7" front brake shoes

[mrmorrisminor]

Hi all,
My '53 series II which is running on the early 7 drums/hubs from the MM era is in need of a new pair of shoes (has just started making that lovely rivet against drum sound). I have been very pleased with the braking performance so I assume that the shoes she is running are from a much different ere as the car has only covered 5000 miles in the last 25 years! I would like to put in a pair of mintex shoes as I have been pleased with these on my 8" set up but these seem to have gone out of production for the 7" fronts, I've had a bad experience with cheap pattern shoes so want to avoid these.
My question is can a set of rear 7" be adapted to fit the front? I've only experienced the 8" set up to date. Thought I would ask before I remove the drums/hubs and start to get involved!

Thanks in advance

[bmcecosse]

Yes - they can - just need to modify one shoe from a rear set by filing the indent for the adjuster to lock in to. Take care when you investigate the front brakes - these old shoes are probably asbestos..so wet everything down with a spray bottle as soon as you open it to prevent dust flying around!

[mrmorrisminor]

Excellent, thank you. I was hoping that it would be just a case of that. I shall be taking my water spray with me when I take the hubs off!

[bmcecosse]

Have you got some good Mintex rears you can use?? These will be very similar to Minor fronts - again probably just need the dent for the adjuster filing in the leading edge. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CLASSIC-MINI- ... 5400cee3f4 or these ! Even cheaper... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MINTEX-REAR-B ... 33753f455c

[mrmorrisminor]

Thank you. Yes I've got a set I bought a while ago. Although these look to be cheaper so I think I may order a set to keep in 'stock'

[mike.perry]

Rivets? They must be old!!!

[aupickup]

so mini rears the same as minor rears

[bmcecosse]

Not exactly - but same 7" diameter and width - will need some 'Minor' modification to fit....just the indent for the adjuster to sit....

[mrmorrisminor]

Well I have measured the indent for the adjusting cam and filed a slot to suit..... I shall take the hubs off one eve the week and have a go at fitting them..... Fingers crossed

[bmcecosse]

You may find that the lining material is in a slightly different location on the shoe - this seems to vary depending on make - but I can't see it making any great difference - just assemble both sides the same so there is no imbalance - and file a chamfer on the leading edges...which is good practice with any shoes.