Had a friend ask me about 55-57 Pont /olds rear to put under a 55. I have that CRS, but those rear any better than what's there now? My memory say it needs to be 59-60 O/P to be stronger? Give me the straight i really cant remember !
I have a 56 chevy, I could remember something about that. I now can recall bustin my ass to get a 56 pont, out only to be told it wasn't any better then what i had. Funny how stuff jogs those long forgotten memories. Where is good resource for brake parts? And many thanks for info.
I'm not sure. Just had a buddy who is doing 55 chevy for a kid .He gonna put OLDS/Pont. Rear in it . When he finds one Ill bring this back up for info on brakes.
Pretty sure they used the 9.3 from 57-64 in the Olds, not sure if it was the same year in the Pontiac. The earlier Olds rear was from 53-56 I believe, and the 52 and earlier Olds rear went into the late 1930s. The 53-56 axle is similar to the 9.3 and Ford 9" in that the carrier drops out of the front, and is still really strong. I can tell you as someone who has owned a Tri-5, a 56 Olds, and a 61 Olds, that the Olds rears are much larger and sturdier than the Chevy housing, and 9.3 is burlier than the earlier version. It's a monster rear, and you can see why racers used them back in the day.
Of all 3 rears they do share some brake parts between them but not all. Brake drums being one, all three are different. 55 Chevy 56 Olds share wheel cyl. 57 no. So yes, be sure he know's what he's working with.
Ames Performance should have most brake parts. https://secure.amesperf.com/index.html However, at least for 1957 and newer you should be able to find things like brake cylinders and shoes at most local parts stores - they won't likely have them in stock but should be able to get them in a few days. Rock Auto is another source if you want to shop online.
I don’t want to throw in a monkey wrench in all this, I want to remind everyone reading this thread that the brakes are Bendix which manufactured for everyone. When we needed e-brake parts for my sons Pontiac rear the 11” parts from a 50’s Ford fit perfectly. Same with wheel cylinders; they are very very close with only the line and bleeder direction important. Look at the backing plate to see what I mean. Our Pontiac also has 9” Ford wheel bearings with a modified press-on ring. The drums need a little research because of offsets to the axle flange to the backing plate; but 11” is 11”.. It’s not thinking outside the box……just practicality.
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