I want to run a Big Olds/Pontiac Rear What years were they made?

I want to use a Big Olds/Pontiac rear axle in my 29 roadster project. I just found a salvage yard with lots of cars in the 50's. I had a 1957 olds rear axle once but it was really wide. (may not have been a 57 I was told it was a 57) I ended up having to narrow it.

What years did GM use them?

What years are narrowest?

What years are best to use? I want to avoid narrowing the housing an still get the tires close to the fenderless body.

What is the first year they used that big housing?
Did they use it in the Chevy's also?

There are some 54-55 Olds and Pontiacs there.

Here's the look I'm after. I don't know who's car this is. (not mine)

 

Oh ya! I remember the brake drums are huge! Is there a better year to use or what drums are swapped on to reduce the diameter?

I couldn't get the drums into my 15X12 Centerline wheels.

 

57-64 Olds/Pont big cars. early units had 29 spline axles, later had 31 spline. 57 pontiac is almost a direct bolt in for 55-57 Chevy.
Only the heavy duty drums had the big bell on them. most were normal 11x2.
Never installed into a Chevy at the plant.
54-56 are smaller, not too much interchanges other than axle bearings and drive shaft flange/yoke.

 

Thanks, Armed with that info I should be able to get what I need.

One more question: Does Buick have the Big rear axle like the Olds/Pontiac?

There is a 2 dr 59/60 Invicta there.

A couple 56 Pontiacs, chevs, etc.. I'll be hunting.

What else is narrow and stout? There is a 57 Ford or two there. Some 54? maybe through 56 caddies.

 

Buicks are closed drive up into the early 60s, so not a good choice.

 

Buick went to open drive in '61, but are not the same as Olds/Pontiac.