65 GMC Front Hub Riveted to Brake Drum

[millspec]

Just like I wrote, I have a 1965 half-ton 2wd with single master cylinder pump and pray manual brakes. I was rather surprised to figure out why I couldn’t remove the brake drums on the front brakes.
At first I thought they were just stuck, so I tried backing off the adjusters. No luck. So, I decided to try removing the hub with the drum by removing the dust cap, cotter pin and nut. It came off and to my surprise, the hub is riveted to the brake drum in 3 places!
Of course, the drum is worn, so I need to replace it.
I have looked in the factory service manual, but haven’t been able to answer the questions why and can I drill out the rivets and use a regular brake drum?
The NAPA 440-1071 brake drums seem to have the extra holes for the rivets, but must they be used?


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[lizziemeister'sV6]

You don't need to rivet the front drums to your hubs. Your back drums are loose. What you do need to do is to get the proper drums for your GMC - Chevy drums are not the same as GMC. Lots of parts stores will tell you they are the same - they are not. GMC's have an offset near the lug bolt holes. Take your old drums to compare when you get new. Hopefully other GMC owners will agree with what I said. Any comments?