Are these trans drums fit for service?

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Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2014: Are these trans drums fit for service?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Eric Sole on Thursday, June 26, 2014 - 01:47 pm:

I have searched the Forum for information about the service limit for transmission drums and have seen posts saying the drums measure 7.5 inches across or .25 inches thick. Mine fall far short of these measurements, especially the thickness. Before putting these back in the transmission I would like to know if they really fall that short of the original thickness.

My reverse drum is also cracked at the web. Is this type of crack the "not so bad it can't be used" type? I understand that a repair with silver soldering can give good service.



2. The low drum has been undercut and the surface is not fully polished. I am going to use wood bands (for the first time) and wonder if they will be forgiving of this roughness left in the drum surface.





3. My brake drum is scored. Given the amount of damage, could this work OK with wood linings?



4. The brake drum measurement is taken at the outer edge and also further inboard where the drum is thicker.



I would, of course, love to replace all the drums with new ones but the budget is running low and Steve isn't the only "Mr. Thrifty" posting here. ;-)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steve Jelf, Parkerfield KS on Thursday, June 26, 2014 - 02:02 pm:

Yes, at up to six bills each the new drums are ungodly expensive. But most of the dealers have used parts that aren't in their catalogues. Call all the usual suspects and you may get lucky. I'd start with Bob Bergstadt because he's having his clear-out sale. There's also the alternative of having new drums riveted to your old shafts and gears if they're still good.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By R.V. Anderson on Thursday, June 26, 2014 - 02:28 pm:

Eric, you may want to buy only the low speed drum new. I believe that that is the one that usually blows up and takes out much of the transmission with it. I have one of Dave Nolting's new low drums alongside original brake and reverse drums in my '14. Dave's drum is great; it's heavier than an original and has more "meat" in the critical areas and is better balanced than 99% of originals. Excellent brake drums are scarce but not impossible to find, and you can tolerate a bit more imperfection on the reverse because it is seldom used. If you're one of those that like to use the reverse pedal to help slow the car, it would be spendy but may be wise to get a new one of those as well.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ed in California on Thursday, June 26, 2014 - 02:39 pm:

http://www.davesrestorationandmachine.com


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jerry VanOoteghem on Thursday, June 26, 2014 - 04:19 pm:

The only drum I would not use is the reverse drum. Never use a cracked drum. The others look o.k.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Eric Sole on Thursday, June 26, 2014 - 05:45 pm:

I have spoken with Dave Nolting and think this is going to be the way to go to replace the reverse drum with a cracked web.

The used low drum I bought last year is just slightly thicker than the machined-down original which cracked on the surface in three places. I think it's going to be replaced with a new drum too.

Thanks for your input and the contact info for Dave Nolting. He left a good impression on me after our telephone conversation.


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