Anyone know if any other brake adjusters will work with stock front brakes? I'm told that no-one makes new ones? Anyone?
Classic Chevy Int makes a kit new for stock brakes.. here's the link http://www.classicchevy.com/product.asp?pf%5Fid=20-38&dept_id=1052 Tony
Purchased my brake rebuilding kits (adjusters included) from www.ecklers.com Fit okay and same adjuster level as the stock ones.
Thinking I converted mine to self adjusting style using hdw from a 63 Impala. Should be available about anywhere. Iirc the only issue was one of the star wheels not lining up with the slot on the backing plate. Wasn't really an issue tho. Do a little digging, I believe the 55 front shoes are the same as 63 rear shoes and hence the new hdw.
Thanks guys, Eckler's it was. Complete kit and shipping was only $45. Thanks for the other info too, good to know for next time. ...Jersey Mike.
Shafer Classic Reproductions manufactures self-adjust conversion kits for them. I put them on my '57. The price is just a couple bucks more than a manual-adjust kit. It's about as simple a kit to install as you'll ever find, and a great upgrade. (813) 628-0092 is the number I have for them. They're in Tampa, Fl. I've got manual drums on my '62 Suburban, and drove them on my '54 Buick too--I've come to the conclusion that the single biggest problem with vintage drum brakes is that after 1,000 miles or less of regular driving,the drums are out of adjustmet enough to make them feel sloppy and perform poorly. We're not out there every other week crawling under the car to adjust the brakes, but they need it. -Brad
Well, you're supposed to have your lazy fat ass under there at 2,000 miles doin' an oil change anyway, so quit your complainin' and stop driving like Mario Andretti .
And here I thought Frank was nice guy!! That is mean. HAHAHA. I can't speak for Brad's ass but I'm pretty lazy myself.
Also...I looked it up in Bendix catalog, then got distracted before I wrote down the number...will try to get it, but I think interchange was all Chevy from the adoption of Bendix brakes (1952??) til 1962. It is inconceivable that this is actually discontinued through normal parts stores! And, it makes sense that '63 self adjust fits.
I think it just matters how hard the store wants to look. I got them through Ecklers. Whole, complete kits with hold-downs, springs and all the little stuff.
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