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Hot Rods 1949 olds

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Carl Norman, Dec 26, 2015.

  1. Carl Norman
    Joined: Jun 18, 2015
    Posts: 7

    Carl Norman

    Has anybody tried to put a front end clip from a 1959 olds to a 1949 olds?
     
  2. junkyardjeff
    Joined: Jul 23, 2005
    Posts: 8,595

    junkyardjeff
    Member

    Are wanting to get rid of the shocks that are the upper control arms,the 53 I had years ago had the same suspension and I was looking into using 55 or 56 upper control arms and shock brackets so I could use tube shocks.
     
  3. oldolds
    Joined: Oct 18, 2010
    Posts: 3,408

    oldolds
    Member

    If you look at the cost and availability of parts to rebuild a 59 Olds suspension you might change your mind.
     
  4. Jalopy Joker
    Joined: Sep 3, 2006
    Posts: 31,262

    Jalopy Joker
    Member

    measure twice, cut once
     

  5. stuart in mn
    Joined: Nov 22, 2007
    Posts: 2,414

    stuart in mn
    Member

    I'm guessing the track width on a '59 is quite a bit wider than a '49, and even if it is close enough you're still dealing with old school suspension and brakes. You may as well rebuild what you have.
     
    Torkwrench likes this.
  6. RJC
    Joined: Dec 29, 2008
    Posts: 24

    RJC
    Member
    from hope bc

    Bad choice, to wide & obsolete, 68-74 Nova or clones are the perfect choice & simple to do.
     
  7. southerncad
    Joined: Feb 5, 2008
    Posts: 958

    southerncad
    Member

    I used a '77 Cadillac Seville front clip and rear end on my '49 Cad and they are a perfect fit and you get 4 wheel disc brakes too....the track should be the same on your Olds.
     
  8. OLDSMAN
    Joined: Jul 20, 2006
    Posts: 2,422

    OLDSMAN
    BANNED

    If you are going to sub with a 59 frame, I am sure it will be too wide. My 48 would have the same frame width as a 49. I used a 76 Cutlass, and it was the same width as my frame. This made a nice riding and driving car out of my convertible
     
  9. Carl Norman
    Joined: Jun 18, 2015
    Posts: 7

    Carl Norman

    It is cheaper to rebuild the 59 front end there are kits available on e bay
     
  10. dan griffin
    Joined: Dec 25, 2009
    Posts: 505

    dan griffin
    Member

    What's wrong with the old front end other then if needs to be rebuilt.
     
  11. please rebuild the 49 front end and you will see it'll ride fine.
     
  12. junkyardjeff
    Joined: Jul 23, 2005
    Posts: 8,595

    junkyardjeff
    Member

    I ended up rebuilding the front suspension in my 53 after I was able to find a pair of NOS front shocks.
     
  13. mgtstumpy
    Joined: Jul 20, 2006
    Posts: 9,214

    mgtstumpy
    Member

    I had a friend rebuild his entire 47 Olds front end, only things he did extra were adding discs brakes, telescopic shocks and R&P. Still old geometry and handling but drives and rides way better now. More cost effective and time saving in the end doing it this way, plus sub frame clips are not allowed here.
     
  14. dan griffin
    Joined: Dec 25, 2009
    Posts: 505

    dan griffin
    Member

    Use 54-56 upper arms. 51-53 steering boxes are reciprocating ball and should bolt right in. Use Mobil-1 syn. 90 wt. in the steering box. lube the front end with Mobil-1 grease. You will think you have P/S.
     
  15. Carl Norman
    Joined: Jun 18, 2015
    Posts: 7

    Carl Norman

    Thanks for all the input
     

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