I remember back in the day the first thing everyone did was paint them black. Most people thought the red brake drums looked pretty cheesy..... and I have to agree with them. However, a proper restoration would need the drums red, unfortunately.
Maybe in your "neck of the woods", but back in the day on the East Coast, red brake drums were the norm whether the car was done at the factory that way or not, as were a set of Crager SS's, under carriages an/or rear axles were often painted white as well!
