1957 Thunderbird - modifying the drum brakes to make them self-adjusting.

This video will show you how to modify the drum brake setup on your 1957 (and I would assume it works on 55 and 56 but am not 100% sure about that) Thunderbird to make the brakes self-adjusting. Cost of parts is about $50, part numbers are shown in the video. Shown is the left front, the others are essentially the same. The hardest part is drilling and forming a new hole in the backing plate to match the new location of the star wheel on the left side. The only specialty tool you'll want is a "brake pilers" which is used to remove and re-install the springs. Those are about $17.76. I only did the fronts since they are the ones that get all the wear and go out of adjustment quickly.

[@MrScobo]

Thanks guys! I bought the kits to do my 55 but would have a hard time figuring how without some experienced guidance😊

[@roughseas3455]

2:11 "Its not clear why Ford even put this spring in."
**Me who owns a 1957 Ford Custom 300, looking at my burned brakes because that spring broke.**
"YEAH! ITS A MYSTERY!" XD

[@EristiCat]

One of mine was broken. Didn't affect the brakes on that side at all.

[@roughseas3455]

@@EristiCat Mine on the other hand were smoking down the road. Now I'm on a 4 week back order for a new one. Well, hey if you dont want it, Ill take it if you still got it. hahaha

[@EristiCat]

@@roughseas3455 I can only find one of them. You can have it for cost of shipping. I would think less than $5.

[@roughseas3455]

@@EristiCat Ill take it then. It'll save me a trip to the junkyard

[@EristiCat]

@@roughseas3455 I'll get it out.