '53, it'll probably work on mine. Thanks, Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doc bell Posted November 5, 2020 Share Posted November 5, 2020 Do you have any of the tools left? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithb7 Posted November 6, 2020 Author Share Posted November 6, 2020 (edited) 22 hours ago, doc bell said: Do you have any of the tools left? You betchya Doc. I keep building more. Must have sold 35 by now I estimate. Not 1 complaint yet! They've been shipped to some pretty cool places I hadn't expected! Please e-mail me direct at kbarron2679@gmail.com if you'd like one. Thanks, Keith. Edited November 6, 2020 by keithb7 (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
christianad1156 Posted November 21, 2020 Share Posted November 21, 2020 Keith, Thank you for making this and posting. This looks seriously helpful and effective. I'll reach out on email. There's a brake drum measuring tool that also measures to the shoes. Its basically a caliper that has inside and outside measurements that you set the distance and match both the inside and outside. It won't check concentric-ness though. It might help to further refine the fit after using your tool if needed. Do you think that it could be helpful or did you find that the "adjust until the shoe touches the drum" method worked well enough? Attached is an example of the tool. All I did was search for "drum brake tool measuring" and there were multiple options that come up. I haven't used one of these yet so I'm not sure how well it works. Christian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edinmass Posted November 21, 2020 Share Posted November 21, 2020 7 hours ago, christianad1156 said: Keith, Thank you for making this and posting. This looks seriously helpful and effective. I'll reach out on email. There's a brake drum measuring tool that also measures to the shoes. Its basically a caliper that has inside and outside measurements that you set the distance and match both the inside and outside. It won't check concentric-ness though. It might help to further refine the fit after using your tool if needed. Do you think that it could be helpful or did you find that the "adjust until the shoe touches the drum" method worked well enough? Attached is an example of the tool. All I did was search for "drum brake tool measuring" and there were multiple options that come up. I haven't used one of these yet so I'm not sure how well it works. Christian This tool is a cheap piece of Chineseum...........not accurate. Good enough for a one ton dump truck, but on a pre war car, you need the real precision unit.....and they are expensive. I have the high end set, purchased at an auction years ago.........it was still something like 600 bucks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithb7 Posted November 22, 2020 Author Share Posted November 22, 2020 (edited) 12 hours ago, christianad1156 said: Keith, Thank you for making this and posting. This looks seriously helpful and effective. I'll reach out on email. There's a brake drum measuring tool that also measures to the shoes. Its basically a caliper that has inside and outside measurements that you set the distance and match both the inside and outside. It won't check concentric-ness though. It might help to further refine the fit after using your tool if needed. Do you think that it could be helpful or did you find that the "adjust until the shoe touches the drum" method worked well enough? Attached is an example of the tool. All I did was search for "drum brake tool measuring" and there were multiple options that come up. I haven't used one of these yet so I'm not sure how well it works. Christian I have seen that tool. I have no use for it. The tool I offer will adequately set up your brakes, concentric. The brakes work so much better when they are concentric. With the drum off I adjust them as far extended as I can, concentric, so that I can just barely squeeze the drums over. Then with the wheel still in the air, I spin it by hand. I use the minor brake adjustment. Crank them out just a little further so they are just ever so slightly dragging on the drum. The brakes work pretty darn well after that! Edited November 22, 2020 by keithb7 (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
christianad1156 Posted November 22, 2020 Share Posted November 22, 2020 Keith, Glad to hear it, thank you for confirming. Christian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithb7 Posted June 7, 2021 Author Share Posted June 7, 2021 I have a handful of these brake tools left. I'll sell these off at a discount. Someone took my tool that I sold them, copied it identical, are now mass producing and selling them all over the net. Oh well. It was a fun for a while. $90 US Funds, shipped within the USA or Canada Prepaid shipping included in the $90 total. Limited quantities. Will ship to other countries at actual shipping cost. Thanks. Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
c49er Posted June 7, 2021 Share Posted June 7, 2021 Leave it to Mikey. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JACK M Posted June 7, 2021 Share Posted June 7, 2021 12 hours ago, keithb7 said: Someone took my tool that I sold them, copied it identical, are now mass producing and selling them all over the net. I saw that somewhere. At first I thought it was you, but no. You got ripped off. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithb7 Posted July 28, 2021 Author Share Posted July 28, 2021 (edited) @55fast see here. Brake set up tool, above. I still have a few more left. Price is $90 shipped. See instructional videos above. Stock brakes work just fine when set up. Edited July 28, 2021 by keithb7 (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brooklyn Beer Posted July 28, 2021 Share Posted July 28, 2021 This is a fine tool that works very well. Not some harbor freight CCP garbage ! 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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