The Jalopy Journal

OutLaw · 08-01-2005, 10:53 AM

I have a 54 Chevy drum brakes. I want to know if anyone knows part #'s for a ball to Roller conversion?

Thanks Tyler

rattlecanrods · 08-01-2005, 12:28 PM

Do you have the ball bearing part numbers? I can cross-reference them in the Timken database...

screwtheman · 08-01-2005, 12:56 PM

Probably not exactly what you're looking for, but ECI provides the upgrade as a part of their disc brake conversion kits. It required an adaptor on the spindle and swapping the races out of the rotor. The kit provides both.

OutLaw · 08-01-2005, 01:32 PM

I can't read some of the part # but this is what I got.
Inner Bearing 909702
Inner Race 989552
Outer Race 909501
Can't read the number on the outer bearing though.

long island vic · 08-01-2005, 02:48 PM

i heard 70s full size chevy

squirrel · 08-01-2005, 03:42 PM

the 55-57 ball bearing hubs can be replaced with the early-mid 60s full size car roller hubs.

I don't think you'll find a "normal" roller bearing to replace the B52 inner bearing on the old car hubs. At least I couldn't find any when I was looking for them for my trucks. But on the bright side the ball bearings work fine, I have several original New Departure bearings in my 50s trucks, so they've been going strong for 50 yrs. I know it's nice to upgrade, but lately I'm getting the hamb mentality of only upgrading stuff that really needs it. wheel bearings are not in that category.

Torkwrench · 08-01-2005, 09:50 PM

Chevy Duty ( www.chevyduty.com ) lists replacement roller bearings for 55 - 59 trucks, both the inner and outer. However, my catalog is a few years old, so they may not sell them anymore. More importantly, I'm not sure if 54 and older passenger cars used the same front wheel bearings as 55 - 59 1/2 ton pickups.

If they did use the same bearings, then these should work. I've bought a set of these bearings for my 55 1/2 ton. They work with the original front hubs and drums, so I didn't have to replace anything else but the bearings.

**Brandy** · 08-02-2005, 01:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by squirrel

I know it's nice to upgrade, but lately I'm getting the hamb mentality of only upgrading stuff that really needs it. wheel bearings are not in that category.

Still always a good idea to change them out just because............sure does suck when they go out on ya!! Daddy's get kinda upset when they have to drive clear from Fresno Ca to Las Vegas to pick you and your gosh darn Chevy

xxx
Brandy

If you take that COMPLETE bearing (inner and outters) to your local auto parts store (no NOT kragens) or a bearing place like Kanter, they can cross ref it for you and find the numbers if a few of them are missing.

**1oldtimer** · 08-02-2005, 01:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by squirrel

the 55-57 ball bearing hubs can be replaced with the early-mid 60s full size car roller hubs.

I don't think you'll find a "normal" roller bearing to replace the B52 inner bearing on the old car hubs. At least I couldn't find any when I was looking for them for my trucks. But on the bright side the ball bearings work fine, I have several original New Departure bearings in my 50s trucks, so they've been going strong for 50 yrs. I know it's nice to upgrade, but lately I'm getting the hamb mentality of only upgrading stuff that really needs it. wheel bearings are not in that category.

1961 chevy car was the first year for needle bearings, the hubs/bearings are the same from 1961-1968.

Ed ke6bnl · 08-02-2005, 06:45 AM

I believe Brothers truck has a kit for this change over. Ed ke6bnl
don't have the catalog here at work E d

**Tman** · 08-02-2005, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OutLaw

I have a 54 Chevy drum brakes. I want to know if anyone knows part #'s for a ball to Roller conversion?

Thanks Tyler

Yeah, the Rockstars wanna know about 49-54s!?!?!?!?!?!?

Anyone? Beuler?

BTTT

squirrel · 08-02-2005, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tman

Yeah, the Rockstars wanna know about 49-54s!?!?!?!?!?!?

Anyone? Beuler?

BTTT

those cars use the B52 and B01 bearing, just like the truck....

Steve · 08-02-2005, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by squirrel

the 55-57 ball bearing hubs can be replaced with the early-mid 60s full size car roller hubs.

I don't think you'll find a "normal" roller bearing to replace the B52 inner bearing on the old car hubs. At least I couldn't find any when I was looking for them for my trucks. But on the bright side the ball bearings work fine, I have several original New Departure bearings in my 50s trucks, so they've been going strong for 50 yrs. I know it's nice to upgrade, but lately I'm getting the hamb mentality of only upgrading stuff that really needs it. wheel bearings are not in that category.

not only is it nice, but those roller ball bearings can be damn expensive

Slide · 08-02-2005, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brandy

If you take that COMPLETE bearing (inner and outters) to your local auto parts store (no NOT kragens) or a bearing place like Kanter, they can cross ref it for you and find the numbers if a few of them are missing.

If there is a decent bearing supply place around, you can usually take it to them to get a cross-reference. Just be sure to give them a call to make sure they carry automotive style bearings before you drove to the next town and find out thy only have industrial bearings.

I took the wheel bearings from Slide Jr's pedal car to a bearing place here in Dallas, and matched them up with some sealed berings rated for up to 14,000 RPMs! If you hit them at a time when they're not swamped, they'll usually work with you. If you have the spindles and/or hubs off the car anyways, bring them with you as well.

flt-blk · 08-02-2005, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slide

I took the wheel bearings from Slide Jr's pedal car to a bearing place here in Dallas, and matched them up with some sealed berings rated for up to 14,000 RPMs! If you hit them at a time when they're not swamped, they'll usually work with you. If you have the spindles and/or hubs off the car anyways, bring them with you as well.

Damn 14,000 RPM on a pedal car, that's one fast toddler.

Slide · 08-03-2005, 08:12 AM

He's only had it up to just shy of 9 grand, but that was all they had in stock!

OutLaw · 08-03-2005, 11:24 PM

UPDATE.... I have gone to ever web site and all the places in town that deal with bearings and they all say that there is no roller bearing replacement to that size ball bearing. Guy at the last place said he has a 50 chevy and was pretty bummed when he researched it 6 months ago.

So everyone don't waste your time looking.

Kustm52 · 08-06-2005, 07:00 AM

Here's another one...I tried to adapt the '61 hubs to the original spindles, but no bearing was available for the inner due to the odd size of the spindle...I guess on could have the spindle machined down to a standard size...

Brian

**overspray** · 08-06-2005, 08:03 AM

49 to 54 Chevy car and 53 to 62 Corvette use the same front end. I looked all over for a conversion--but no luck. I carry an extra set of bearings just like I did in my 55 chevy when I was a kid. When I made a left turn and heard that "crack-pop" sound I would just pull over and put in a fresh one, usually the left outer.

overspray

The Shocker · 08-06-2005, 08:48 AM

I dont mean to steal your thread ,but since everyone is on the subject of bearings, is there any advantage to switching to the '61 -'64 rearend in my '60 Chevy car ?I have already done the front bearing / hub thing.I have heard that the axle bearings in the '60 and under GM's are expensive and the seal and bearing are one assembly.Is this true with '61 - '64 also?

08-01-2005, 10:53 AM	#1
OutLaw Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Austin, TEXAS Posts: 682	ball bearing to roller bearing conversion I have a 54 Chevy drum brakes. I want to know if anyone knows part #'s for a ball to Roller conversion? Thanks Tyler __________________ If you have time to lean....You have time to clean. http://panchodrinkthewine.blogspot.com/

08-01-2005, 12:28 PM	#2
rattlecanrods Grenade Inspector Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Clawson, MI Posts: 353	Re: ball bearing to roller bearing conversion Do you have the ball bearing part numbers? I can cross-reference them in the Timken database... __________________ To every good project, a little blood must be donated.

08-01-2005, 12:56 PM	#3
screwtheman Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Myrtle Beach, SC Posts: 846	Re: ball bearing to roller bearing conversion Probably not exactly what you're looking for, but ECI provides the upgrade as a part of their disc brake conversion kits. It required an adaptor on the spindle and swapping the races out of the rotor. The kit provides both. __________________

08-01-2005, 01:32 PM	#4
OutLaw Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Austin, TEXAS Posts: 682	Re: ball bearing to roller bearing conversion I can't read some of the part # but this is what I got. Inner Bearing 909702 Inner Race 989552 Outer Race 909501 Can't read the number on the outer bearing though. __________________ If you have time to lean....You have time to clean. http://panchodrinkthewine.blogspot.com/

08-01-2005, 02:48 PM	#5
long island vic Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: n.bellmore n.y. Posts: 1,717	Re: ball bearing to roller bearing conversion i heard 70s full size chevy __________________ If the only thing you have is a hammer, treat everything like it's a nail.

08-01-2005, 03:42 PM	#6
squirrel Old School HAMBer Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Sierra Vista AZ Posts: 15,003	Re: ball bearing to roller bearing conversion the 55-57 ball bearing hubs can be replaced with the early-mid 60s full size car roller hubs. I don't think you'll find a "normal" roller bearing to replace the B52 inner bearing on the old car hubs. At least I couldn't find any when I was looking for them for my trucks. But on the bright side the ball bearings work fine, I have several original New Departure bearings in my 50s trucks, so they've been going strong for 50 yrs. I know it's nice to upgrade, but lately I'm getting the hamb mentality of only upgrading stuff that really needs it. wheel bearings are not in that category.

08-01-2005, 09:50 PM	#7
Torkwrench Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Mt. Morris Ill. Posts: 741	Re: ball bearing to roller bearing conversion Chevy Duty ( www.chevyduty.com ) lists replacement roller bearings for 55 - 59 trucks, both the inner and outer. However, my catalog is a few years old, so they may not sell them anymore. More importantly, I'm not sure if 54 and older passenger cars used the same front wheel bearings as 55 - 59 1/2 ton pickups. If they did use the same bearings, then these should work. I've bought a set of these bearings for my 55 1/2 ton. They work with the original front hubs and drums, so I didn't have to replace anything else but the bearings.

08-02-2005, 06:45 AM	#10
Ed ke6bnl Grenade Inspector Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Agua Dulce, Ca., USA Posts: 171	Re: ball bearing to roller bearing conversion I believe Brothers truck has a kit for this change over. Ed ke6bnl don't have the catalog here at work E d __________________ 1950 F1 street rod 1949 F1 stock v8 flatty 1948 F3 parts truck 1953 Chevy 3100 AD project 2B on 85 S10 chevy frame 1972 El Camino chopped 4" 1968 Mustang coupe 1953 Mercury wagon project Ed ke6bnl@juno.com Agua Dulce, So. Calif. 70 Miles N.E. of Los Angeles

08-03-2005, 08:12 AM	#16
Slide Old School HAMBer Join Date: May 2004 Location: Crandall, TX Posts: 2,979	Re: ball bearing to roller bearing conversion He's only had it up to just shy of 9 grand, but that was all they had in stock! __________________ Just because you can doesn't mean you should. www.mikeshoaf.com

08-03-2005, 11:24 PM	#17
OutLaw Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Austin, TEXAS Posts: 682	Re: ball bearing to roller bearing conversion UPDATE.... I have gone to ever web site and all the places in town that deal with bearings and they all say that there is no roller bearing replacement to that size ball bearing. Guy at the last place said he has a 50 chevy and was pretty bummed when he researched it 6 months ago. So everyone don't waste your time looking. __________________ If you have time to lean....You have time to clean. http://panchodrinkthewine.blogspot.com/

08-06-2005, 07:00 AM	#18
Kustm52 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: West Blocton, AL Posts: 1,978	Re: ball bearing to roller bearing conversion Here's another one...I tried to adapt the '61 hubs to the original spindles, but no bearing was available for the inner due to the odd size of the spindle...I guess on could have the spindle machined down to a standard size... Brian __________________ Trailer space available Southeast to HAMB Drags and back, pm me...

08-06-2005, 08:03 AM	#19
overspray Alliance Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Bismarck, N.D. USA Posts: 1,004	Re: ball bearing to roller bearing conversion 49 to 54 Chevy car and 53 to 62 Corvette use the same front end. I looked all over for a conversion--but no luck. I carry an extra set of bearings just like I did in my 55 chevy when I was a kid. When I made a left turn and heard that "crack-pop" sound I would just pull over and put in a fresh one, usually the left outer. overspray __________________ A professional painter DOES NOT get "RUNS"--They are called "FLOW CHECKS."

08-06-2005, 08:48 AM	#20
The Shocker Old School HAMBer Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sherman Tx. Posts: 2,820	Re: ball bearing to roller bearing conversion I dont mean to steal your thread ,but since everyone is on the subject of bearings, is there any advantage to switching to the '61 -'64 rearend in my '60 Chevy car ?I have already done the front bearing / hub thing.I have heard that the axle bearings in the '60 and under GM's are expensive and the seal and bearing are one assembly.Is this true with '61 - '64 also? __________________ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykcsXMV3vfg None faster with less for less $ (10 to 1 SB all motor).

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