Brake Drum Idea

Here is a very interesting article on drilling brake drums to reduce heat and fade. Has anybody ever had this done to their drums or know of reasons why this will not work. Inquiring minds want to know.:16suspect

http://www.chtopping.com/CustomRod4/

 

Very interesting...got me thinking now

 

Is that dangerous, expensive, or both?

 

Thats something I never though of. I find it very interesting, especially the part about weight. A drum set up is definately lighter and the points he makes, make a lot sense. Another thing he didnt mention is the fact disc brakes create more drag when not in use. Another downside. I definately will consider this for future projects.

 

Plus, this is something you can do at home with minimum tools.

 

That's cool ... just for the heck of it I emailed the company to see what they charge for drilling a set of 4 drums ...

 

veeerrrryyy interesting. keep us posted on what you find out. since i still have 4 drums this might be a good solution.

 

i wonder what the weight savings are? i have drums on the rear still.

 

Cool idea! Their step by step process in the article was on 8" ford drums

 

I've seen backing plates done with big holes.

 

i am thinking this would be a nice idea.....since i am not doing a rear disc conversion any time soon i am thinking i may get my drill out and make some holes.......after all, the drums are only $30 if i mess them up

 

The company in the article emailed me back. The price is $45 for a set of 4 drums plus return shipping.

 

I don't see anything wrong with that. It'll be worth a try for the rear drums.
Thanks for be lead monkey on that, Dan.

 

Holes work both ways. Dust and water can get out, but dirt and rocks can get in. Total weight reduction, probably 1# total. Then every hole you drill is another hole for cracks to start. As for drum system weighing 60# less then disc, Yeah right. Add the weight of the drum, hub, and backing plate system together, probably pretty close. Then there is alum calibers and light weight rotors. Yes disc brakes drag a little, but do you think it's really that much? As for drum cooling the real issue comes from the wrong type of rims and hubcaps. Solid rims/hubcaps restrict the flow of air which effects cooling. Factory used fins for cooling and small rims on drum brakes don't allow for any air between them. Back in the 50s drums/shoes were pretty effective. Things are much different now. Also you have the issue of weight location. With a drum the weight is out at the wheel. On rotors the weight is closer to the A arm's pivot point. Big difference in the world of leverage.

 

My initial thought was for contaminates to invade the drum. Novel idea, got me thinking as well. Rickracer has some very very good points too.
Dan