I had a 1955 Chevy with drum brakes all around. They don't stop a well as disc brakes (duh!) but if you take into consideration a longer braking distance, they'll do OK. Same thing with rod brakes-if you keep them adjusted and with decent pads and pay attention to your braking distance, they will get the job done. Even in a panic stop, well adjusted rod brakes are pretty good, but not a good as proper caliper brakes-its just mechanical physics.