Pre '64, after '64 they were 90 fin. I believe that the first 45 fin Buick drums were in '59. OK I was wrong the first 45 fin drums were on the '57 Roadmaster. Then in '58 all Buicks got them. Funny I don't remember my '58 Roadmaster having finned drums. Musta been the drugs.
OK, Thanks for the info. Is there anyone who makes the parts to put this on a model A? Who would you recommend?? What parts do I need??
Need a little more information than what you've given us. If you are planning on putting this on stock Model A spindles, you would need at a minimum: 1940-1948 Ford "Inside Mounting" Hubs 1939-1948 Ford Backing Plates (or any of the myriad of aftermarket types) A Model-A Spindle to 1939-48 Ford Brakes Spacer Kit And a machinist that can adapt the hubs to your Drums
I am using an after market frame from the Boling brothers, with a new front suspension Pete and Jake's I beam. I don't have the spindles. I am starting from scratch.
Yep this is the way to go if you are scratch building ^^^ and you can get those really sexy finned backing plates to boot.
The drum you have is way oversize. Shoes will not fit at all without arcing. Your first priority is to find usable drums. See if the aluminum is about the same thickness as the liner. It should be pretty thick. Like a quarter of an inch plus. Don't buy any drums that are out of spec and don't buy any that have a white line betwween the liner and the aluminum. It is corrosion and can warp a drum 1/4" out of round and ruin it. I did maybe twenty sets of drums back when. I have thrown some away with corrosion from damp locations.
Lots things to look out for on Buick drums. I run 90 fins, usually. Lots of reasons and all of them lame. Anyway the set I have to run are NOS. I got lucky. I also currently have a pair that someone removed the hubs from and didn't do it right. The centers are all cracked. Something else to lookout for on Buick drums. Hey Andy while I am thinking about it I went to language school with a fella from Kerrville. I don't remember his name and I don't imagine that Kerrville is that small a place. he and his wife owned a jewelry store. Small world
Mr Beaner, You are one I always read and listen too. I would love to meet you sometime. The best jewelry store in Kerrville is Bangles Jewelry on Water street. Been in there many times as they fix clocks also.
Next time I am down your way I'll look you up. I remember traveling Reynosa with the fella several times to buy belts to sell in the store. I wish I could remember his name. His wife stayed back to mind the store while he went to school. Way off topic I guess.
If you are committed to using those drums and the attendant work involved, and can not find usable drums, give these guys a call. It won't be cheap. http://www.jgrelining.com/
Was offered a set of drums with the hub for 600 bucks, worth it? I also took a look at Wilson Welding, didn't see if they offered drums.
Is the set using the hubs that mount on the outside? What is the actual inside dia? Take them to a front end shop. Any corrosion? Close does not work on brakes anymore than with engine internals. It has to be right.. I would not use any of the hubs that mount on the inside for many reasons. I would not buy oversize drums or any showing any signs of corrosion. The liner must not be cut back when clearancing for the backing plates. Cuting the liner makes the shoes hang off the edge.