Grimeca brake rebuild and brake switch setup

[angonemoto]

Hello!
I now have a 68 American Eagle GT and am thrilled from the first 60 miles I spent on her. A third of those miles were while braking. I need to adjust or rebuild that system, as at this point it's not for the novice.

Is there a resource for new pads and any advice on how they should properly feel as far as how far in the lever should go to get max braking power, and also how is the brake light switch set up for this rig?

Thanks
Bob

 

[Dellortoman]

Pads?  I thought it was a drum brake.

 

[angonemoto]

Yes, it is. How about "shoes" then?

 

[henrywillms]

Did you try Wolfgang?.
He has re-built numerous drum brake Laverdas and I know he  has setup drum brake on owners bikes.

 

[angonemoto]

Message sent to Wolfgang. Anyone else here on the forum savvy to getting these systems into spec?

 

[Grant]

I did it the hard way.
Apply chalk to the friction material on each shoe.
Assemble wheel/brake set up.
Spin tyre, apply brake, disassemble.
Check for high spots vs areas still with chalk present and sand down.
Reapply chalk and repeat process until you get an even friction material area in contact with the drum.
Took me many, many iterations, and that was after the shoes were turned in a lathe/drum skimmed to attempt to get the correct fit in one fell swoop.

 

[helicopterjim]

I did it the hard way.
Apply chalk to the friction material on each shoe.

Chalk .... brilliant idea. Waaaaaay better than using grease!  (bleh) (bleh) (bleh)

 

[Grant]

Nah, you only use grease if the brakes squeak!  :-*

 

[Gravelroad]

Loosen the axle and brake stay, pull the brake lever hard, and keep it pulled while retightening the axle. Finally retighten the brake stay. Try this first, before going to further efforts like described by Grant.

Regards,
Stefan

 

[angonemoto]

Gravelroad,
I noticed the cable adjusters on top and bottom are already at max turns out, trying to make the cable pull as short as possible. I imagine I should I roll them back in a bit before doing what you suggested. I'll give it a shot.

 

[Laverda SF]

If you want that brake intake pointing pretty, I suggest a longer cable.

Thinking about the BREV Vs Grimeca Double Shoe Brake (Hub?), I assume the Tit's for the BREV Brake  Borrani rim are pointed differently with less holes - Should I consult my Wife - LOL

 

[angonemoto]

Interesting point! The rim on this bike on the front is an Akront re laced onto the Grimeca. I wonder if that makes a bit of a difference somehow?

 

[Laverda SF]

The last thing you want is spokes shearing because of mismatched Titty's

 

[angonemoto]

They appear to be matched.

 

[chrisk]

Good God! It looks like one of the Storm Troopers took his helmet off to look at your bike .....   

 

[angonemoto]

I didn't notice it before but on second look...

 

[helicopterjim]

No can see .....

 

[wdietz186]

There is a place called Vintage Brake in Calif. that is used by a bunch of the AHRMA racers that relines shoes with more modern compounds and can arc grind the shoes. Will true the drum with the wheel too.
Doesn't sound too frightfully expensive either. Tires and brakes,always less expensive than a crash.