Brake fitting problem

[OWmoo]

I've just fitted new brake shoes all round on my '67 saloon. No problems apart from the front O/S drum is a very tight fit. I've checked everything out, adjusters are backed right off, nothing wrong with the cylinders. Is it normal that new shoes have to be linished down to fit?

OWmoo

[kennatt]

some parts (well all now) are a poor fit,try taking a bit of metal off the ends of the shoes,with a grinder or file,the end without the cut out, not the end that fits the snail cam.Just to slightly reduce the size.

[bmcecosse]

Very unusual - check again that both cylinders are fully retracted - put a G clamp on them if in any doubt. If they fit on one side, and not the other, then the problem is with that side -NOT - the shoes..........

[OWmoo]

Thanks for the help guys, problem sorted.

I filed about 1/32" off the end of the shoes end opposite adjuster) and that did the trick. The cylinders were fully retracted and the drum measured just over the nominal 8" diameter.

Right then, I'm off to find a good body-repair-welder, the sills are about to drop-off. Never worry, it's only metal

OWmoo