It is hard to find a place that still turns drums around here but O'Reilly's still does. I called and the guy said he didn't know if his machine could turn a tapered drum but would give it a try. Rather than being a guinea pig on this I'm wondering if any of you have had success with using O'Reilly's to turn your tapered drums?
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President of the Hampton Roads, VA Chapter
First generation Studebaker owner since 2023
60 Lark VI with 53 Champion engine -
I suspect it would depend upon what model brake lathe is used in that particular O'Reilly's store, and how skilled the operator is.Gord Richmond, within Weasel range of the Alberta Badlands -
The skill part is what I'm afraid of. Was hoping that the turning machines were automatic and didn't require human skills, but if that is the case, O'Reilly's perhaps is not worth the risk of ruining my drums.Originally posted by gordr View PostPresident of the Hampton Roads, VA Chapter
First generation Studebaker owner since 2023
60 Lark VI with 53 Champion engineComment
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Even modern brake drum/rotor lathes are not idiot proof, so I'm more concerned with operator skill level and experience. I had a good experience 2-3 months ago at a local O'Reilly's where an old timer turned a rotor for me. He said another nearby O'Reily's has an even better machine than his, and can also turn drums, but nobody there knows how to operate it. So I'd advise to take your drums in, but informally interview the guy who's gonna operate the lather, and go with your gut in deciding whether to entrust your drums with him.Comment
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Experience is the factor, and there isn't many of us old farts that still do things, so we are, very unfortunately, stuck with the younger bunch of 'kids' that don't learn anything related to learning how to do things, like turning brake drums and a plethora of automotive work. The throwaway generation; "throw it away and get another one". I used to turn drums all the time, and the tapered ones were many. We had a bunch of 'adapters' that would accommodate anything that came in the door. Sad state of affairs these days.
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Thanks for that advice!Originally posted by JoeHall View PostPresident of the Hampton Roads, VA Chapter
First generation Studebaker owner since 2023
60 Lark VI with 53 Champion engineComment
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Most shops no longer have the correct adapters to fit the tapered hubs. Find a shop that does old VW's.Restorations by Skip TowneComment
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Oh, now that is a great tip, thanks!Originally posted by Dwain G. View PostPresident of the Hampton Roads, VA Chapter
First generation Studebaker owner since 2023
60 Lark VI with 53 Champion engineComment
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Correct, it WILL be a waste of time to even Go there. Yes they can do front Drums (if you trust the ASE Certified O'Reillys Parts Tech.Originally posted by Dwain G. View Post
But the sad reality is nearly No One will install or HAVE the Lathe Center Shaft (Mandrill) for VW, Older Chrysler, Jeep, Stude. REAR Drums with the Hub installed, with a Tiny center hole requiring a smaller Center Shaft.
A Stude. Vendor does loan one out with Deposit, if available at the moment.
But First you would have to get a Machine Shop to agree to Use it !
A 4X4 or Jeep Shop MIGHT Work.
StudeRich
Second Generation Stude Driver,
Proud '54 Starliner Owner
SDC Member Since 1967Comment
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Upon closer inspection of my rear drums it appears that they have been modified to fit the hub. From what I can tell all five holes have been drilled out larger so the hub would fit. No markings are on the drum.
I saw an older post where someone had done a similar hole drilling on a drum but also had to remove a flange in the middle of the drum by chucking it on a lathe. I think it was a Bendix drum. My drums don't apprear to have needed lathe work to remove a flange as far as I can see. Wish I knew what part number this drum is as drilling bigger holes in a new drum might be easier than finding someone that can turn this old one.President of the Hampton Roads, VA Chapter
First generation Studebaker owner since 2023
60 Lark VI with 53 Champion engineComment
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The Dodge Car and 1/2 Ton Pickup Rear Drums have No problem with Lug holes, the Drum surface is too wide and hits the backing Plate, so must be machined down to clear. But these were the 11 Inch Rear Drums for '63-'66 Disc Front Brake Studes. and most Dodge were smooth, not air cooled, Finned as a Stude. with Disc.
I do not know what brake setup you have.StudeRich
Second Generation Stude Driver,
Proud '54 Starliner Owner
SDC Member Since 1967Comment
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I've got 9 inch rears on a 60 Lark VI.
BTW StudeRich thanks for the tip to upgrade my fronts drums to 11's. I got a pair from a local club member who had a Hawk with a Turner disc upgrade and didn't need the drums any more. Can't seem to find anyone with larger rears though.President of the Hampton Roads, VA Chapter
First generation Studebaker owner since 2023
60 Lark VI with 53 Champion engineComment
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Indeed, last week I installed new rear brakes and wheel cylinders on my Avanti. The drums would not go back on.........I am very thankful that my bud (in biz 60 yrs) still has AAMCO brake lathes. He was only able to cut the drums because he still had a 3/4 inch arbor! And yes!!!!! you need to have someone skilled in doing this.......and operating the machine. It took about 90 minutes to cut both drums, because he SLOWLY removed material until the drums were able to once again go over the shoes.Comment
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That is pretty cool to have a bud like that! In biz more years that I've been alive!Originally posted by Hawklover View PostPresident of the Hampton Roads, VA Chapter
First generation Studebaker owner since 2023
60 Lark VI with 53 Champion engineComment
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Yes many of us "old timers" are getting up in the age as it were;-)Originally posted by SurfaceNavy View PostComment
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