I visited an LBS (on the other side of town) yesterday and the younger of the two mechanics was showing me his latest project, a 1980's frame from out of the lightweight unit in Nottingham, with nominally 50mm brake drop. Currently in use as a commuting machine/project, obviously the rear brake (a modern Campag one with 49mm drop) didn't quite reach. In fact he only had one brake.
" I hope you don't maintain your customer's bikes like that..." I said.
He muttered that he planned to hook up the rear brake soon.
"Its not that which really worries me" I said, directing his attention to the front brake. He looked puzzled. More pointing, more puzzlement. Eventually I had to explain to him that he'd fitted the brake shoes the wrong way round, i.e. with the open end facing forwards. The other mechanic hadn't noticed either.
He'd been riding for about a week with the brake (his only brake) like that. I was amazed the blocks hadn't just spat out; "they were a tight fit going in" I was told.... FWIW they were the recent campag holders without any secondary retention mechanism. No idea what inserts they were.
Reminds me why I don't let other people work on my brakes.....
cheers