After a thorough review of the brake components, I’ve decided that rebuilding the system is both cost effective and will provide a functional braking solution. It is not a complex job, but for those who are interested Rovers North provides a nice explanation of the process along with useful tips on completing the job.

Drums

What a nightmare. Getting them off was a major headache. See Brakes – Round 3.

One of the three brake drums is damaged, so I sourced an OEM replacement (NOS) on eBay. The remaining brake drums themselves are in tolerance. The plan is to take the drums to my local auto parts store to be turned on their brake lathe. Per the factory manual the tolerances are as follows:

• 10″ Brakes – Typical on short wheel base Series 2As
  • Standard Diameter: 10in + .004in (254mm + 0,1mm)
  • Reclamation Limit: 0.30in (0,75mm) oversize on diameter

Wheel Cylinders

Since brake fluid is hydroscopic (absorbs water) over time, corrosion in the uncoated parts of the brake system and in particular within the wheel cylinders is a problem. Over time, the expectation is that corrosion is addressed either by honing the cylinders during the rebuild process or by replacing the wheel cylinders. A longer term fix involves pressing a brass sleeve into a bored wheel cylinder. The result is a corrosion resistant interior that can stand up to water absorbed by the brake fluid. The process is quite common in the restoration business and there are a variety of sources that can re-sleeve your cylinders. Based on the advice of a professional car restorer, I will be sending my wheel cylinders and the brake master cylinder to White Post Restorations. Their service requires that you send them your wheel cylinders (drained of fluid) along with their service form. You can expect to receive your restored cylinders in a couple of weeks. The end result is a bit more expensive than replacement parts, but renders a long term solution based upon the factory original parts.

The Rest

The balance of the parts are available from most of the on-line parts suppliers and include brake shoes, springs, and the adjustment bits. I’ve elected to replace all of these parts. I plan to take pictures and log the receipts once the parts are in hand.