'61 brake shoe hold down springs

[James F.]

1961 with standard brakes. Does anyone have info on the original color of the hold down springs? Are front & rear different colors? Also, is there a single retainer on top of the spring, or an additional one where it contacts the shoe? FWIW, i dipped after market plated springs in POR-15 metal prep, it removed the plating & left a smooth finish. Thanks for the help, Jim

[Ronald W.]

Re: '61 brake shoe hold down springs

The information you need is illustrated on page 6-8 in the 1961 chevrolet passenger car shop manual. The primary spring is painted grey and has a wire diameter of .100 inches. This spring is the one most suppliers use for both primary and secondary. The secondary spring is painted black and has a wire diameter of .104 inches. I have not been able to locate a supplier for this spring.

[James F.]

Re: '61 brake shoe hold down springs

Ronald - thanks for the reply. I actually do have the return springs, gray & black. I never saw the diameters you listed. The springs I'm referring to are the shoe hold downs, with the pin in the center. I have some from a '59, and they're blue. I've also seen yellow, but never saw any that were factory applied. Jim

[Terry D.]

Re: '61 brake shoe hold down springs

Are these parts Judged?

[James F.]

Re: '61 brake shoe hold down springs

I don't know? Do they ever lift a car & pull wheels? I've never been to a NCRS meet. The new replacement springs come in zinc plate, and I know that's wrong. I remember & have old stock '67 springs that were colored red, green, yellow, etc. I want to be sure I did everything on this chassis while the body's off.

[Larry C.]

Re: '61 brake shoe hold down springs

Here are pics of the brake shoe hold-down spring and retainer on my '62 Corvette that I have owned for nearly 53 years and are original to the car. Same spring and single spring retainer is holding each shoe, front and rear, to the backing plate at each of the four wheels. While I am not saying this is consistent with 1961 Corvettes, reason would be that they are. As you can see from the inboard side of the spring, there is not need for a retainer. The closely coiled end just rests against the shoe.

The spring color appears to be dark green and the retainer appears to be zinc plated. Both spring and retainer have some rust as they've never been repainted or plated.

Larry

[Dennis C.]

Re: '61 brake shoe hold down springs

Are these parts Judged?

No, dismantling of the wheels and/or drums does not happen. You are requested to remove the air cleaner on a carburetor car, the top ignition shield, spare tire and jack. You may also be asked to lift up the oil dipstick or the oil fill cap.

Dennis

[James F.]

Re: '61 brake shoe hold down springs

Hi Larry - thanks for the great photos! Looks like you went to a lot of work - much appreciated. I purchased mine in '75 and now it's on my "bucket list". I remember this style on chevy brake jobs, the hardware kits had them back then. Good luck finding them now. You're to be commended for your support, Jim.

[Mike E.]

Re: '61 brake shoe hold down springs

Larry, I am curious. Is your car standard brakes or RPO 686?
Thanks,
Mike

[Larry C.]

Re: '61 brake shoe hold down springs

Larry, I am curious. Is your car standard brakes or RPO 686?
Thanks,
Mike

Mike

Standard brakes.

Larry