Thunderbird Missing Springs

Q.

I own a 1962 Thunderbird, and when doing a brake service on the car I noticed the manual shows two hold-down springs on each brake shoe. When I pulled the brake drums, there was only one on each. Should I have two on each shoe?

A.

Yes, each brake shoe should have two hold-down springs on a 1962 Ford Thunderbird. The lower one is generally in a slotted hole. Years ago, some brake pad manufacturers would omit the slotted hole and the mechanic assembling the brakes would toss the lower spring/pin, as there was no hole for it. Most brake shoe manufacturers today are made to accept both springs and new brake spring kits are available for your great ride.

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6 Responses to “Thunderbird Missing Springs”

  1. Elton Murray

    I have a 1963 Thunderbird convertible. When I try to put the top down it comes up, but when it comes time for tray to fold in everything stops. I can put the top up and the trunk lid closes.

  2. Herb

    I own a 57chev pickup and keep getting duds when I buy a gas tank sending unit,how can I get one that’s made in North America?

  3. Richard Brown

    The shop manual only shows 2 springs for my 64 bird so they obviously changed the set up after 62. Haven’t done the brakes on mine as yet.

  4. Dennis sanders

    62 T-bird is my dream car, and yes dual springs required to stop brake chatter & squealing.

  5. Bill Albert

    I have a 63 Ford F1 hundred looking to change the transmission from a manual 3speed to a manual five speed looking for suggestions on where to buy transmission and related parts it currently has a 223 in-line six which only has 23 original thousand miles on it

  6. noel sylvester

    I have a 1964 Buick Electra convertible. Brakes are an issue. Can I convert front brakes to disc, or where can I get good drums and pads?