Used Aluminum Brake Drums

[fixitman]

I have (2) used aluminum brake drums. ID of each measure about 9".  They were painted black long ago and do not look pretty any longer.  Are these drums of any value to anyone?

Thanks,

Dave

[Racer X]

2 hours ago, fixitman said:

I have (2) used aluminum brake drums. ID of each measure about 9".  They were painted black long ago and do not look pretty any longer.  Are these drums of any value to anyone?

Thanks,

Dave

If they can be turned on a brake lathe, and still be in spec, they are serviceable.

Otherwise they aren’t worth much at all.

 

[Patcon]

I know they can be relined (it's expensive), but I thought someone was making new aluminum drums

Found:

https://whiteheadperformance.com/product/datsun-240z-260z-280z-oem-aluminum-rear-brake-drums-nos-2/

https://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PROD/24-5050A

So I would say out of spec is scrap metal. If they can be turned,  I would do that

Edited November 27, 2021 by Patcon

[fixitman]

I believe the drums are still in spec.  Would anyone be interested in buying them for a very reasonable price?

[crayZlair]

On 11/27/2021 at 11:31 AM, Patcon said:

I know they can be relined (it's expensive), but I thought someone was making new aluminum drums

Found:

https://whiteheadperformance.com/product/datsun-240z-260z-280z-oem-aluminum-rear-brake-drums-nos-2/

https://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PROD/24-5050A

So I would say out of spec is scrap metal. If they can be turned,  I would do that

Both of those links say "Out of Stock"

[Patcon]

Good to know

[dutchzcarguy]

On 11/27/2021 at 5:31 PM, Patcon said:

I know they can be relined (it's expensive)

If i take a close look at the pics... ( of whiteheadperformance) there is a steel drum in the alu drum/casing?  (they will last even longer?) So they are a remake?

Years ago i bought a set from someone that had a Datsun original set used on.. i believe the car brand was TVR?  He had only drilled the 4 boltholes a bit bigger and they fitted.. (I only have to fill it with some small rings to use it on a 240z again..)  

On 11/27/2021 at 2:54 PM, fixitman said:

were painted black long ago and do not look pretty

If all the cooling fins are decent they can be reman. by whitehead i think maybe they are interested in some cheap old drums..

[Patcon]

To my knowledge,  all the aluminum drums have a steel liner.

[26th-Z]

Yes, steel liner.  You wouldn't expect the brake pad to rub on aluminum.

[dutchzcarguy]

Yeah.. hadn't really thought about it..  btw  How do they renew them?  On a lathe and get all the steel out and put in a new steel liner? 

I can imagine they take most out, and weld the new one in on the edge and clean the edge by putting it in a lathe and make a nice edge?

Heatshrinking could be a bit dangerous i think.. because these things can get very hot and the steel could come out the aluminium casing?

Maybe a bit of both? 

[madkaw]

I think the relining process is about 250$ per drum . Probably end up better than OEM . Not many that do our drums . Cast iron drums are much heavier , so this a decent option . I have extra drums laying around that are in spec . 

[Patcon]

Yes, I would think they would lathe them out completely or just partial and then install an interference fit liner. I don't know if they tack them or not