I have a 69 Firebird I bought as a project a few years ago. I now have it running so being able to stop was next on my list. When I pulled the front drums, everything inside was missing. No springs, adjusters, pads, etc. After buying everything new, (for a 69 Bird) I discovered that where the big pin is supposed to be at the top of the backing plate to attach the springs, and where the rounded end of the brake shoes ride against, had a bolt instead. After finding some used pins, I removed the bolt that was there and saw that it screwed through the backing plate and into the spindle. The threads on the pins I had were almost twice the diameter and won't fit although they are from a 69 Camaro. I tried to check the numbers usually stamped into the factory spindles but there are none and they look new. D297 is stamped on the backing plate but it looks new also. I found a picture on-line that looks like my set up and there was a bracket under the bolt and the springs attached to that. It was GM but not identified as to model or year. Someone must have swapped the brakes to a different model or year but I don't know what it is. Anyone know what I have?
Yeah, those stupid staked studs that lock the drum to the spindle. Those are definitely 67 and maybe early 68. I had those and had to remove the whole spindle to remove the drums. I've since ripped it all out and went disc.
Anyone know where I can get pair of those brackets that fit under the bolt? It's not a part that anyone seems to be selling aftermarket and I have already bought all the springs, shoes, and other parts new.
No luck finding the brackets I needed but found a drum brake set-up with spindles from a 69 someone removed for a disc conversion. The 69 drums are even shaped differently than what was on mine. Installed yesterday. Thanks--Brian
