I am in the process of converting a '47 banjo to late model axles, but could not stop there. Did lots of searching, but could not find any info on converting rear hubs to covers. I cut most of the bearing area off with a 4" grinder, and local machine shop faced off the back side and counter bored for the axle hub.
The center carrier was machined to accept ford ranger 7.5 side gears, they are the same 28 spline as the 9". Posted is a pic from Hotrodworks, they do the full conversion and sell the parts too.
Big D you little rascal! I too have been getting ready to put banjo hubs I bought to cut in exactly the same way you've done. I thought of doing this a few years ago to hide my 8.8 as much as possible. I just am waiting to get stronger 31 spline 5 lug axles to match my spool. "I need my mirror boy"
I throw the hub in the hot wood stove and remove in the morning. That takes the hardness out so I can cut with the cutoff saw then machine hub on the lathe. I use long shoulder studs to assist the index. We also do the machine work to use 28 spline axles. Ron
Street rodder magazine did a how to article on the faux hubs a few years ago. I was planning to use it on my model A
I've been advised that I should point out that the brake shoes were reversed on this side. This was noticed and rectified before final assembly (of course not before picture was taken). Ron
When I finish mine I'll post some pics showing there provenance and general a lustrous past. "I need my mirror boy"