<VV> rubber brake adjust hole plugs

[Bill & Chris Strickland]

> I don't think they melt,

I "know" that they can and do, occasionally, not typically -- yes there 
were metal hole covers, originally for the backing plates, a sort of 
spring steel clip that was probably prone to rusting away,  for you east 
side folks.  Could be that they even pre-date the rubber ones.  They fit 
the self adjuster slots in the drum face rather nicely, after the 
knockout has been "removed".  Afaik, GM never intended for the knockouts 
to be removed, and did not offer a part specifically to fill this hole.  
For y'all's info, I did many, many drum brake jobs during the 70's for 
$19.95 / axle, riveting new linings onto the shoes, arcing them to fit 
the newly turned drums and always rebuilding the cylinders, occasionally 
replacing some cylinders at extra charge.

Oregon City, where I live and have worked, has about a 500 foot 
elevation change along the main road through town, not counting nearby 
hills and mountains -- it was hard on brakes (still is).

Not only do the rubber plugs melt, but under 'truly adverse" conditions 
(mechanical or operator malfunction, generally), the rubber piston seals 
in drum brakes can be melted (long after the brake fluid has boiled away).

These days, it is best to avoid turning drums and / or rotors on 
collector cars, unless you have new replacements already in hand.

Bill Strickland