Brake drum plug - alternatives?

[sdyck]

Hi, finishing up a rear suspension rebuild and noticed I'm missing one of the rear brake drum inspection plugs.  I see that a replacement is available but they are about $16.00 for two when I add in shipping to Canada its about $36.00.  Has anyone found an alternative that fits? I took a look at my local auto parts stores and came up with nothing.

 

Thanks,

 

Steve

Edited July 27, 2016 by sdyck
adding more info

[Fred Sigarto]

For a temporary fix I used duct tape, been holding on for two years

[Martzedcars]

I've seen brakedrums with a peace of lead in those inspection holes...

[jeremy93ls]

Mine were missing, so I cut some copper pipe insulation and wedged it in there. Any closed cell foam would work. You could use a piece of swimming pool 'noodle' to add a little pizazz!
 

[siteunseen]

7 hours ago, Martzedcars said:

I've seen brakedrums with a peace of lead in those inspection holes...

Mine had those lead plugs too.  I googled that and found this, don't know if it's the truth but they are there for some reason.

Re: brake drum plugs

---

Early Zs (70>76) had the rubber plug to allow access to the starwheel adjuster. Later Zs (77>78) had a different cylinder and adjusting arrangement so that the outer rubber plug became unnecessary. But since all the drums were the same, it didn't pay to redesign for 77>78. The lead plug is for balancing.

[Mark Maras]

 Interesting. My early 74 has lead plugs. Maybe one of the POs replaced them. Something that doesn't make sense about the lead replacement used for balancing. Seems to me that the small piece of lead would weigh more than the rubber plug. Nice to finally learn what the hole in the drum was used for. Duh! Forty three years around Zs and I'm still learning. Thanks.

[siteunseen]

And you can get to the adjusting wheel through the slots on the OE wheels without removing the wheel and tire just need a long flat head screwdriver.

[sweatybetty]

9 hours ago, siteunseen said:

And you can get to the adjusting wheel through the slots on the OE wheels without removing the wheel and tire just need a long flat head screwdriver.

im curious as to how this is done.

[Martzedcars]

seems impossible...(to get to without taking off that wheel..)

I also thought it is UNbalancing the wheel with that lead.. can one balance a brakedrum and put some lead in that one spot and make it balance? I don't think so...

 

[siteunseen]

10 hours ago, sweatybetty said:

im curious as to how this is done.

It's pretty simple.  Take the hubcap off and line up the hole in the drum with a slot on the wheel.  Insert a screwdriver and turn the wheel until your hand brake is tight when it's half way up.  I've done it, should be super simple for you. 

[siteunseen]

4 hours ago, Martzedcars said:

seems impossible...(to get to without taking off that wheel..)

I also thought it is UNbalancing the wheel with that lead.. can one balance a brakedrum and put some lead in that one spot and make it balance? I don't think so...

 

I found a thread explaining the lead plug in my rear brake drum.  It's there, you tell me why and what it's purpose is and I'll go by what you say.

[sweatybetty]

19 minutes ago, siteunseen said:

It's pretty simple.  Take the hubcap off and line up the hole in the drum with a slot on the wheel.  Insert a screwdriver and turn the wheel until your hand brake is tight when it's half way up.  I've done it, should be super simple for you. 

i didnt know there is a hole in the drum. the only adjustments ive ever seen were through the back plate. this is my first import