I saw a post on one of the Buick groups on facebook where I guy said he got rid of his steel drums and installed aluminum finned drums off a GS onto his 70-72 Skylark. Were aluminum rear drums part of the GS package? Are they available or reproduced? and lastly what are the pros and cons to the aluminum drums? Thanks....
I have some on mine. Can be found on 70 - 80's G and F body. I had to enlarge the pilot holes slightly
The thing with aluminum drums is that there’s a cool factor in showing them off, especially if you leave them bare and evenly finished (that’s what I did). The downside is that you’ll have to be sure there’s a lot of life left in them, otherwise they’ll have to be relined (J&G Brake Relining does this); there aren’t any available at your local NAPA. There’s also the outstanding reputation drum brakes have for hard stopping (sarcasm engine fully engaged).
The aluminum rears are available. I saw a few months ago they are being made again. Cheaper than what I paid for originals to be relined. They are on Rock Auto and eBay.
I don't think they will stop any better but they are a tad lighter plus the exposed cool factor. If you want to stop on a dime and get a nickel back, go 4wheel discs.
Im gonnna go with front disk but I think Ill leave the rear drums. Im rebuilding the rear axle now, need rear shoes and drums
These rears are being reproduced by Cardone. Dennis Kirban carries them, and there is a significant weight savings per pair. approx 10lbs.......that's 10 lbs of rotational weight
When I am searching for these repro drums should I be searching under my 70 Skylark or do I need to look under a G of F body as mentioned above?
If you would like a little more stopping power, you can utilize the brake backing plates from a station wagon and use the 2-1/2” wide Aluminum front drums on the rear as I did on my 70 GS 455. Marv.
S-10, Camaro, Firebird/ trans-am, A and G body 2 and 4 door cars 78-87 especially without limited slip. (Cutlass, Regal, Grand Prix, Monte Carlo, Bonneville, etc)
