Options for replacement drums

[ThreeQuarter]

Wanting to know what my options are for finding a good set of 11" drums for the front end of my '68 C10. The ones I have are waaaay over diameter (up to 11.25). What's my best bet?

1. Buy run-of-the-mill ones at the local auto parts store for $30-40.

2. Post a WTB ad on this site's parts board for some originals that are still in spec.

3. Other options?

[RustyPile]

I just finished doing a full brake job on my '71.. All new rotors, drums, shoes, pads, wheel cylinders and calipers, along with a power brake booster/master cylinder.. Except for the booster/master cylinder, I used Brake Best Select brand from O'Reilly's.. Good fit, good performance..

Drums and rotors have a way of becoming out of shape during shipping.. What ever brand or source you go with, lightly re-face the friction surfaces before installing rotors and drums..

[Steeveedee]

It is critical that you mount the front drums on the hubs and have them turned before you leave the store. Buy new. I can't imagine that you would save any money buying a used drum, even if it was in spec, and had to pay for shipping.

[wpavlis]

Why do you need to have brand new drums turned? For that matter, how do you attach them to the hub after you cut the factory rivets out?

[OL SKOOL]

Try Rock auto just bought 2 for the rear of mine reasonable.

[ThreeQuarter]

Ok, so the replacement parts I can get at RockAuto, etc. are good quality? I’ve read some posts that make it sound like they’re not a good option. Are there multiple sources for these drums, or are they all made by one supplier?

[OL SKOOL]

I bought the kit 2 drums, shoes and wheel cylinders. I haven't installed yet it was 114.00.They list drums $21 all the way up. Lot of main mfg. to pick from.

[OldBlue70C10]

I've been buying my brake parts for my 70 C10 from Rock Auto, and so far I've been very pleased with the quality.

[ThreeQuarter]

Thank y’all for the responses. One of the things that I’m wondering is whether all the new drums on the market today are made in the same foundry in China. Anybody have any insights on that?

[Steeveedee]

Originally Posted by wpavlis

Why do you need to have brand new drums turned? For that matter, how do you attach them to the hub after you cut the factory rivets out?

They should be mounted on the lathe together to make sure that there is no run-out due to manufacturing tolerances. After the rivets are drilled out, care must be taken to put the drum on the hub if it is removed, for the same reason.