Kentie

I have a 63 corvette split window which I am rebuilding the drum brakes. On the star wheel spreader I found a R and an L.
One reference states for the Right Side and Left Side. A second reference by GM states, the L goes on the passenger side and the R goes on the driver side, just opposite. Also It states the the downward rotation should expand the lenght of the spreader. Any help would be appreciated.

vettsplit 63

The star portion of the adjuster goes to the rear. the adjuster mechanism will ride on the outside of it, so as it pushes down, it should open up, or get longer. It will be pretty self evident as to which side goes where.

MikeM

Yep, that's correct. By the way SWCs use the same star wheel as the convertibles.

Frankie the Fink

Do ONE side of the car at a time so you have a reference to look at for assembly as you go along. There are also different length 'keeper' springs that hold the shoes on (usually color coded). The short spring (yellow in my picture) goes on the shoe that holds the self-adjuster plate to allow for the extra thickness - I assume you know how the leading/trailing shoes go .. right ?

You really, REALLY want to get your brakes 100% correct on these all drum cars. This is my completed '63 left rear (driver's side).

Kentie

This is the confirmation I had hoped for. Thanks for the great information and pictures.

vettsplit 63

Ya know, back in the old days when I worked as a brake and alignment mechanic for Goodyear, it made for a much prettier job if I blew off the backing plates before installing the new stuff. Wonder how many pounds of asbestos I ingested. No mask, tough guy.