Post-War Other Rear brakes for Triumph Herald

[amanzi268]

I am looking for rear brakes for a Sunbeam Imp which used the brakes from a Triumph Herald. I see Herald and Spitfire used in catalogs but the early Spitfire shoes were smaller than the ones I am trying to match.
Any suggestions as to suppliers of brakes for the Herald?
The diameter of my drums are 8".
Thank you

 

[Andrew Mace]

What's the width (or depth, if you prefer) of your drums? All Spitfire and Herald rear drums (and shoes) are 7" x 1.25". The Vitesse 6 (Sports 6 in the US) and 2 litre models, as well as all GT6 EXCEPT the late 1973 models, used 8" x 1.25" rear brakes (coincidentally also using the same drum as found on the FRONT of Heralds). Therefore, I'll guess that Vitesse or GT6 rear brake shoes are what you're looking for.

 

[amanzi268]

Andrew,

Thanks for the response. The width/depth is 1.8" while the width of the shoes are 1.50".
Methinks I should source the parts from the UK or NZ. What sent me down this path was that the wheel cylinder parts that I ordered from the Spitfire catalogue were perfect. Naively I presumed that the shoes would be the same as the Spitfire. When I called the vendor to see if they could describe the difference between early Spitfire and the GT6, they indicated they were not "licenced mechanics" and therefore could not help.
While I can order from overseas, I was trying to build on the Imp knowledge base here in the States.

Thanks again.

Anthony

 

[Andrew Mace]

Anthony, do I dare ask WHICH vendor this was...the ones that "were not 'licensed mechanics'"? I've known an awful lots of vendors and parts counter people who may not have been mechanics but DID know their parts at least. Geesh!

If the shoes are 8" x 1.5", then they might be same as or similar to the very late (1973) GT6, which in turn shared brake parts with (I think) the Austin/Morris Marina.

Ultimately you might try to find some really good vendor who happens to have a comprehensive Girling catalogue that would show pictures or drawings of various brake shoes and have cross-reference information. Years ago I was able to easily identify and then obtain brake shoes for a Triumph Mayflower, thanks to a very helpful local parts store and their catalogue.

I see you're here in Albany, NY, correct? You might try some of the locals here such as Anca's or Foreign Autopart or Bap/Geon...or Coveland Motorsports in Schuylerville or Kim's in Amsterdam.