Scandinavia band lengths and widths

[Mark Nunn]

I was reading about the changes in Scandinavia band quality on the old forum. There were comments about things to look for in those bands. I have a box of ’26-’27 Scandinavia bands that my uncle bought in the 1990’s when he restored my car. One narrow band is missing and I assume that it is now in my transmission. I recently bought a box of ’09-’25 Scandinavia bands at an Antique store. There are noticeable differences between the early style and late style in my possession. They are different length (3/4”), width (1/8”) and color.

Both boxes have Cantex stickers on the sides covering the original printing. The ’09-’25 bands are 1 ¼” wide, 22 ¾” long and are brown. The ’26-’27 narrow band is 1 1/8” wide, 23 ½” long and black. The brake band in the later set is also 23 ½” long.

I read about changes in band lengths and color after Cantex took over production. Using a slip roller to lengthen later short bands was suggested in the older post. I have concerns about doing that. What if the band material shrunk after being installed? Could it pull away from the steel band between rivets and rub the drum? I was surprised to see different widths. What width is correct or best? If you had these, which type would you use?

[RajoRacer]

Original Scandinavia linings are 23 & 1/2" long - when Cantex Corp. took over, they initially produced the same weave & length lining then somehow the linings were shortened to somewhere in the neighborhood of 22 & 3/4". I hadn't noticed the width difference but I have several sets so I'll go measure mine.

[Original Smith]

Scandinavia comes for 09-25 and for improved model 26&27. The quality of their material dropped many years ago from the original material. The older material can still be found on ebay however. I personally have enough to last me the rest of my life. The problem with buying the old stock material is a former owner may have shortened the lining on one or more of the linings.

[John kuehn]

The original Scandinavia linings were the best because of how they were woven. In fact the Sears Allstate bands, Mark, and Montgomery Wards linings were woven with a close finer weave similar to the Scandinavia weave.

When Cantex took over the Scandinavia brand the weave changed to a less fine and coarser weave. Then they started making them shorter than the original length. Why they made them shorter is a question.

The fine weave in the older brand bands made them last a little longer and give longer service.
It seems that the weaving equipment was sold and after that the replacement machine wouldn’t make as fine and tight weave. When that happened the quality went down.
That was on the older forum some years ago.

[Mark Nunn]

The two styles of bands in my photos appear to have the same weave. They also appear to have transverse lines woven in at 1/4" spacing. Does anyone have an old band with a tighter weave? It would be interesting to see the difference.

[RajoRacer]

I'll attempt to get some comparison photos as I have both original & Cantex BEFORE they shortened them & changed the weave pattern. It was when Cantex went to the "tar babies" that the weave changed and the main problem with that type is the oil squeezed out too easy so it felt like your pedal would go soft then one would attempt to tighten them back up which resulted in premature wear as they soaked back up with oil !

[Original Smith]

Steve:
Your supply is greater than mine.

[John kuehn]

Didn’t the original Scandinavia have their name on them in kind of a yellowish color? Seems like they did. Those had a hard firm feeling and you could tell they were well made.

[RajoRacer]

Yes, originals are branded/stenciled in a orange/yellow lettering.

[John kuehn]

Here is an original Scandinavia band with the yellow printing on it and this set I have are 23 1/2” long. I went to check in my garage and they did have the printing as I remembered.
Also is a set of Sears Roebuck cross country bands that are 23 1/2 - 24” long.

The Sears bands are really tightly woven.