Drum brake assembly Help

[Mrmike]

Many moons ago I planned on swapping the drum brakes for discs on a 59 vette. Since I thought I would be replacing the old drum parts for discs I did not pay close attention to the removal of old parts (Stupid Me):cry

I have now decided to keep the original drum brake setup and am having trouble locating an illustration showing the order the parts go onto the spindle. I have searched the st12 manual and everything else I can find but have not located the info. Does anyone know were I can obtain this? :confused

I am at the point were my spindles are mounted and need to identify what order the backing plate, gaskets, wheel bearings etceteras go on. :confused

Thanks

 

[tigernut]

The assembly manual for your year car would be best, but short of that, you can examine this exploded view of a 63-67 front suspension, which should be somewhat close:
http://www.licorvette.com/pdfcatalogfiles/cat22/4950.pdf

I looked but couldn't find an exploded view of a 59 front suspension.

Doug

 

[vette-dude]

The brakes assembly should be the same as most GM cars in this era. I believe the front end on the 59 is very similiar to the front end used on the 1953 and 54 chevy. If you have an older All make service manual (Clymer or others) there is a section that shows the different brake configurations. These are available at the libraries also. DIY network did a restoration on a 62 and has a section on their website that shows some of the Brake repairs procedures. Just remember the short shoes go to the front and the long shoes to the rear. (Short-Front Long-REAR same amount of letters.) You mentioned gskts but I don't know of any except the copper washers that go on flex brake line that goes to the wheel cylinders. I guess there could be one where the backing plate mounts to the spindle. Once the backing plate is bolted to the spindles, then attach the wheel cylinders. Using brake grease lightly lube the raised flat areas on the edges of the drum. Make sure the adjustment mechanism ( at the bottom) is mounted correctly in reference to the adjustment slot in the backing plate. I usually mount the front shoe with the spring cap and t-slotted bolt that goes through the backing plate and the hole in the side of the shoe. The spring and cap goes on over this and presses against the inside of the shoe. Have fun aligning the flat on the holding t-slotted bolt and trying to force the cap over the flat and lock it with a twist. Then attach the bottom spring to the front shoe, slide in the star wheeled adjuster, hold this all while you hook the rear shoe and twist it onto the adjuster slot. ( Everybody has their own way to do this.) Take about three tries so don't get discouraged. Then assemble the rear shoe with the t-slotted holding bolt spring and cap just like you did before. Forgot to mention that both shoes must also fit the slotted rods that go into the wheel cylinders while you are assembling the shoes to the backing plate. Then you put the diamond shaped washer over the stud at the top. Now you put the small end of the big spring into the front bake shoe and stretch it over the top stude. Then do the rear spring the same way. Having a picture does make it easier to understand. Don't have one but I'm sure someone can post one for you. It is a pretty simple job once you see how it all goes together. Having three hands helps to but it really is a one man (or woman) job. Good luck and hope I haven't confused you too much.


Randy

PS: If your rear brakes are still assembled the fronts are basically the same without the emrgency brake cable mechanism. You could use them for a pattern.

 

[studiog]

I have a Clymers 1955 to 1962 Corvette handbook that has Corvette specific instructions and photos although they are pretty generic to most Chevys of that era. If you want I could scan & email you some of the text and photos relating to brake service.... Let me know.

 

[Mrmike]

I have a Clymers 1955 to 1962 Corvette handbook that has Corvette specific instructions and photos although they are pretty generic to most Chevys of that era. If you want I could scan & email you some of the text and photos relating to brake service.... Let me know.

studiog,

Thank you for the offer. I would Greatly appreciate it. (the photos for sure)

My e-mail is MrMikeMays@yahoo.com

You people out here in forum land are incredible! The knowledge I get from just lurking and reading your discussions is magnificent, add in the help and support you freely offer and there is no doubt that CORVETTE people are the BEST.

Thank you all.

 

[studiog]

studiog,

Thank you for the offer. I would Greatly appreciate it. (the photos for sure)

My e-mail is MrMikeMays@yahoo.com

You people out here in forum land are incredible! The knowledge I get from just lurking and reading your discussions is magnificent, add in the help and support you freely offer and there is no doubt that CORVETTE people are the BEST.

Thank you all.

Hi Mike just checked the thread and I will send the pics in the AM when I get to work.
Gary