Front drum options?

I'm at the planning stage for my project and kicking around ideas. Since I'd like to stick to a (relatively) low-buck early/mid 60s look I'd like to run drums in front, likely using Ford spindles. The drums I nearly always see (and tempting me from the pages of a Speedway catalog) are the 12" and expensive Ford but I'm not keen on these because I think they are bigger than necessary, have the bigger bolt pattern, and are... expensive.

The question I can't seem to sort out is what if any options are out there. Will drums from say something like a Mustang fit?

 

What do you plan to run for wheels?

If it's something light and airy, like spoked wheels, then drums would hurt the overall look, if it's something fairly "robust". then drums could look fine, but then keep in mind how you want the rest of the forward portion of the chassis to lay out so you maintain a consistent appearance.

Mixing gorilla tough with light & spindly . . . probably not such a good look

The important thing when you're on a budget, is to make good compatable selections so it at least doesn't look too much like you're on a budget.

Darlene

 

The mustang ll was built on the pinto chassis , pinto had frt. drums in 72 ( at least). There are many mustang 'll to early Ford & Chevy spindle conversion bearings , you'd probably have to re-drill the drums (4 lug to 5lug ) biggest hurdle would be backing plate fitment...

 

thanks! i had no idea pintos initially came with drums but this gives me something to go on.

 

the plan is to run steel wheels all around with spider caps or more likely, hub caps. maybe chrome steelies? at this point not even interested in torq-thrust style wheels although i certainly like the look.

got a picture in my head.

 

Not to rain on your parade , even if you live in a climate where cars don't rot so quickly , finding 40+ year old parts ,especially brake parts ,. is a long shot , buying new ,not so popular parts will cost $$ ,, you may wind up money ahead to just go with the popular stuff.....

 

On another forum , slot of reference is made to 40 Ford juice brakes on early axles , maybe ask about them ???

 

I'm running '49 Ford 1/2 ton (F-1) spindles and drum brakes on mine. They stop good, parts are available at any parts store, and they are a good looking brake.

 

point taken. so far it seems the only part not easily sourced in my brief look around is the backing plates. haven't hit up the pinto collectors yet but the rest of the parts seem readily available. there's still the matter of any modification to those backing plates; which incidentally doesn't immediately put me off.

but in the spirit of at least giving a passing appearance of a period car those smallish drums might stand out almost as much as disks.

 

something for me to look more in to. i'm new to the hot rod building if it wasn't already obvious; if i used a commonly used axle that accepts the '28 to '48(?) ford spindle can i use the '49 spindles and are there reproductions? how big are those brakes?

 

Here are a few articles to read...
BUICK STYLE 45 FIN BRAKE DRUM
fitting Finned Buick Drum Brakes To Early Ford Spindles - Street Rodder Magazine
Wilson Welding Home

 

Your "picture" reminds me of Fred's ride. The steelies with chrome accents is a good look, I think!

 

nice! it may well be a toss up between that or early 50s ford hubcaps. or baby moons. black or body color wheels depending on what seems right at the time.

 

thanks for the links. the wilson kit is not super pricey and so far it seems if i want to spend any less i'd have to go with disks. the buick drums i'd have to pass on (again i'm on a budget) but sure are pretty.

can't help it folks but i still can't shake the nagging feeling something else fits.

 

I found rock auto to be a good source for new old style brake parts. I buy a lot of parts from them for older trucks, etc... just watch their shipping.... they ship from several sites, just pay attention so you don’t pay for shipping several times on one order.

 

thanks for the tip, fletcherson.

 

I am building my T using a complete front axle and drum brakes from a 1965 Chevy Van. I found it locally on Craigslist for $120. It did take me three months of scouring Craigslist to find it. Parts for it are available anywhere, and they are really cheap. I cut off the leaf spring mounts with a torch to make it look right. I then made and welded on the bat wings.

I am not sure how to post a picture on here.

 

i gotta say that's an interesting prospect. i'm surprised the set up is narrow enough but i'll certainly look into this. thanks! if you figure out the photo thing i'd appreciate any pix.

i too wish posting photos was less troublesome. i think there is a thread that gives guidance but i believe you have to have an account with a photo-sharing website and copy/paste the url. why the designers of this format couldn't make it so one could directly upload from our computer files (like we do with our avatar) is beyond me.

 

It's possible if you have the "Upload a File" button. It should be between the "Post Reply" button
and the "More Options" button. You will see the "Upload a File" button in the tutorial linked to below.

Photos Posting Guide with Pictures

Also of interest ....

Photo Software and Resizing