The import parts dealer in these parts quoted me $99.50 each for "steel" brake drums. He's an older Japanese gentlemen, and his English is a little shaky. (I assume he immigrated as his daughter, who also works at the store, uses flawless English.) I had asked him if he could tell whether they were cast iron or aluminum. I've never heard of steel brake drums, but there's a lot I haven't heard of. Does such things exist? Or, as I suspect, the Japanese word/phrase for cast iron was misinterpreted when translated into the auto parts database as "steel."

Chris

Chris,

The main difference between cast iron and steel is the amount of carbon in it. IMHO, $100 is too high for cast iron and too low for aluminum. If he can get aluminum, you've struck a goldmine since they have been NLA for a while. You can get cast iron from Rock Auto for about $30 each when you apply a discount code that you can find online. You can check here to see if the aluminum drums are available yet.

Steve,

Thanks. I was aware of the Datsun Parts drums. I could swear I checked them about a week ago and thywere asking $169.99 each. $129.99 changes the equation considerably. I think I will try the locals again and see if I can get some clarification on what is meant by "steel" drums. The Datsun Parts description says "steel insert," which makes perfect sense as aluminum isn't a real good choice as a friction surface. He did also say they were manufactured in Japan, which is more encouraging than not being made in Japan, but not exactly definitive.

Chris

Man, even using Rock Autos fastest deliver option, I'd save a good chunk of change going through them. Anybody have experience with them? Good quality parts?

Chris

The only time I had a problem with being short-shipped, a call to customer service cleared it up. I haven't had any problems with their parts so far, either.

Look up the interchange for the part. Maybe it's the 510 iron drums that are the less expensive but easier way to go. IMO, when you mention Z, the sales guys start seeing big $$$ and you pay extra for "sportscar parts."

I've used them a number of times for Z parts and have had no issue with them at all. Their shipping was lightning fast and the parts were of good quality. They usually have parts from different manufacturers for the same product and so you just need to make sure that you pick the manufacturer that you really want.

I'd use them again in a heart beat.

Mike.

Thanks for the endorsement of Rock Auto. I won't be using them this time because the local dealer's drums are IKUTA's while Rock Auto's are Centric. Deservedly or not, IKUTA's are considered to be of better quality than Centric. For future repairs, Rock Auto will be one of my essential "go to" sites.

Chris

I've used Rockauto a ton of times without a problem. They have very fast shipping, parts are usually at my doorstep within three days.

I've used them a number of times for Z parts and have had no issue with them at all. Their shipping was lightning fast and the parts were of good quality. They usually have parts from different manufacturers for the same product and so you just need to make sure that you pick the manufacturer that you really want.

I'd use them again in a heart beat.

Mike.

I've had the same experience! Always a pleasure.

These guys reline Datsun aluminum drums for about $100 each.

http://www.jgrelining.com/index.html