1952-59 Ford front end rebuild

Can I get some leads. I just went to my local napa to get prices on all the parts for a rebuild on my front end of my 54 Customline. I'm getting ready to install some new drop spindles and disc brakes so I thought while I had it tore down I would do a rebuild on the front end. After adding up all the parts it came up to around $2000. I was in shock. If I could get some web sites to compare some prices I would appreciate it.

 

Macs auto parts is good, that's where I bought the parts to rebuild the front end on my '56 Vickie. http://macsautoparts.com/Default.asp?camid=
You can also watch on eBay, I sometimes see complete kits for '56 Fords there, don't know about '54 Fords.
Good luck, Ken

 

ebay , some guy sells 4 ball joints cheap .if you car uses ball joints. control arm bushings i bought from oreillys . had them in stock .

 

thanks for the info. I just checked ebay and I can get all the ball joints for the same price as one from napa. I knew I could count on you guys.

 

I just got done looking through ebay and if anybody needs new front end parts for a 54 Ford I found this http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370450379870 Thanks again for the help.

 

This is where I got mine. http://www.kanter.com

 

I'll second Kanter as a parts source. Good quality, good service.

 

man thats a deal . all the front end stuff for that price .

 

Yea all those parts for that cheap of a price . Now do you really think the quality will be there ? Also , where do you think the parts came from ?
Too cheap means china junk !
Some things you can save money on but front end and brakes is one of those places I really don't want to skimp on ! BUY QUALITY !

Jim

 

the same parts from napa added up to $2000? holy ****!

 

If you check His ebay feedback there is over 2,200+ satisfied customers,so I doubt quality is an issue.As for Kanter,they are grossly overpriced compared to other vendors like USA Parts Supply and Obsolete Ford where I bought my parts.Keep in mind a lot of ebay vendors are really small businesses with a low overhead because they don't have to pay overhead costs and advertising like the Mega stores,and in these economic times,is it wrong to support small business owners? Some of these folks are even part of the HAMB Alliance.

 

I would check out your ball joints before buying new ones. The joints used in the 54-56 Fords were almost indestructible (they used them on checker cabs too)

Both my 54 and 56 Bird had to have lots of front end parts replaced but not the ball joints. The front end guy said they were ok.

 

Here is a great article if you are rebuilding a 54-56 Ford, put it in your "Favorites" to refer to: www.webrodder.com/article.php?AID=310&SID=8&CID=11

 

Jfalcon that is where I am buying mine from.

 

Paul2748 unfortunately the lowers are worn out. So I'll change them all out. JeffB2 thanks for the link it's always nice to review what you're doing. If you guys are interested I'm getting the brakes and drop spindles from http://www.dropnstop.com/page2.html

 

Yea , $2000 ! They are out of there damn minds ! You can get a complete disc brake kit from almost any of the front end conversions that are offered from many suppliers on the internet . Have you considered getting a complete kit for disc brakes ? i think that would really be the best upgrade to spend the money on .
As for Kanter , I have never bought from them but have heard good things about them . I have a few of their catalogs but the prices are way to high ! Even if they are all USA , American made , the prices are still too high .
Check out th other supplier for a complete kit price . Those are where the better deals are .
As for the guy on ebay , he might have many happy customers but people today want quality and dirt cheap prices ! You CAN'T get both ! Most of the parts are made overseas but that's your car , not mine . So you have to be the judge on that .
Let us all know how you make out !

Jim

 

The ball joints etc. are not that expensive compared to others, the pricy part is the drag link, IIRC it was several hundred dollars alone.

 

I have bought a lot of my parts from Concours though they are local so I dont have to worry about shipping. Have had a lot of good luck with them.

 

jfalcon , I have also been looking at that kit for a few years now . I have talked with a couple people at some car shows that have the same kit and they were very happy with theirs . Have also read some articles in some mags about them too . Seems to be well made kits from a quality company !
Keep us all informed on the kit when you get it !

Jim