Brake drum interchange

[jmccarrol@hotmail.com]

I have a 52 Studebaker Champion in need of brake drums. Are there drums that will interchange with the same bolt pattern. Thank you.
Joe

[JDP]

Just other Champion drums will interchange.

JDP/Maryland
64 R2 GT (Sid)
spent to date $62,839.60
63 Daytona HT/4 speed
63 Lark 2 door
57 Wagon

[52-fan]

You want 51 up to get the 5 bolt pattern. I don't know how many years used the right size, but it was several. There should be a fair number out there.

1952 Champion Starlight, 1962 Daytona, 1947 M5. Searcy,Arkansas

[StudeRich]

For a bolt-on, you have three choices: 1951, '52,'53 Stude. Champion, unfortunately thats about it, unless you find something like a '51 Kaiser or Frazier!

StudeRich
Studebakers Northwest
Ferndale, WA

[rockne10]

Alternatively, you could swap the complete backing plates and brake assemblies from a Commander or any later model. That gives better brakes.

[52-fan]

I am not sure that Champion brake DRUMS later than 53 won't fit a 52. I used a drum off a 54 Champion on my 52 several years ago with no problem. I think the only real difference in the 54 up brakes is that the old style self adjusters are not used. I believe if you check you will find that the size of the drum is the same.( At least it worked for me.)
If you are doing a complete brake rebuild I would consider the later V-8 brakes. I intend to change my 52 Champion over when I put it back on the road. Champion brakes are not very good for today's traffic and the extra cost if you are doing a complete rebuild would not be that bad. If you already have good brakes and just need to replace a drum then it may be a different matter.

1952 Champion Starlight, 1962 Daytona, 1947 M5. Searcy,Arkansas