MTFCA Forum

So I got these shoes in the mail today. They look awesome but the rivet hole pattern is different. They're both the same size but it just seems oddly to me. Does that mean that one is earlier than the other?

Brad

Here are some pictures

More pictures. They both fit well in the drum with room all around for lining.

Rivet pattern is odd so that you can tell left from right

But really, nice set of old aftermarket replaceable lining brake shoes!

Have used a set too, and relined them.
Got Model T '26-'27 lining and had to sand down the side on the belt sander to match width.

That is a mismatched set.

Look at the spring mounts - clearly different manufacturers.

I too have used the same type of shoes, but never again. For a hand/parking brake they may be OK. However, my experience with them is poor. The action of the brake cam expanding the shoes drives one end towards the drum, and the other away. On mine, one end of the shoe bent inwards, deforming the band, making the lining drag on the drum and wear exceedingly quickly. The better style of shoes have cast ends riveted to the steel band. These are rigid enough to resist deforming forces applied by the brake cam.

Sorry for the dampener.
Allan from down under.

I am with Allan B on this. That style is NOT ridged enough to apply the braking pressure where it is needed, shoe to drums. The steel banding material gives and bends enough that not enough shoe is pushing the needed direction into the drum.
I have toyed with the idea of brazing steel rod inside the strap iron to make them more ridged (before relining), but never actually tried it.
A funny thing. I found a set of those at a swap meet a few years ago, from a fellow I didn't know, but had bought several parts from for very nice (read that as cheap!) prices. Milt Webb happened to be standing in the next booth, and saw this, grabbed the band brake shoes from the seller and refused to allow the seller (a friend of his) to sell them to me! I decided to let it go, and not tell them why I wanted them.

The cast iron lined shoes are VERY ridged, and properly adjusted, should be able to lock the rear wheels at speed. Even the center-door sedan I used to have (a lot of weight on the back end!) could lock both wheels anytime I wanted (or needed) to.

I agree that the steal shoes are not up to the same capability as the cast iron. Had them on a 1920 years ago before I know the difference. Now use the cast iron on both my 1916 and 1912.

I have some accessory channel iron shoes - they're the best, IMO.