I need front drums for my 55 Olds, there is a 57 Olds at my local junkyard, anybody know if the 57 drums will fit a 55? Do any other GM drums fit the 55? Thanks!
The junk yard should have a book called "Hollender's Interchange Manual" (or something like that). If they don't have it try the library or internet. It will answer your question. Charlie Stephens
Hollanders says they don't fit, but I've found that Hollanders is at best awfully conservative. For example, Hollanders says that only 69-72 Cutlass disc brake spindles swap onto those cars (ie, according to Hollanders, Chevelle spindles would not work), yet I know from firsthand experience that all 1964-72 A-body spindles interchange. The fact that Hollanders doesn't show the 57 as an exact swap for the 55 doesn't mean that they don't work. Unfortunately, I don't have first-hand experience to answer the OP.
Motor's flat rate manual of that era is another way of checking. Look under parts in the Olds brake section and see if there are any (letters) near the part no. This will tell you if Buick and Cadillac drums may work. Of course if the part no's for 55 and 57 are the same your question is answered.
I believe 57 was first year Olds used ball joints, so the possibility of the brake backing plates, wheel cylinders, etc. fitting might be a long shot.
I know 56 drums fit a 55 as I sold a set to someone who put them on his 55,I think 57 was the first year for ball joints so everything might be different.
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