60 big brake shoe substitution

[Larry Boden]

hello all,

Does anyone recall the GM make or model of the brake shoes that fit a big brake drum. The standard shoe for a 60 is quite a bit smaller than the drum should use. If memory serves me correctly, it was an Oldsmobile shoe that did the job. But, I can't recall the year or model. Any assistance would be appreciated. Larry Boden

[Joe L.]

Re: 60 big brake shoe substitution

Larry-----

Yes, it is Oldsmobile. My recollection is that it's a late 50s-early 60s application.

[Dave S.]

Re: 60 big brake shoe substitution

Larry,

57 Oldsmobile front shoes are the correct 2 1/2" wide X 11" drum and should fit perfectly.

[Mike M.]

Re: 60 big brake shoe substitution

Dave is right on. i have 57 olds shoes on the front of my 61 big braker. mike

[Larry Boden]

60 big brake shoe substitution

thanks for the heads up on the fronts. My guess is the rears must be the same do to lack of response. (I haven't checked them) Am I right? Thanks again
Larry

[Dave S.]

Re: 60 big brake shoe substitution

Larry,
The rears are different. I believe the #684 and #687 cars use the same shoes and they 1 3/4" wide.

[Dave S.]

Re: 60 big brake shoe substitution

Larry,
Rear shoes for a 51-58 Chevrolet Bel Air or 68-71 IHC Scout will work. They are 1 3/4" wide and fit an 11" drum.

[Tom P.]

Re: 60 big brake shoe substitution

56-64 Olds for front
2in (same as std front brakes) for the rear.

O'Reillys and NAPA carry them. The NAPA number is TS160, and they are stocked in the Dallas, TX warehouse. That is what I have on my home made HD brakes on my 56. I just called my local NAPA friend and he confirmed that they are available in Dallas (probably also in other NAPA warehouses in the country).
The O'Reilly number is 160 and the Okla City warehouse has 5 sets. My cost on the O'Reilly shoes is $21.95. I keep 2 sets of fronts under the workbench for my 56 (you never know when these sort of things will become discontinued). I don't know exactly what the lining material is made of, but they appear to be of a partial metalic composition.