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MG TD TF 1500 - Another Proposal for Re-lined Brake Drums

I have posted on this subject before, and was disappointed that I received hardly any positive replies. The bottom line is that SOMETHING has to give - we have no source for full-size 9" steel wheel brake drums now, other than used ones. I'll try this proposal once more, but only once.

I just got off the phone with the boss at a brake-drum re-lining shop in Illinois, discussing TD/TF solid wheel brake drums, both front and rear. I will be following up, and send him a sample. He described his procedure as follows:

*Check the drum for cracks (I've never seen one) and fix edge chips (he welds cast iron)

*Turn the drum undersize for the liner; machine a new liner so it has a .001" interference fit

*Apply "space-age epoxy" to the drum and liner, and press together. Let dry

*Turn down the drum to original 9" spec.

His price if he receives batches of 10, is about $300 each. Individual or pairs of drums would be more like $350-375 each, since much of the cost is set-up.

I am assuming that a large flat-rate box costing $18 will hold a drum; two MIGHT fit, but I would need to check the weight limits. One drum per box might be the limit.

My biggest concern is that he CANNOT fix worn splines on the drums. If I were to have made and sell repaired drums it would have to be on an exchange basis, and drums would HAVE to have good splines; drums with worn splines would be rejected. Each and every drum would have to be tested on a dummy axle shaft. I'm not sure, at this point, how those logistics would work, but it would have to be figured out - a core charge to be refunded if the drums are OK? A massive "buy" of used drums ($$$$$...)?

How much interest is there? With shipping figured in I would hope that the total cost PER DRUM could be kept down to close to $350 each, delivered.

How much SERIOUS interest is there at that price? Please understand that I figure there would need to be a $5,000 investment on my part to obtain and verify ten drums, ship them, have them repaired, and ship them to customers. I would be taking MANY risks.

Tom Lange
MGT Repair
t lange

Tom,

For me personally, for the front drums rather than spend US$700 min (mine would be more with shipping from NZ) I would spend the 650 pounds and get a disk set up from NTG. For the rear there is not the same choice, but I would rather have my drums refurbished than have an exchange set.

Regards Bernie
B W Wood

Tom would oversized linings machined to suit oversized drums solve the problem? I asked this question on the other thread. Obviously we are dealing with arcs of circles that have two different diameters but the difference wouldn't be great surely? Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

I was given a complete TD rear axle several years ago. I had one of those drums turned as I originally was going to use it on my TD. What I found though was a small crack in the outer edge...so I know that it can happen. I may even still have it out in the shop...not sure.
L E D LaVerne

Getting near to the cost of alfins. $1,300.00/set of 4.

I have 8 usable TC drums here and couldn't get $30.00 each on Ebay. I'd think if there is a market they would have gone.

TD/TF may have a different level of interest, but I doubt it. Limiting to steel wheels further shrinks the pool. Perhaps an ad (or article) in the T Register magazine will help you gauge interest.
MAndrus

Peter - Over-thick linings are certainly available. The issue for me is the amount of oversize wear at which a drum can no longer safely be used. I tend to junk drums once they have reached +.060", but don't really know if this is a safe limit, or if they can go more. If a drum is that oversize it certainly needs thicker linings or shims.

I also need to pay close attention to possible liability issues with brake components.

Tom Lange
MGT Repair
t lange

I have received virtually no significant interest in this proposal, and am dropping the idea. Brakes are nothing to approach in a cavalier fashion, and I am not willing to compromise one iota. I am increasingly uncomfortable with the idea of liners being held in place largely with epoxy, the problem of worn hubs, etc.

I have other ideas for brake drums, and will be looking into them.

Tom Lange
MGT Repair

t lange

12-18 months ago I believe Ed Cooke was trying to gather interest for having them made new, he could comment but I think it withered on the vine.

Peter
P G Gilvarry

Why not take WW drums, WW hubs and cut off the part of the hub carrying the WW? have a shop drill the 5 holes for the bolts ? That way you have new drums AND new splines.
At probably half the cost. Not sure the flat machined part on the WW drums is big enough for the wheel nut diameter, thoug
Rgds
Mile
Mike Fritsch

This thread was discussed between 30/04/2019 and 16/05/2019

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