Author Topic: FRONT DRUM BRAKES  (Read 3693 times)

WillH

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FRONT DRUM BRAKES
« on: March 03, 2014, 07:33:06 AM »
It looks like the front brake was either standard equipment or a very popular option on the pre war bikes. Most of the later bikes, I see, (automatics) have the rear brake only; I do see a few exceptions. Was the front brake an option on the later bikes? I don't see it listed in the '53 parts book. I am looking for a front brake set-up and not sure what to look for; I know that the hub is narrower than the rear and the spoke holes on the small flange are slotted. I have read the few post on here that deal with this subject. Any help appreciated, parts, information, leads etc.. etc. I know the Worksman set-up is a good option but I like the wider Simplex rims.

Will

pd

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Re: FRONT DRUM BRAKES
« Reply #1 on: March 03, 2014, 08:00:09 AM »
Look in the 1960 M manual :

http://www.simplexservi-cycle.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=430.0;attach=2753;image

I really dislike the site thumbs that blow the pics to unusable size when clicked . :(
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Ricks

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Re: FRONT DRUM BRAKES
« Reply #2 on: March 03, 2014, 09:45:33 AM »
Front brake was an option on later bikes.  It seems most people didn't want to pay the additional $10 that Simplex charged for them. 

The only part that is really hard to find is the front brake drum.  Wayne makes a reproduction front backing plate that looks just like the original.

 Wayne told me it is possible to narrow a rear drum the proper amount and then slot for the spokes, but I have never tried this.  I'd bet a guy like KartJockey could do this, as he has the skills necessary. HINT, HINT, LOL!  I would even provide a rear drum to him as a test case!
Rick

pd

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Re: FRONT DRUM BRAKES
« Reply #3 on: March 03, 2014, 11:10:48 AM »
I don't recall seeing a rear hub slotted like that .

Pete . :)
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Ricks

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Re: FRONT DRUM BRAKES
« Reply #4 on: March 03, 2014, 11:48:49 AM »
Is this a front drum hub? Or were some of the rears slotted also?

Will

Hard to tell from the picture, but flange to drum measurement is about 1" on front drum and 2" on rear drum.  If that is a rear and is slotted, that would be relatively easy to narrow. 
Rick

Bruce

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Re: FRONT DRUM BRAKES
« Reply #5 on: March 03, 2014, 03:45:09 PM »
Is there an easy conversion to sealed bearings on simplex hubs?

pd

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Re: FRONT DRUM BRAKES
« Reply #6 on: March 03, 2014, 03:49:18 PM »
Goes around , Comes around . :)

Bruce

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Re: FRONT DRUM BRAKES
« Reply #7 on: March 03, 2014, 03:53:35 PM »
Thankyou

pd

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Re: FRONT DRUM BRAKES
« Reply #8 on: March 03, 2014, 05:17:20 PM »
Easy enough . ;)

Pete . :)
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