Okay, what's the secret to using 36 Ford Wide-five drums with Lincoln style backing plates (or similar)? Is there a lip that needs to be modified? I have some and was thinking about running them since they have the radial fins, unlike the later wide-five drums. Anyone have some input? I'll be using the MT style lincoln backing plates.
The searches I did said that it would be no problem. I hope not because we are doing a '39 right now, waiting for the backing plates to show up. I will keep you posted. Donny.
Seems to me that a certain Mr. B. Lancaster said, that '36 drums were different than '37-'39 drums, causing problems with later backing plates, etc. If I recall correctly, he needs the missus to pedal the generator and/or ring (two longs and a short) Violet down at the switchboard to connect to the internet. Hello, hello......Mr. Lancaster
My info is second hand; never messed with '36 stuff. I think this was from Richard the brake guy, though. '36 front drums are supposed to be for a deeply set back brake plate, and so won't clear flat type hydraulics. Might be workable with '46-8 type Lincoln brakes...they are set way back, and can be spaced forward as required. If you have a Ford or flat Lincoln plate and a '36 drum, mockitup and verify what's what and tell us. I do know that '36 front drum, unlike the rear, does not cross over to the '37-9 type for replacement.
YES! Agree completely. Everything I have read says the same thing. They are definitely different in more ways than one. I think I'll try to dig them out of the garage and give them a try. I can at least do a physical comparison between the two. Would be neat to use the ones I have if they will work. They're in great shape, within spec. and the radial fins look killer. And yes, I have the Lincoln plates.
Damn, i hope there's a difference!!! I bought different drums because you guys thought there was a difference. I'll have to subscribe to this one. Justin
There is a difference between the '36 and '37-'39 which I think is what we are talking about. I got rid of a set of drums because I thought they were '36's due to the ridges around the drum but I guess I was wrong. Modified Driver picked them up and showed me the difference between the two by using a '39 spindle. I still have the backs of what appear to be rare 37-39 drums that have the rings around the edge of the drum. Hope to come across another set. How about some pics of the lincoln backing plates?
Yes, correct. I think we're all on the same page. That's why I wanted to be very specific with the thread. I already know the 37-39's will fit with the Lincoln backing plates. I have them mounted right now. Just hoping I can figure out exactly what needs to be done. With 37-39 drum in place
Try then on with your drums and spindles...might as well find out for sure! Also, if no go, try to figgerout how much backset you need and I can measure a set of late Lincolns to see if that's a possibility.
And keep in mind the one infallible rule of hotrods: Any combination of early Ford stuff fits right together except for the exact pile of parts you happen to own.
I did not realize 36 was different than 37-39 and did not mean to high jack your post. Let us know if your 36's work!
I've just been sorting out a bunch of wide-5 drums at home, and can confirm that '36 type front drums (68-1106-B hub casting number) are definitely different to '37-'39 drums (78-1106-B casting), and would need an offset backplate (mine fitted nicely on '32-'34 spindles with English Ford Pilot backplates). I actually have two pairs of the '36 drums and one pair is smooth on the outside, with no fins, although both have the 68- casting number. The '37 drums fitted nicely on the '32 spindles with some original Lincoln backplates, and the piston ring/valve seat spacer kit, similar to scootermcrad's photos.
'36 front and rear both differ from '37-9. The rear can be replaced by '37-9 according to catalog, so most likely swap works in other direction...I do not know what actual difference called for the new part number on rears. There are a couple designs and several suppliers of each type, so you can have entirely interchangeable drums that are all different on your car. Earliest '36's I think had big cutouts like '31-34.
I think the repro Lincolns are based on 1941, the only fronts that are an exact fit to later Ford spindles. Lincoln fronts earlier than that had the small pattern like '28-36 Ford, later ones had the deep dish. I think.
Bruce, are you saying that the Wilson-type backplates, sold as '39 Lincoln, are actually patterned on '41 brakes? I guess it doesn't make a great deal of difference, but I have been trying to work out what wheel cylinders they use as I need to replace mine on these: These work nicely with '37-'39 drums. For scootermcrad, this pic is of an English Pilot backplate (loosely) mounted on a '32 spindle, and although it isn't the clearest of views, you should be able to see that it is about an inch deeper at the mounting face. These worked (no interference) on the '32 spindle with the '36 drums, and without the spacers used for later drums.
Did '37 Zephyrs use wide-5 wheels? In Neal's thread on his RPU build (http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=299603), you can see the face of the hubs and they are wide-5s.
Zephyrs used wide 5's...will try to remember to look up whether they used Ford drums or special. There were several suppliers of wide 5 drums to Ford, with substantial visual differences.
Thanks bruce! Thanks everyone! Zephyr drums. Great. Guess I won't be finding any of those anytime soon...
I have an extra drum just like the one pictured above...the casting number on the inside is 78-1106. That would make them 37 and later Ford, no? Neal
Yes...but the number applies actually to the hub, which wasn't sold separately. It is entirely possible the LZ had different drums on the same hub...need to check the Black Bible.
Bruce - 36 drums were 2 piece, but all of the 37-39 I have seen are cast one piece...drum and hub together. Neal
****! Those Zephyr drums are the one that I sold the fronts off my set because I thought they were '36's. I sold the set to Modified driver here on the HAMB for $40 for two! I still have the backs and plan on using them but now I really want a set for the front again. Damn it I wished this thread was up about two months ago.
The 36 drums I have are one-piece. I have two different types of 37-39 drums. One pair is two-piece and one pair is one-piece type. Hmmm... now I'm wondering if the drums I have are actually Zephyr drums and I ***UMED they were 36 drums. HMMMMM.... I'm going to look in a couple hours when I go home for lunch. I'll take pictures... WOW! That would be great if I just didn't realize they were Zephyr drums!!!
The Jalopy Journal
