Anyone interested in relined Aluminum drums?

[pwd]

I've made contact with a vendor who relines Aluminum drums. He may be interested in doing the Datsun Z drums too. He'd like to know the potential market before making capital expenditures. I'd like to give him as honest an estimate as possible. Responses would be greatly appreciated.

Preston

[g9m3c]

I'd be interested. I'm currently redoing the brakes on my 260 and need new drums.

[WingZr0]

Count me in too, mines are shot.

[Zedyone_kenobi]

I am assuming he is putting a steel liner in the aluminum drums. I would like to know the process involved with this. How do they account for the differential expansion, is it an interference fit, and if so, how does that effect the residual stresses in the drum.

Lots of questions... but I would want a set once mine are worn out.

[hogie]

I would be interested eventually as well.

[pwd]

I am assuming he is putting a steel liner in the aluminum drums. I would like to know the process involved with this. How do they account for the differential expansion, is it an interference fit, and if so, how does that effect the residual stresses in the drum.

Lots of questions... but I would want a set once mine are worn out.

He's already in the business of relining Aluminum drums, so I assume he's aware of the technical issues. I sent him the Datsun engineering drawing of the drum and some photographs, so he's got some good idea of what's involved.

[JohnnyO]

What years had aluminum drums? Does anyone have pictures of original drums?

John

[rxsleeper]

What years had aluminum drums? Does anyone have pictures of original drums?

John

All years with drum brakes came with Al drums.

PWD, Yes and probably every Z car racer in the US (that run rear drums) will want at least one or two sets of drums relined. I have 6 drums at the house that can be re-lined plus one on the car, 1 set of spare used drums, and 1 set of brand new Brembo's.

So that is 8 sets for me. I would think I am a typical racer as well.

[pwd]

Thank you all for all your responses. I just want to clarify that I have no financial incentive in this venture, other than to hopefully save some money when I need to replace my drums. I'm only trying to establish a supplier of a much needed service for the restoration/preservation of the classic Z car.

Here's the last set I can find on the Internet

http://store.classicgarage.com/nirebrdr1.html

Hopefully the relining will be much more affordable!

If anyone could take a stab at the total number of Z's out there that still run drum brakes (and the racer point of view is good too, rxsleeper, thanks!) that's really what the vendor needs to work his business case.

[WingZr0]

And thats the sale price? ! For one? ! Man, Brembo's gettin over. Stock new everything front and back with steel drums is like $850 at Les Schwab Tires.

Edited February 10, 2010 by WingZr0

[d240zx2]

I would be VERY interested to know the process by which he restores lost dimension to the drums. Over-boring and inserting a steel sleeve can create bi-metal corrosion issues down the road, as well as reducing drum strength. If he uses plasma spray, well, that's a whole 'nuther ball game.

[ajmcforester]

I've been looking for someone who does relining. This was a common practice at one time. I would be interested on what the cost would be and the method to be used. Their are several methods and they give different results. I don't mind steel sleeves and it works well if done properly and allows you to use harder brake shoes with less drum wear, the machining is key for this working well and how the edges are finished. beside if your drums are at the max measurement this would give a little more. I have a lot of aluminum drums that are nearing the end of their life, what is out their is nearly used up.