Should I turn my existing brake drums for $20 each or should I just buy new ones for $30? The car is a 1972 Ford Maverick and has original brake drums but are quite rusted and need to either be sanded/painted and turned, or replaced.
I think I would replace if they need all you have mentioned. Any amount of metal removed from the drum will decrease ability to dissipate heat. Also, how do you know the drums on the car have not been turned b4 you got it. Go w/ new for the xtra 10 bucks and save yourself the trouble --- IMO.
Have you had the old drums checked for minimum thickness? If they are too thin, they can't be turned. I think for 10 bucks more, I'd just get new ones. Paint them with high-heat engine enamel so they'll look good & not rusr. I like Duplicolor engine paint. You don't need brake caliper paint for the rear drums. The engine paint will work just fine.
