The H. H. Franklin Club, Inc.

The Brake Drums are here

As of July 3, 2008

Hi everyone, At one time you expressed interest in the HHFC Brake Drum project and your name was placed on a list of the people that would like to get new Brake Drums. It has been a long project and I am pleased to tell you we have had samples made and turned on hubs and they look very good. The new drums are made of steel, as were the originals, and are exact fit replacements. We used material that is about .020" thicker which should be an improvement over the originals. The production order is due to arrive at my home in RI before the TREK. I plan on bring drums to the TREK for those that want them delivered there. This will save shipping costs. I still do not have a firm price as I will not know if Customs will duty add a fee to them. However, I expect the price to be no more than $85 a drum including the rivets. Because it is always safer to change or rebuild all brakes on an axle at the same time the Brake Drums will be sold in pairs only. We do not want to encourage people to take short cuts and just replace one drum. Please let me know if you still want the Brake Drums and if you want them delivered to the TREK. List quantity and delivery option. I will collect funds at the Trek or send you an invoice if you want them shipped to you. You can see pictures and installation procedures on the HHFC WEB site.
Hope to see you at the TREK.
Bob Harrison

March 2008

Below are some pictures of the second sampling of the brake drums that are riveted to a hub and turned to size.

These drums are for 1929 and later wire wheels and demountable wood wheels will be available soon.

These drums, made like the original Franklin brake drums, will have to be riveted to the buyers hubs then turned to size ( 13.997" / 14.003" ) just as the Franklin factory did.

The new drums are made out of .019" thicker material. This should add some stiffness and give more life.

I will be writing step by step instructions on how to install and rivet the brake drums to the hubs.

The estimated cost is $65 per drum which will include 7 rivets if they are ordered now before the first product run is completed. This is the promotional introductory price available only to Franklin Club Members.

The price will increase to $80 per brake Drum including rivets after the order has been placed. Shipping charges are not included in the price. Brake drums will be sold in sets of 2 as it is important that brakes be in the same condition per axle. It is not safe to replace just one drum or one set of brake shoes. Brakes are always repaired or recondition in pairs in order to maintain balanced braking.

I expect to have the drums ready for delivery to customers by June, 2008.

It is possible I could deliver drums to the Trek for those that want to take delivery there saving the shipping cost.

Because the price of steel has gone crazy this year I can't guarantee we can hold the price for the Brake drums where I have priced them.

I may get a revised cost when I actually place the order which I hope to do this coming week.

Should you have any questions please e-mail Bob Harrison

Brake Drum as received

initial step in positioning the drum on the hub with bolts making sure it is mounted concentrically to the bearings.

shows the drilling of the Brake drum and hub to 3/8" ,opening up the existing or worn holes a few thousands,
after drum is properly positioned and held securely with the 6 remaining bolts

The other pictures show heating up the rivet and riveting the rivet with a simple air chisel with a riveting forming bit installed

drum riveted to the hub

shows the drum turned