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Can I drill brake drums for adjusting holes?

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by sqrlnts, Dec 15, 2012.

  1. sqrlnts
    Joined: Apr 2, 2007
    Posts: 314

    sqrlnts
    Member

    My backing plates do not have an inspection cover to adjust the brakes. I was thinking it might be ok to drill an inspection hole on the drum itself. Ideal, no, but I am thinking it might be better than removing the drum each time to adjust the rear brakes. FYI not that it matters but these are 57 vintage chevy drums. Thanks.
     
  2. Unkl Ian
    Joined: Mar 29, 2001
    Posts: 13,509

    Unkl Ian

    Drill the backing plates.
     

  3. ^^^This way.^^^
     
  4. Jkustom
    Joined: Oct 8, 2002
    Posts: 1,686

    Jkustom
    Member

    Yeah, am I missing something? Drill the backing plates.
     
  5. 296 V8
    Joined: Sep 17, 2003
    Posts: 4,666

    296 V8
    BANNED
    from Nor~Cal

    Seems like iv seen stock drums w ajusting holes on something.
    OH! I bet it was the car w no holes in the plates....be a rebel drill the drums
     
  6. Unkl Ian
    Joined: Mar 29, 2001
    Posts: 13,509

    Unkl Ian




    Then balance them.
     
  7. gimpyshotrods
    Joined: May 20, 2009
    Posts: 24,397

    gimpyshotrods
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Drill away. Backing plates if you can, drums if you can't. Plenty of cars have adjustment holes in the drums, and are not balanced. If you are that concerned, drill two holes, same size, opposite each other.
     
  8. sqrlnts
    Joined: Apr 2, 2007
    Posts: 314

    sqrlnts
    Member

    I can do the backing plates, just gonna mean removing them first. Was looking for an easy drum out, guess thats not gonna happen. Thanks all ye wisemen!
     
  9. just drop the slave cylinders out and drill the backing plates mounted on the car ..... dont forget to drill thru the steel brakeline while your at it ;);) lol .... o waite thats something id do ........:rolleyes::eek:
     
  10. Dan Timberlake
    Joined: Apr 28, 2010
    Posts: 1,576

    Dan Timberlake
    Member

    If the backing plates don't have slots, the stock drums should.
    Corvair had slots in the drums but you had to finish knocking out the stamped hole.

    http://www.gmpartswiki.com/getpage?pageid=3294

    The standard rubber plugs for backing plates fit, But my velvetouch brake shoes worked so good I melted or evaporated them.
     
  11. 1ton
    Joined: Dec 3, 2010
    Posts: 714

    1ton
    Member

    My Chevy C30 has the oval slots in the front drums, from the factory.
    Hell ya I'd even go so far as milling the correct slot in your drums so the rubber plugs fit right. And balance should not be an issue.
     
  12. You can drill either the backing plate or the drum, that will be a matter of personal preference.

    If you drill the drum you won't be removing enough material to make a difference that would "require" re-balancing. ;)
     
  13. outlaw256
    Joined: Jun 26, 2008
    Posts: 2,022

    outlaw256
    Member

    ive drilled a few drums and never balanced the first one. didnt have any trouble either.but if you can drill the b.plate if not go for the drums. you aint gonna hurt them!
     
  14. TagMan
    Joined: Dec 12, 2002
    Posts: 6,337

    TagMan
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    I have a '37 Chevy coupe with stock front drums that have brake adjustment access holes in the face. There's a small circular plate that rotates closed when the holes is not being used.
     
  15. jcmarz
    Joined: Jan 10, 2010
    Posts: 4,631

    jcmarz
    Member
    from Chino, Ca

  16. Fenders
    Joined: Sep 8, 2007
    Posts: 3,921

    Fenders
    Member

    or three holes at 120*, or five at 72*...
    or like Waddayacare says, drill one and don't worry about it.
     
  17. Mattilac
    Joined: Oct 27, 2007
    Posts: 1,156

    Mattilac
    Member

    Or take the backing plates off, drill em, and do it the right way.
     
  18. Vet65te
    Joined: Feb 9, 2012
    Posts: 172

    Vet65te

    The factory backing plates on my 61 Vette have the adjustment slots but the Traction Master setup is in the way. Recently I added self-adjusters to the Vettes rear brakes and replacement drums from RockAuto and the new drums had an 'outline' already lightly stamped in the face of the drum so all I had to do was drill it out.
    [​IMG]\
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    Drill the drums, it's not going to be a problem.
    Mike T.
     

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