Sounds accurate to me. I probably have some 1965 drums in a storage shed to confirm. But per this reference:
"On brake drums manufactured after January 1, 1971, the maximum diameter to which drum can be worn is stamped or cast into drum." --
http://firetrucksandequipment.tpub.com/TM-5-4210-230-14P-1/css/TM-5-4210-230-14P-1_412.htm
So, before that date, no maximum diameter spec was required to be cast on the drum.
Also: "Before 1984, it was common to re-arc brake shoes to match the arc within brake drums. This practice, however, was controversial as it removed friction material from the brakes and caused a reduction in the life of the shoes as well as created hazardous asbestos dust. Current design theory is to use shoes for the proper diameter drum, and to simply replace the brake drum when necessary, rather than perform the re-arcing procedure."
per https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drum_brake
Thanks,
Gary H.
-------Original Message-------
I just talked to a local buddy of mine that remembered what I did.
He said a law was passed requiring it be cast into the drum since then.
He said in the day most shops didn't care, and that they'd turn them
anyway, before the law was passed.
I know I worked on drums that did not have that data cast in, and
remember very well the parts house referring to a book on their parts
counter.
I also remember "arcing " the shoes in those days..
Jimmy