Lionel,
There isn't anything wrong with the std snails if used correctly. The system was used on many British vehicles from the same period.
Series I, II & III used snails then it wasn't long before Land Rovers switched to discs, I don't think Land Rover ever used adjustable rods.
You could change to an adjustable rod but it would mean making modifications, if the drum was removed on a roady you might get a fail for altering the brakes.
If you have the engineering capability then maybe consider changing to adjustable rods but the shoes need to have notches cut into them and you'll need an aperture in the backplate to access the adjuster.
All 5 of my Series Land Rovers have good snails which is maybe an indication that previous owners (& mechanics) understood how to adjust them properly.
Firstly, if your snails don't make contact with the pins on the shoes then maybe the shoes are wrong. If they make contact OK then continue.
Brakes assembled, drums on and wheels fitted.
Back off the snails with wheel (or wheels off the ground)
Stand on the brake pedal hard to centralise the shoes.
Adjust the snails....
You should be able to 'feel' the notches on the snail when it makes contact with the pin on the shoes DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN !
Turning the adjuster will become hard when the shoe makes contact with the drum.
Stand on the brake pedal again and re-try the adjuster.
Then rotate the wheel, back off the adjuster until the wheel rotates without the shoes dragging in the drum.
I think one of the problems is that people just reef up the adjuster to try and centralise the shoes, this wears off the notches on the snail.
As you've found, the originals are riveted in place and the aftermarket ones use a weak bolt plus the snail is as soft as some very soft stuff. Welding would be a good option but the snail is still soft.
Another solution for you is to find some brakeplates off another axle, otherwise file or use a Dremel to re-cut the notches on your snails.
Best of luck & Merry Christmas. I'm off to take down the Christmas tree..........
Colin
'56 Series 1 with homemade welder
'65 Series IIa Dormobile
'70 SIIa GS
'76 SIII 88" (Isuzu C240)
'81 SIII FFR
'95 Defender Tanami
'58 Series II (sold)
Motorcycles :-
Vincent Rapide, Panther M100, Norton BIG4, Electra & Navigator, Matchless G80C
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