I have an old beat up rear brake backing plate that was in less than usable condition. I have noticed these early plates were built differently, and with a much thinner material than the late plates. What is a person to do? Take apart the old plate to use as a template, and build new ones, but with thicker material.
Picture #
1 Old brake disassembled
2&3 Late Style brake
4 Old Style brake
5 New Front Plate
6&7 New rear Brakes
Notice how the late brakes use an offset in the plate, whereas the early use a spacer bar. The spacer is 3/16", but provides little additional support. The late style is 3/16 plate, much more stout than the 1/8 used in the early style.
I decided to make a couple of front plates while I was at it, as I have another front drum without the matching plate.
I still have to machine the pivots and install them, but I had to order some bar stock to make them.
