I've looked through 12 pages of threads on the use of Buick drums but can't find the answer to this: What hubs can I use that allow the placement of the hub on the inside of the drum rather than the outside? I have a 34 axle, 37 spindles, a set of 46-48 hubs, Lincoln backing plates and the early Buick 12" drums. I want the hub on the inside so the drum will tuck into the wheel offset more, rather than it sticking out of the wheel on the inside. Some of the threads seemed to indicate 40 hubs work on the inside of the drum. Can anyone confirm? All advice appreciated.
I used Wilson Welding hubs which are made just for this conversion. They were easy to use and work great. For brakes I used '48-'52 F2 backing plates and shoes with '56 F100 wheel cylinders since the original were single side. I had to drill one hole in the backing plate for the second attaching screw in the F100 wheel cylinders. It was very straight forward and my deuce roadster stops very well. Self adjusters from mid '70's full size Chevy wagon rears can be adapted to the F2 backing plates so that you don't have to re-adjust all the time.
the easiest and best way, imho, is to use `53-`56 f-100 hubs. brake drum is captured between hub flange and the wheel.
I had a pair of early ford hubs before i found the correct ones (48's) that I thought about turning an adaptor ring on the lathe to make them work from the inside. I dont know how safe this would be or even if it would work. if I remember right the buick drum is concaved and the hub wouldnt fit flat against the inside of it. Besides the more you see of the drum the cooler.
Last couple I did I used Walden Speed Shop hubs. They are aluminum with a screw on dust cap and come complete with brgs, seals, screw in studs and are multi pattern. They are a little more money than Wilson, but you don't have to chase down all the parts which out here in the middle of nowhere means I save money.
The 40 hub is what you want I just got done putting mine on. I had the later hub and didn't like it on the outside. I used the F2 backing plates but I don't think that makes any diffference.
Yes it will, won't cover the shoes if you use '40 hubs inside Buick drums with Lockheed or repop Lincoln backing plates.
You also have to either trim back or reduce the OD of hub flange as the flat on the inside of the Buick drum is smaller. A centering ring is needed as the register on the F-100 hub is smaller than the pilot hole on the drum.
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