original brake drums?

**Spooky** · #1 09-03-2015, 12:43 AM

Hello there, I was wondering if anybody here knows anything about original brake drums. I have a matching pair that are dated the same. one has a 40 stamp on it and one has a 41 stamp. they look to be opposite from each other. Is it rare to be dated? could they have been NOS at one time? I would not think so due to the same date. Thank you for any insight you can give.....

Scott

**bergy** · #2 09-03-2015, 10:09 AM

All MVSS (motor vehicle safety systems) items were required to have manufacturer's date codes on them. The "T" designates Tonawanda Foundry. If it was "W" it would designate Whelen Foundry (non GM foundry in Chattenooga that supplied about 50% of these drums). The "40" and "41" are mold insert numbers. Cast on second shift - mold line 8.

**Spooky** · #3 09-03-2015, 09:32 PM

Thanks for the info! The only ones I have ever seen have not had dates on them. Are they worth more because of the matching dates?

Scott

**Woj** · #4 09-04-2015, 03:17 AM

My survivor Chevelles and Camaro have similar markings with dates.

Thanks for the good info Bruce.

Phil Woj.

novadude · #5 09-05-2015, 02:22 PM

Do these original drums have any value? I've got three spares that I had blasted. They don't appear to have ever been cut, but I've not measured yet.

**Spooky** · #6 09-06-2015, 04:46 PM

What would the stock uncut measurement be?

**Lynn** · #7 09-06-2015, 05:13 PM

The factory spec is 9.5 inches. Fronts are 2.5 wide (actually the shoe is 2.5, but the drum is a bit wider for clearance) with the rears being 2 inches wide.

I have measured some uncut drums that come in just UNDER 9.5, but usually pretty darn close.

Max diameter is 9.560, or .060 oversize. If you go that far over, you really need special shoes that are oversize to get a good fit.

**Day2_69Z** · #8 09-09-2015, 02:53 PM

Original Equipment Drums.
Those look nice.

Unreal · #9 09-09-2015, 11:12 PM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bergy</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> If it was "W" it would designate Whelen Foundry (non GM foundry in Chattenooga that supplied about 50% of these drums). </div></div>

Wheland Foundry was a huge 24/7 3 plant facility when I moved here in 89. Sadly, it is nothing but a bulldozed EPA nightmare now.

Dedicated to the Promotion and Preservation of American Muscle Cars, Dealer built Supercars and COPO cars.