Aluminum C1 Finned Drums

[David D.]

A friend is acquiring a set of what he says are aluminum, finned drums with iron cores that have no markings and were supposed to have come from an early Chevrolet built car such as a CERV or the SS. Were these cars originally equipped with aluminum drums? I guess very early prototype stuff may not have had markings but wouldn't GM have marked them in some way to identify them? They are Chev five lug and are standard bolt pattern.

[Bruce B.]

Re: Aluminum C1 Finned Drums

Probably Buick or Olds drums.
The street rod guys use them a lot.

[Jimmy B.]

Re: Aluminum C1 Finned Drums

56 SEBRING at least 1 car ran alum. drums. I bought them, they had been part of Frank Burrell's stash of goods. They are now on 56 SR vin #2823 unless the current owner has removed them.

Post sime pics and I'll look at them.

They will probably have larger holes where the lug studs come through, This was for the "pins' to go into the back of the Halibrand pin drive knock off wheels that they were using at the time.

[Philip C.]

Re: Aluminum C1 Finned Drums

56 SEBRING at least 1 car ran alum. drums. I bought them, they had been part of Frank burrell's stash of goods. They are now on 56 SR vin #2823 unless the current owner has removed them.

John Neas might have more info on this.

Post sime pics and I'll look at them.

They will probably have larger holes where the lug studs come through, This was for the "pins' to go into the back of the Halibrand pin drive knock off wheels that they were using at the time.

Jimmy I cant believe you said that, for years I wondered why the Z06 drums I have, had bigger holes for the lug nuts! and two I cant believe you typed that name. Phil 8063

[Gary C.]

Re: Aluminum C1 Finned Drums

Jimmy, FYI - heard that '56 SR1 will be at the Florida Regional next month. Gary....

[Tom P.]

Re: Aluminum C1 Finned Drums

Somewhere back in that time frame (mid-late 50s), if I remember correctly, there were also some 12in Chrysler finned alum drums used on some prototype/experimental efforts.
For several years I've worked on getting a good functional set of big drums on the 56. I'm very pleased with what I've finally ended up with.






This is what I started with (from the rear of mid-70s GM A-body wagons such as Malibu, Cutlass, etc).




And this is the finished version after modification and turning in a brake lathe.


And these are late 50s-early 60s Olds 2 1/2in FRONT shoes.


Which I just VERY recently upgraded to self adjusting (this shows the rear).

[Jerry G.]

Re: Aluminum C1 Finned Drums

Probably Buick or Olds drums.
The street rod guys use them a lot.

Are there Buick or Olds aluminum drums that will fit a C1?

[Stephen B.]

Re: Aluminum C1 Finned Drums

Hi Dave
They very well may have aluminum drums that originally were produced for large Buicks from about 1957 to 1964 or 65 when they were replaced by disc brakes. If they are Buick they will have a 5 inch bolt pattern. They were desighned for shoes 2 1/2 x 12 inches. They were balanced on the external edge with a screw on weight. There was also an early and late version. The early ones had 1/2 the finns as those built in the 60's. These have been popular with street roaders for a very long time. I have a set mounted on 40 to 48 ford spindles on the front of my traditional 29 roadster. Can they be adapted to a C-1? Nothings impossible,but why? The C.1 uses an 11 inch drum, these are 12 inch. When mounted on a street rod you would retain the Ford backing plate,brake assembly, and simply machine the hub to fit the drums. I suggest that if you desire more front brake you look at one of the many disc brake conversions.
Stephen Barrett (21558)

[Jimmy B.]

Re: Aluminum C1 Finned Drums

Hey Tom,

I'm liking that 56 of yours more and more!

Jim Blakely

[Tom P.]

Re: Aluminum C1 Finned Drums

Hey Tom,

I'm liking that 56 of yours more and more!

Jim Blakely

Ya, but it doesn't fit the NCRS guidelines/standards. Consequently, I'm still somewhat of an outcast.
But I thank you for the kind words.

[Stephen B.]

Re: Aluminum C1 Finned Drums

Good Morning
Tom
I too love that 56,but I've been a social out cast for a long time now.These cars were modified from day one and still are.As long as the modifications are tastful,and reversable when the next guy gets my collection so what.Too many people and you know who you are try to establish a pecking order in NCRS based on how well your car would be judged.Well your hurting the image and potential grouth of our beloved hobby.There should be a place for all interpritations of what a Corvette is.
Hang in there Tom
Stephen Barrett (21558)

[Dan A.]

Re: Aluminum C1 Finned Drums

Somewhere back in that time frame (mid-late 50s), if I remember correctly, there were also some 12in Chrysler finned alum drums used on some prototype/experimental efforts.
For several years I've worked on getting a good functional set of big drums on the 56. I'm very pleased with what I've finally ended up with.






This is what I started with (from the rear of mid-70s GM A-body wagons such as Malibu, Cutlass, etc).




And this is the finished version after modification and turning in a brake lathe.


And these are late 50s-early 60s Olds 2 1/2in FRONT shoes.


Which I just VERY recently upgraded to self adjusting (this shows the rear).

Good Stuff . I like your '56 a lot.

[Don H.]

Re: Aluminum C1 Finned Drums

Sportsman is for modified / non judgeable Corvettes (I have one). The "R" in NCRS does stand for something but hopefully are not snobs or make anyone feel like outcasts. Don H.