Power Stop 65-69 Chevrolet Corvair Front or Rear Autospecialty Brake Shoes

OE-Matched Drum Brake Shoes for the 1965-1969 Chevrolet Corvair

The PowerStop B245 is an Autospecialty drum brake shoe set engineered for the 1965-1969 Chevrolet Corvair front drum brake system. The B245 uses a bonded shoe construction matched to OE dimensions, providing direct bolt-on fitment to the Corvair front drum backing plate. PowerStop engineers the Autospecialty line to factory friction specifications, delivering reliable stopping performance that restores the original braking character of this classic rear-engine American compact.

What the B245 Delivers for the Classic Corvair

The first-generation and second-generation Chevrolet Corvair uses a four-wheel drum brake system with bonded brake shoes. The B245 is manufactured to OE dimensional specifications, ensuring proper arc contact with the factory drum diameter and correct shoe-to-backing-plate fitment. Bonded construction eliminates the rivet heads present in riveted shoes, reducing the risk of scoring the drum surface as shoes approach wear limits. The Autospecialty friction compound is formulated for consistent bite and fade resistance at the moderate operating temperatures typical of daily driving in a lightweight classic vehicle like the Corvair.

Key Features

• OE-dimension bonded drum brake shoes engineered for the 1965-1969 Chevrolet Corvair front drum system
• Also fits select 1961-1963 Buick Skylark and Special, and 1962-1963 Oldsmobile Cutlass and F85
• Bonded shoe construction eliminates rivet heads that can score drum surfaces near wear limits
• Autospecialty friction compound delivers consistent bite and fade resistance for street driving
• OE-matched shoe arc and dimensions for proper contact with factory drum diameter
• Direct bolt-on fitment to factory Corvair front drum backing plate hardware
• Part number B245 covers front parking brake and service brake shoe applications on compatible GM platforms

Fitment

Specifications

What's Included

• 1x set PowerStop Autospecialty bonded drum brake shoes (front axle)

About PowerStop

PowerStop builds brake components for thousands of vehicle applications, from modern SUVs to classic American platforms. The Autospecialty line delivers OE-matched friction performance at an accessible price point, making brake restoration straightforward for enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

The B245 fits the 1965-1969 Chevrolet Corvair front drum system, as well as the 1961-1963 Buick Skylark and Special, and the 1962-1963 Oldsmobile Cutlass and F85. Confirm your application before ordering.

The B245 uses bonded shoe construction. Bonded shoes have the friction material chemically adhered to the shoe table rather than mechanically fastened with rivets. This eliminates the rivet heads that can contact and score the drum surface as the friction material wears near its service limit.

Not necessarily, but drums should be inspected and measured against the maximum wear diameter stamped on the drum. Drums that are worn past spec, heavily scored, or out-of-round should be replaced at the same time to ensure proper contact with the new shoes and consistent braking performance.

Yes. Drive at low to moderate speeds and apply moderate brake pressure several times to allow the new shoes to conform to the drum surface. Avoid hard stops for the first 100 miles to ensure proper seating and even friction transfer.

Yes. The B245 is manufactured to OE dimensional specifications for the 1965-1969 Corvair front drum backing plate. It is a direct bolt-on replacement that requires no modification to the wheel cylinder, adjuster, or hardware.

The B245 is a brake shoe set. Springs and hardware are sold separately. Inspect all existing springs and retainers during disassembly and replace any that are stretched, corroded, or fatigued.

Yes. Drum brake shoe replacement requires basic hand tools, brake spring pliers, and brake cleaner. Photograph both sides of the brake assembly before disassembly to ensure correct spring and hardware placement during reassembly.

Yes. PowerStop Autospecialty brake shoes are backed by a limited warranty on materials and workmanship. Contact PowerStop or your point of purchase for warranty claim procedures.

Installation Instructions

1. Safely raise the vehicle on jack stands and remove the front wheels.
2. Remove the brake drum. If stuck, use the drum puller holes or gently tap with a rubber mallet.
3. Photograph the complete brake shoe, spring, and hardware assembly before disassembly for reference.
4. Using brake spring pliers, remove the return springs, hold-down springs, and retaining clips.
5. Remove the old brake shoes from the backing plate.
6. Clean the backing plate with brake cleaner and inspect the wheel cylinder for signs of leakage.
7. Apply a small amount of brake lubricant to the shoe contact pads on the backing plate. Do not get lubricant on the drum surface or shoe friction material.
8. Install the new B245 brake shoes onto the backing plate, referencing your photos for correct spring and hardware placement.
9. Reinstall all return springs, hold-down springs, and retaining clips using brake spring pliers.
10. Adjust the brake shoe-to-drum clearance using the adjuster star wheel.
11. Reinstall the drum and wheel. Torque wheel fasteners to factory specification.
12. Pump the brake pedal until firm before moving the vehicle.
13. Complete a low-speed break-in procedure before normal driving.

WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead and phthalates, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.