Hi Keith,
For what it's worth, I just replaced the shoes on my '71 and had a struggle
to get the drum back on also. I had the drums turned, and the adjusters
backed all the way out, but no way. In my case, I had to pry the shoes out
slightly while fitting the drum. The shoes were sitting slightly splayed.
Not sure if this applies at all, but I can relate to the frustration of
making things fit.
Jay
-----Original Message-----
From: Keith Burns <kayak_keith@hotmail.com>
To: spitfires@autox.team.net <spitfires@autox.team.net>
Date: April 26, 1999 3:11 PM
Subject: Year? and wheel cylinder woes
>
>Hi,
>Two problems maybe related.
>Ordered wheel cylinders for my 71 Mk IV.
>The replacements looked similiar, but the piston is wider. So I
>install them and can not get the brake drums on. Checked the adjuster,
>the brake lining orientation and compare the new brake pads with the
>old. Then I notice that the old wheel cylinder when fully compressed
>is about an 1/8 of an inch (maybe 3 milimeters)shorter then the new.
>Ah ha! So that is why the brake drums won't go on.
>Check a catalogue and notice that the wheel cylinders for spitfires
>change in 71 and again in 75. Also notice that the brake pads,
>adjusters, and drums all seem to be the same for all years So if they
>only change the cylinders how come mine don't fit?
>Sooooo what is my problem?
>WHat year is my car really? On the frame their is a production date of
>October 70. Is my car really a 70?
>Also how can I make these cylinders work since I installed them I
>can't return them? Can I just grind 1/16 of an inch off of the flatt
>contact point on the brake pads?
>Is their something I am missing as to why this is not going together?
>Any help would be appreciated.
>Thanks all,
>Keith
>With a spitfire who's year is currently a mystery
>
>
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