1960 front brake drums

[Terry K.]

I have had this car for 38 years and just now discovered that the front brake drums are different side to side....
- one is stamped W29 and the hub is riveted to the drum.
- the other is stamped W10 3752623, and the hub is separate from the drum.
Are either of these original? correct? and does it really matter?

[Frank D.]

Re: 1960 front brake drums

The second one is original IMO - it has the anti-rattle spring around the circumference...

[Bill M.]

Re: 1960 front brake drums

I have the original drums for my '59. They are 3752623 and were not riveted to the hubs. The '59 had a new design drum.

[Jim D.]

Re: 1960 front brake drums

The original drums on my '60 are not riveted either.

[Mike E.]

[Joe L.]

Re: 1960 front brake drums

All-------


I think that the riveted front hub/drum assembly was a PRODUCTION-only feature. I do not know if it continued throughout the C1 era.

In GM SERVICE, the hub and drum were only available separately. If the front drum(s) needed to be replaced, the rivets would have to be drilled out. I'll bet that lots were.

For 1963-64, it was the same situation as described above.

For 1965-82 Corvettes the front hub was only available from GM in SERVICE riveted to a disc. The hub was not available separately.

One interesting note: for C1 Corvettes, front hubs with the casting number 3694757 were manufactured of nodular cast iron. For hubs of 37?????, I believe the material was forged steel.

[Mark P.]

Re: 1960 front brake drums

Here is a picture of the 4 drums for my 1960. I purchased them a few months ago from a reputable seller who has quite a few of them for $35 each then had them turned for $10 each. I have .030 to .035 of wear remaining I believe assuming 11.090 is the discard size.

[Ed H.]

Re: 1960 front brake drums

Terry, and little word of caution on 1960 brake drums or any corvette with the anti sqeek springs. If you deside to go 135-40 MPH in the quarter at 10:15 ET remove those springs. In 1970 at that speed and ET, my left front wheel spring, let go. It cut the brake line (only 0ne application
of the brakes) cut the left front fender in half and caused a nasty guard rail crash at Long Beach Ca. Lions Drag strip. Ruined my whole day and ended my racing career. Ah the good old days!!!!