[57Charley]

My new shoes won't fit in the star wheel openings, the metal is too thick. It's pretty close so I was able to die grinder enough off to make it fit, but it's hard metal, doesn't grind easily. Who sells the correct NOS measurement shoes? I imagine these came from China, I will have to look.

[Sirrotica]

New shoes, made in US, premium friction materials, and reasonably priced.

I would give these a try:

https://www.carid.com/1961-pontiac-v...184043034.html

One of the worst fitting brake shoes I've had to use in my years as a service tech were the relined shoes NAPA used to sell, same problems you're having. Too thick webs and holes either too big or too small for the emergency brake pivots.

I always try to buy new linings for drum brakes as opposed to relined ones because many of the cores are damaged and used again.

I also prefer riveted linings over bonded linings because I've seen the bonded linings actually separate from the shoes with severe heat.

I used to sell Bendix linings when I had my garage, but couldn't come up with Bendix linings for your car with a quick search on the net.

I did find some reviews for the Centric brand from professional installers that verified their product was fine for use by professionals.

Good luck with your 61, and the brake install...........

[57Charley]

Thanks very much Brad!

Originally Posted by Sirrotica

New shoes, made in US, premium friction materials, and reasonably priced.

I would give these a try:

https://www.carid.com/1961-pontiac-v...184043034.html

Good luck with your 61, and the brake install...........

[57Charley]

Originally Posted by 57Charley

Thanks very much Brad!

OK, I ordered these, and the webs are still too thick. That metal is also really hard, tough to grind.

[389]

I would only use Porterfield shoes and pads..