drum brake diameter - STUPID QUESTION ALERT

[edd_barker]

Hi all,

Just to confirm that I measure drum brakes by the internal diameter yes? My 1959 has had the 1098 engine/box/axle upgrade and I always assumed the necessary swap to 8" fronts, especially as two minor specialists have worked on the front brakes for me and never said anything apart from "your brakes are great now"

Front wheels off for another reason today and the internal diameter is 7".

scratching head?

[aupickup]

as they were then lol

[edd_barker]

Bummer!

None on eBay, I guess its pretty pricey trying to find the parts new?

[mike.perry]

If the front and rear brakes look the same size then they are 7in drums

[MarkyB]

Which parts are expensive?
I'm sure I've got back plates and cylinders should be replaced anyway.

[edd_barker]

I was just looking at all new from a Morris spares company. New drums/plates/cylinders/fiddly bits etc adds up to well over £100.

I have a set of Riley 1.5 brakes in the garage that will need new cylinders, guess I could stick those on?

Brakes are on the back-burner after I discovered my front O/S wing was attached with wood and not metal. Hurrah!

[bmcecosse]

The cylinders are the same - so just need the drums/backplates/shoes and springs (and adjusters) - I'm sure if you ask on here - many sets will be offered.... Riley brakes are a bit TOO much , although some do use them.

[edd_barker]

Thanks for the replies all.

I'm looking at an engine upgrade in the near-ish future so better so go for Rileys now or just upgrade to 8"?

I've posted in parts wanted, fingers crossed someone can help.

Thanks again

[IslipMinor]

The Riley brakes are Girling, and I believe do not use the same hose connection thread size/pitch? The fronts are 9" diameter, the same as the Wolesley 1500, but wider shoes - the downside is that the front cylinders are very small diameter (0.75") and result in very high pedal pressures in a Minor braking set-up. Not really a good way to good, unlike the Wolesley, which used to be a good, cheap upgrade, but I don't think that is the case now? I.e. not cheap!

[edd_barker]

Ok thanks for the advice. Back on eBay they go!

I will try and get an 8" set from a fellow MMOC member.