'66 Brake Shoes

[Ralph Messina CLC 4937]

Can anyone tell me the correct brake shoe width ( across the lining ) for a ’66 Cadillac?

Like all old car stories this one involves “experts” who weren’t born when these were used cars. The complete brake system was done before I purchased the car. It stops straight and smooth but the brakes feel weak compared to my other ’66 even after adjusting and bleeding them. Rather than wait for warmer weather and do it myself, I thought I could get a jump finishing a few issues before spring…..I have more than enough left to do. The shop guy thinks the shoes are too narrow. His supplier’s books don’t have any dimensions back to ’66.  Supplier claims they are either 21/4” or 21/2” wide but it’s my choice and I’ll own the shoes once ordered. I suspect he’s confusing a ’66 rear wheel Eldo with a ’67 front wheel drive which might have a different shoe.

Moral: If you want something done right, do it yourself.

Thanks,
Ralph

[txturbo]

I would measure the width of the drum and get the widest shoes that the drum width will allow.If the drums aren't wide enough for a 2-1/2" shoe then it won't matter what the book says. Another often overlooked detail is the contact area. If the drums were turned to clean up the surface when the brake job was done I doubt they re-arched the shoes to match the new diameter. You can look at your shoes and see if that is the problem. If the drums were turned and the shoes weren't re-arched then the shoe will only be making contact in the middle and the ends will be untouched.

[Ralph Messina CLC 4937]

Thanks for the response. I found out the correct size is 21/2' wide for all four wheels which is what's on the car presently.

Ralph