66 front drum brake self adjusters????

[camp9k]

So I got my 66 rust bucket to move and now trying to get it to stop. After taking apart the front brakes I found a bearing melted to the spindle on the drivers side. I had a spare 30 in the yard so I took the hubs, axels, brakes and spindles off it. The pads were good but I felt I should get new hardware and cylinders. I did the pass side and added self adjusters NP...when I went to do the drivers side I noticed the adjuster and hole in the baking plates were in the front.??? I checked the original ones I took off and all the adjuster holes are in the front when placed on the drivers side??? can I have four passenger side backing plates??? I could just put it together but if I can't loosen the adjuster from the outside I may never get the damn drum off down the road? Im so confused and haven't been drinking?? Yet!

Thanks
John

 

[DirtDonk]

Anything's possible with either the production of a first year-model vehicle (or even later with the EB's!) or 50 years of PO's unless you're the OO?
Heck, I thought self-adjusters were not even included on all '66 model brakes. Just goes to show.

Not sure about the location, but isn't the short shoe/lining the front one? Pretty sure that's the primary, so no matter what you end up doing with the self adjuster, it should be to the front.
Could be wrong, as it's been awhile, so maybe someone else can confirm. Or if you have a book, double check just to humor me.;D

Maybe that would also let you reverse the adjuster. But then again, that might correct the bad one, but mess up the good one!

Good luck. Can't wait to hear the result.
Bottom line though, would anything stop you from drilling out a new access port adjacent to the adjuster wheel? Never had to do it, but it might be an option if nothing else is in the way.

Paul

 

[camp9k]

I'm sure your right about the shoe...this setup was from the drivers side and I thought I put it together wrong so I moved it to the right side. Good catch! I will get the shoes on right and add a hole to the backing plate and get it all back together... Need to start working the bugs out if I'm going to make April 11th.

Thanks
John

 

[Blue Bastard]

same thing here! just went thorugh this last week. I will be making a new hole in the backing plate for adjustment. The rear is also the same way fyi.....the 66 never had self adjusters......
At least your drums didn't look like this after getting them off

 

[DirtDonk]

That'll buff out and be good as new...%)
Bet that was a bit of work to get off!

Paul

 

[Blue Bastard]

Once I broke through the drum I was able to pry the drum from the spindal that was fused together!

 

[camp9k]

My 66 drums are so solid...I replaced the entire axle...If I get bored someday I may have drums that look like that, to see if the axles and third member are any good!