Well, back with some progress!
Rear springs were given for sandblasting yesterday, at the place that DKG had guided me to. The guy there said we could get down anything to be sandblasted (but NEVER body-panels btw!)
He insisted that we have to first dismantle the springs separately though, which would be done later, as we have to anyways go there again to give the diff/axle for sandblasting too, most likely tomorrow.
And here's a novel way to carry a huge pair of leaf springs when you don't have convenient enough transport!
'didn't have too much of a problem with it. The rear axle/diff. would have to be carried by car though.
Continuing on which, no luck in opening the right rear drum again! 'had fabricated another puller, which was the 4th one this time, to open it......only to break it again!!
So, my mech. had another ruse now, to drill out the 4 bolts retaining the backplate to the axle flange (arrowed) on either side, and separate the 2. Then work on removing the drum.
And much to my surprise (and relief), when I went to check today, I saw that this has worked- the backplate on one side has been successfully separated and even the drum opened up! The axle shaft too has come out separate!
hew:
Now if the same thing happens in case of the other drum, then nothing like it! Only the diff. would have to be opened up next and the whole external assembly (except maybe the backplates and rear axle housing) given for sandblasting.
Coming to the rear drum, it doesn't look as bad as the front ones did, all the brake parts seem intact. But wouldn't necessarily work right away, needs a complete overhauling too. Like especially replacing the wheel cylinder kit. Incidentally, it amazes me how such a huge car could have such narrow/thin brake-liners/shoes!!
