Working to get my 41 coupe on the road again. 3 of the 4 brakes were locked up and the drums have been troublesome trying to remove them. One of the fronts actually broke in half around the circumference. I rebuilt all 4 wheel cylinders, got my new tires mounted and ready to go However, the replacement brake drum I purchased won't go over the shoes on either of the rear sides. When I removed the wheels, I found the right rear already had an aftermarket drum and the one I purchased is a perfect match for that one. The one original rear I have fit perfectly on either side. I measured the new drum and it is in fact about an eighth of an inch smaller than the original. I am wondering if I can have the two non originals machined to the size I need. I know there must be some standards on how much can be removed or how much must remain??? Any thoughts? Or, does anyone have an original to sell?
There is a spec but I don't know what it is. There should be a limit stamped on the casting somewhere. If it were me, I'd look for an OE drum. I had four that I sent with my 38 when I sold it. I'm sure you can probably find someone on eBay parting out a car that still has the drums.
7046 old site posts
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1938 Master Business Coupe-Sold, now living in New Jersey
1953 210 Sedan
Most brake drums can be turned .90 then they need to be replaced. Are you sure that the parking brake may need the adjustment backed off. If I remember right the drums are 11 inch.
If you measure the drums and they are the correct diameter then you need to find the problem and correct it.
7472 old site post

