I am rebuilding my 10" drums, but do not have new (or old) guides that go behind shoes on the anchor pin. Do I need them, or can I go on without them. The brakes that I removed had only one out of 4 installed. (PO) If they are important would Autozone/NAPA etc. have them? Thanks.

 

I'd have to check my book when I get to work, but I believe Napa can get them.

 

So I checked the local chains, and none have the things, but they can get them in a couple of days, but they are all generic plates, not the same shape as OE. I might try the Mustang place for used ones. But do you think they are worth all the trouble? What do they do?

 

I don't know if they are worth the effort looking for them but if they where on my brakes and know missing I would decently try to look for them. If you can't find any at least go with the generic ones. My .02

 

Why would you want to take a chance with your brakes? I would try to find the right ones but go ahead and order the generic ones, they can't be that expensive.

 

The retainers you are referring to should be readily available at any good parts story or help section, like Napa, and should be included in any brake hardware kit. Though your brakes will work without the retainers, the objective is to keep the shoe seated against the feet/backing plate. Without them you may get vibration and chatter, and the shoe may want to lift off the backing plate from the tension of the return springs, but still, it shouldn't stop the function of the brake.

 

So I went and found some used ones, but they don't fit on the front anchor pins. The rear anchor pins have a shoulder for the guide plate to sit on, but the fronts do not. Hmm.

Also, my brake hardware kit came with c-clips and wavy washers, but no instructions as to where they go. Chilton's doesn't mention c-clips at all. There is one clip and washer for each wheel. Where do these go?

 

The only place I know to put the c clip is on the parking brake lever on the rear brakes to hold it to the shoe.

 

I assembled the front brakes without the guide plate. I can't figure out how a guide plate would fit there. All the guide plates I have found are too small to fit on the anchor pin. Has anyone rebuilt brakes and run into this?
The rears are good. Now I just need a parking brake lever...look for another thread on that .

 

Are you refering to the pin that hold the shoes against the plate or the larger top pin that the springs attach to?

Take a picture before you tear apart the system. That way you can put it back together the right way. You also have something to take to the parts store for reference