When did Pontiac start using self adjusting drum brakes ?
 

Can my 61 Safari be converted to use self adjuster parts ? Anyone done it ? What year parts would I need to find ? Its a pain to have to spoon them

From quickly looking through parts catalogs online Chevy did share 11x2 shoes with Pontiac wagon rear shoes, part 228. I would try part number H2508 and H2509 for the adjusting kits and H7018 for the spring kit, I looked it up for a variety of mid to later 60s Chevy cars (1967 Caprice 396 right now). This should do the rear of your car. The front is slightly narrower in the shoes for Pontiac. You may be able to get away with using those kits for both. Of course this is all in theory on paper, enter at your own risk kinda thing.

According to the factory brochure, self adjusting brakes were added in 1963. http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/stati...re/index1.html I'd assume getting the parts from a 1963 or 1964 car would be the easiest way to go.

Thanks. I will look into it with this info. The entire brake system is new so this would really be an upgrade for me.

I'll probably go this route on the rear of my '61 when I do those brakes.

self adjusting parts
 

I did my car about 4 years ago. Got the kits online for a 64 big car, I think I used Chevy kits also. The brakes were the same size. The only mod you need is to grind a new slot in the backing plates, can be done without removing them, so be sure you have 4 more slot plugs. I did all four wheels..

good info
 

Go here for converting to self adjusting brakes. It's good info.
http://www.pbase.com/nufsed/drumbrake

What are the extra slots for ?

I found those on Rock but it calls out for 9 1/2 x 2 1/2 brakes. Pretty sure these brakes are bigger ?

EDIT : my mistake. The 64 Pontiac lists for the smaller brakes. The Chevrolet numbers are good as Codyy stated.

The adjusting barrel is relocated when the self adjusting hardware is installed. If you don't cut slots you can't get initial adjustment.

Following up on this. I just got the self adjuster and spring kits for 64 Chevy. Looks like a piece of cake but I was not going to put new shoes in since mine are good. Problem is my shoes have a slot instead of a hole where the pin and hold down spring is. The self adjusters need the hole to mount the spring seat thru the dajuster arm. Looks like I may have to buy 64 Pontiac shoes . Even Rock auto shows the slotted shoes for 64 except for one set from Wagner Z160r which shows holes instead of slots.. lilabner did you run into this issue ?

Here are a couple of things you could do and still keep those shoes. If the slot is smaller than the bushing cup, you could rat tail file the slot in the middle just enough for the seat to pass through. If the slot is already the same size or larger, you could simply mig weld a washer on the shoe web the correct size to locate the cup. If filing sounds like too much work and the slot is small, a simple plunge cut on a mill would also open it up pretty easy. Seems these little mods would all cost less than two new sets of shoes. Good luck.

I thought of just drilling the slot to 3/8 in the center but not sure if “close enough” is good enough for brakes ! Strange that they would sell the slotted shoes for 1964 when they will not work with the self adjusters. UNLESS the Pontiac adjusters are different than Chev but I doubt it. Shoes are fairly cheap, under 30 bucks but may have to call their tech desk to make sure these are not just stock photos and they have the holes rather than slots

Here are the two diff shoes listed for 64 on Rock auto

Self adjusting brakes
 

Don’t remember but I did buy more shoes. Didn’t want the Cintecs. Wanted American made. Couldn’t find anyone to radius them either so I used glue on sandpaper and did it by hand. When I worked for Porsche I had all that stuff as I was the machinist and engine and transmission builder. I was instructed to radius them to the drum and leave about a 20 thou clearance on the last 1” of the shoe, but tapered to the end. When the shoes pushed out the ends would also push out and get full contact.
Seemed to work fine. It’s been 45 years now and things change, but I don’t know what. Those radius machines aren’t too easily found anymore. I guess people have just gotten lazy. They were illegal for a few years.

Yep. I used to arc shoes in the early 70’s . No mask no nothing ! If we only knew. That is definitely the best way to,do,brakes. I think I will pick up a set of shoes after talking to tech to make sure they have the holes. I will drill out the ones I have just to establish that these parts will actually fit correctly. Not sure why you can buy self adjuster kits for Chevy but not for,Pontiac.

Did you stick the paper down to the drum and arc them manually like that ? Drum installed on car or on the bench ? Have you noticed the brakes are more stable with no pull ? I adjusted mine per the service manual with a feeler gage and adjusted the top anchor bolt too. They work fine but they go out of adjustment faster than I would like and spooning them is kind of a pain. I am hoping I wont ever have to monkey with that cammed anchor bolt ever again too.

J & G Relining Arc grinds brake shoes 1-815-276-2578

Yes J&G converted my hubs to taper bearings.