Hot Rods I need help finding rear drums for my 1958 pontiac rear end

I need help finding rear drums for my 1958 pontiac rear end and NO ONE has them.

My gasser is stalled until I find a pair.

 

@drumyn29

Just a thought......Pontiac and Olds used basically the same rear end from (I think) ‘57 thru ‘64.
Perhaps do a little parts research check the basic dimensions of those and other makes for drums of similar dimensions. Sometimes the difference between part numbers is lug bolt pattern, center hole diameter, perimeter flange, etc. Other models may be adapted with some simple machine work.

Alternatively, you could adapt disc brakes without too much complication.

Ray

 

Not cheap on this Ebay item but the important thing is the original part number
333605650957
Better but maybe out of date price here http://www.pontiacparts.net/Chassis/page2.htm
C528986RP is the Pontiac part number. That brings up a few selections in a search.

The Hollander interchange number is 141 and they are all by them selves with no interchange with any other vehicle. Meaning 58 Pontiac rear drums are one year only then you have the regular duty and the heavy duty police/Taxi. They will interchange in sets though.
528986 being the regular duty and 531788 being police/Taxi / HD

 

@Mr48chev ....good info there.

When initially drafting my post I suggested looking for rear brakes from ‘57 thru ‘64 Pontiac or Olds as they seem to be fundamentally the same rear axle. Then, I deleted that paragraph in favor of the post above.

However, your research showing the ‘58 is a one year only prompts me to think trying to find a set of Pontiac/Olds brakes, while not necessarily easy, may be worth the effort....providing drums and other hardware are available for them in the marketplace.

Also, it may be time to consider swapping in a 9” Ford or alternative heavy duty axle for which parts are more readily available.

Ray

 

1958 is a one year only - like most all of the 1958 GM offerings. Try Browne Auto Salvage in Sunset, Tx or the guy in Wichita Falls - Owens I think.

 

I wouldn't consider that stalled, there is all the rest there to keep you busy until the drums turn up.

 

Call fabcraftmetalworks. They only show Olds for that year but might have an idea.

 

I think the axle assembly itself should be essentially the same up through 1964, so replacement of the entire brake assemblies (backing plates, drums, shoes, etc.) with those from another year should be doable. 1961-1964 brakes should be easier to find.

 

You can mix and match to make it work.
Housing flanges are the same Olds and Pontiac from at least '57-'64, baking plates, cylinders, shoes and drums vary.
Pay attention to housing flange to axle flange offset.
I'm going through this right now, using a '63 Pontiac rear with '58 Olds brakes, because those were the best drums in my pile of junk.

 

Steve Barcak Pontiac heaven AZ
480-899-7873

 

I believe that the critical dimensions (diameter, depth, center hole and bolt pattern) are the same for a lot of Pontiac/Olds from ‘57-64 but some drums have a funky flare around the outside. I remember having the outside trimmed by our local machine shop so I could use them on my Olds rear end with early backing plates years ago.
The suggestion that you dig up a complete set of later brakes makes sense, there are small differences in the housing ends but nothing that should be a problem.
For a gasser I would look for an old set of Airheart disc brakes. I think basic hats and brackets are still available from Wilwood and MW or you can make your own. Airheart, Halibrand and Edco calipers show up on eBay from time to time.


Sent from my iPad using The H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

wonder if these would fit.. poncho drums

 

drumyn you have to think outside the box, I ran into the same problem with my MG rear all I had was parts and 4 rear ends all unknown years. But I used to be in the parts business so started looking things up. Try a Bendix #140199 or 140201 brake drum it fits 71 to 76 Chevy. They had a 5"bc it fits Olds and Post in the same years. Now I don't know what year backing plates I have and can't find my list of parts that I have in the MG but as long as you can return the drum why not try and see what fits. It is an 11" x 2" drum with a 5"BC. Good luck.

Pat

 

drumyn I looked at Rock Auto just to see if the number was good. I don't recommend you buy them online because if it doesn't work it's a pain to return them. My brother had the same problem with one of the rears I gave him and he trimmed a bit off the backing plate and things fit then.

Pat

Choose
[Private Label Package] ($34.99)



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CENTRIC 12362018 C-TEK Standard Drum Info
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orRear; Sedan; 4" Wide; Except Police & Taxi

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RAYBESTOS 2057R {Click Info Button for Alternate/OEM Part Numbers} R-Line Info
Rear; w/ 11" Brakes; with 4 IN Wide Drums



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DURAGO BD8873 {#60269} Info
Rear; 4 Inch Wide; 11 Inch Rear Drum
($40.99)



BENDIX PDR0199 {Click Info Button for Alternate/OEM Part Numbers} Info
Rear; 11" X 2" Brakes



$35.79

ACDELCO 18B3 {#18028316, 19171669} Professional Info
Rear; w/ 11" Brakes; with 3-1/4 IN Wide Drums


$38.79
ACDELCO 18B4 {#18028317, 19171707} Professional Info
Rear; w/ 11" Brakes; with 4 IN Wide Drums

$49.99

WAGNER BD60268 {#3540669} Info
Rear; with 11in x 2in Brakes; with 17lb Brake Drum

 

Rear brake shoes appear to be 11 x 1.82 Auto zone duralast number is #55
O'Reilly's shows the #55 shoes for the rear https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/...-shoe/55/6295556/1958/pontiac/chieftain?pos=1

Front shoes are listed as 12 x 2.25

The O'Reilly's comparability list on the shoes show that they fit a lot of Pontiacs between 52 and 62. Making me wonder what is so odd about the 58 setup.

I'm going to say that it all depends on how much money you are willing to spend to keep that particular rear axle under that car rather than swap to a different period correct axle that would give you better options as far as brakes and maybe gears. On the other hand while you may end up having 4 or 5 hundred tied up in rear brakes you most likely will never wear them out on that car.

 

With him....change out the guts and still keep the rear end set up intact...

 

a recent fordbarn thread talked about some place that spray welds up old drums, or, do you have none?