Brakes: Cracked 59 4E7 Drum

[comtnbykr]

Hello;
I have a cracked brake drum on the front and wondering if brazing it would keep me running until I find a drum to replace it. I didn't plan on spending alot on this problem but have not found a drum less than $278. Does anyone know where I can find drums for my situation? Thanks

[53commander]

The problem is that it cracked for a reason, usually because the drum is machined too thin. Lets say that brazing it does hold, there's no guarantee that it wont crack in another spot. IMHO this is a safety issue and should not be shortcut. I wouldn't be able to drive a car wondering the whole time if that drum is gonna give and the brakes fail completely.

[comtnbykr]

Very good point. I know I can't drive it the way it is either! Going have to wait and find a drum to replace it I guess. Thanks

[Ron Dame]

Brakes are far too important to risk something like brazing a drum.

I have a few of usable truck drums with front hubs, way less than $278, but need the width of yours. I'm not sure if the bearings (thus teh hubs) changed much though. Others chime in. Also ask over on the Studebaker Truck Farmers site. Someone closer may be able to help.

Also consider the Turner disk conversion. I am very happy with the brake performance, and parts are far more modern and available.

[comtnbykr]

thanks I believe the drums are 11". I believe the parts book is telling me the 4E-6E Hub & Drum for the front were compatible. I will get back to you on the measurement I com up with.

[Ron Dame]

Different years had different widths, and I'm not sure what I have. I think I have some 7E's which may or may not be the same. I know I have 8E's which are wider.

thanks I believe the drums are 11". I believe the parts book is telling me the 4E-6E Hub & Drum for the front were compatible. I will get back to you on the measurement I com up with.

[comtnbykr]

I measure around 2 1/2 by 11 if I know what I am doing which that is why I sent a picture so maybe you can see if I measured this correctly. Thanks I am looking also into the turner conversion as well.

[Commander Eddie]

I may have a usable drum off the front of my 6E7. It is in the shop right now having brake work done, coincidentally.
comtnbykr - PM me.

[wolfie]

You may want to look at the Chevy drum conversion. Several here have done them and can walk you through the process. Steve

[comtnbykr]

I am considering all my options at this point. Leaning possibly more to the conversion route. Considering this more for the safety side of braking rather than purest reasons. Also I believe with the conversion I can always go back to the drums if it comes to going original but I already have a radiator that is not original also so what the heck!

[Ron Dame]

Check your messages, I have one for you!

[Kurt]

I am going to do the disk brake conversion to my 6E7 Champ. Once complete I will have a front drum that I would sell. PM me if interested

[studebakerkid]

Looks like you should have a drum so I wont have to go up in the shed to check out my stash.