[Edmather]

Hi Willys,

I think I understand what you mean, I had never really considered the drums and spindles as a seperate item as I have alwase uses ford to ford bits.

If I understand you correctly the old ford spindle will stick through the center of the drum on the outside, the diference being that the fixing plate is on the other side? When you refer to the 5 on 5 do you mean the stud pattern for the wheels?

Is it possible to leave the buick center in place but machine it out to the correct bearing dia instead of swapping the whole spindle?

Ed

[willys36@aol.com]

Yes, the bolt pattern is 5 lugs on 5" spacing (common reference - '5 on 4 1/2', '5 on 4 3/4', etc.).

No need to fool with trying to make the Buick hub fit the Ford spindle. Just knocking out rivets on the two and slapping them together is a lot easier and works great. I notice in my previous post I was saying 'spindle' when I meant 'hub'. Take into account my advanced stage of Alzheimers when you read my stuff. The drooling seems to be in control and I can still find my way home 3 out of 10 times.

When you remove the brake drum from the rear of the old Ford hub, the hub then will accept the Buick drum just like most drum brakes are made nowadays - loose on the hub. The drum will be centered by the bolts but that seems to work OK. That is how my drums fit on my Oldsmobile rear end axles and I have no eccentricity problems. You will probably need new bolts but that is good practice anyway.

[Edmather]

Great!

THat all souds pretty easy!

I just need some drums now!

Thanks for the help!

Ed

[Dsprado]

I have a bunch of the early big fin drums, and also a bunch of Buick backing plates & adapters that allow use of the Buick brakes on Ford spindles. With this set-up, you have the modern self-articulating brakes instead of the old Ford fixed shoe type.
I've got to check how many I have, but I think it's 5 or 6 pairs of adapters & backing plates, and probably 20 drums in varying condition (no broken fins). Some are machined & drilled for Ford hubs and some are not.
I have them front & rear on my nostalgia Model A coupe project.
I was going to make up whole sets to sell, but it's one of those projects that hasn't got to the top of the priority list.
Any interest out there in the whole lot?

[Edmather]

Hi Mr Sprado,

What do you mean by the whole lot? Everything you have, or complete sets. It depends how much you are after really, but yes, I may be! Can you give me an idea of quantity and money?

THanks

Ed

[Kaylah]

I have a pair of Grand National finned aluminums, I haven't got around to mounting them yet, but thet're supposed to fit F-bodies and a bunch of other GM's. I'm hoping its an OK fit on my Firebird. I stole them for $40, and they are in nice shape.