8" brake upgrade

[Chris Edgar]

I recently acquired a very nice 1958 4 door which has, of course, 7" brakes.

Going down a very steep country road recently I was quite alarmed by the extent of fade.

I have a pair of 8" drums in my garage and so I am thinking about increasing the braking capacity and reducing the fade.

Could someone please tell me if I am correct in assuming that, in addition to the drums, I just need 8" backplates and shoes and that the cylinders are simply swapped over.

Or am I completely wrong?

regards

Chris

[ManyMinors]

You're correct. The cylinders are the same - although I would probably fit new ones unless you know that yours are in a very good condition. You'll need the correct pull-off springs for the larger brakes as well as the shoes and backplates and the metal link pipes are also different.

[bmcecosse]

The metal linkpipes may stretch over ok - depends how tight they have been made.

[Chris Edgar]

Very many thanks to you both!

I do have a brake pipe flaring kit if needed.
And yes, I will need the correct pull-off springs

regards

Chris

[philthehill]

Chris
You have a PM.
Phil

[crossword]

I believe the adjusters are larger on 8" brakes too . Regards Andrew .

[Chris Edgar]

Hi Phil

I have replied

regards
Chris

[Chris Edgar]

Hi Andrew,

Thanks. I have come across this on a previous post.
BMC suggested shims underneath would correct when the shoes wear down low

Chris

[philthehill]

Chris
I have given you a first off reply.
Phil

[bmcecosse]

Yes - shims can be located under the tail of the shoes to help keep them 'square' to the drum. But the larger adjusters should be used if you can find a set.

[philthehill]

8" brake adjuster snails (S/H) are available from ESM. As a last resort the 7" snail carrier/mask can be carefully modified to accept the 8" snail.

http://www.morrisminorspares.com/brakes ... nd-p829451

or new with snail carrier/mask

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MORRIS-Minor- ... SwEK9T0D8W

The size of the snail pin that the 8" brake shoe rests upon has a larger diameter than the 7" snail pin - the 8" snail must be used as the forces acting on the 8" pin are greater. The use of a 7" snail with an 8" brake shoe could see the snail fail resulting a loss of brakes
Phil

[Chris Edgar]

OK all noted re the snails...."Snail Fail" to be avoided

Thanks!