Wilson Welding/ Walden Speed Shop

Has anybody used Walden Speed Shops Buicks Finned Drum to Ford Spindle Hub Set-up with Bob Wilson Finned backing plate kit. Just wondering if they work together?

 

They should work together just fine. I had a set of the Walden made hubs at one time and they are very nice. From a functional stand point, the cast iron hubs that Bob Wilson sells are identical. Be advised that some machining is required to mate the hubs regardless of manufacturer. Unless you actually have the Walden hubs I would recommend contacting Bob for a package price. Several years ago he machined a set of Buick drums and 46-48 Ford hubs for me. He was reasonable and easy to deal with.

 

A word of warning re Bob Wilson's finned backing plates do not work with aftermarket 1937-41 round back spindles - only with ORIGINAL Ford spindles with cast steering arms. Aftermarket spindles with detachable steering arms do not work. This is based on personal experience a few years ago. The Lincoln/Bendix backing plates do not work with roundback spindles - only with the later 1942-48 Ford squareback spindles. You might check with Bob to see if anything has changed....

 

I have aftermarket round spindles and used the dropped round forged aftermarket steering arms. I had to make about a 1/2" spacer where they meet up to the backing plate, but it'll get you down the road.

 

Just a note on the WW finned plates. The stock 37-41 Ford spindles steering arm will hit the backing plate fins. You will have to grind the fins down to fit. No big deal but they don't just bolt on.

 

I have Wilson hubs and backing plates with Buick drums.
I did them fit to aftermarket round shape steering arms and thick aftermarket spindles with hard machined S&S made Harley head bolt spacers to clear king pin area of the spindle.

 

Good info.

 

I have original 40 spindles, Wilson Welding finned backing plates and 45 fin Buick drums. Fit like a glove and no machining. I did relieve the backing plates for the stock steering arms. IE used stock Ford steering arms, unbent. This cleared my 4-bar, a P&J part. I do like this and it works good.