I'm going to try to get this car together in the next year which is going to take a hell of a lot of work. To make things even more difficult, my total build budget is $4k. I'm wondering if anyone knows any front axle options for this car? I need it to be disc brake compatible (with chevy 5 lug pattern) strong and safe. It may need to be dropped too, that will be determined once I get the springs done. A tube type axle would be ok but I'd prefer to stay with the I beam. Amazingly, FatMan makes an IFS kit for this car, just not sure if I want to go IFS on this one. If I can get the disc brakes onto these spindles that would be great, then I could just have the axle dropped at MorDrop. Thanks!
Yo, Dave! Check with ECI, they run a big ad in every STREET RODDER mag. I think they make a bolt-on kit to adapt discs to your current axle. They list kits for 1928-54 Chevys...not sure if they'll work on a Buick, though. I called them about a kit for my car and the guy really knew his product. Their kits (for my application) use off-the-shelf Chevelle type disc brake components to keep them affordable and serviceable. Give 'em a call...860-872-7046 You can buy their complete kit, or just the brackets and hardware needed to adapt OEM parts to your axle. If the Buick axle differs from the Chevy, maybe a 38 Chevy axle would swap in easy enough? Just some ideas!
FH, that's a great idea! I've looked at their stuff before. It just seems like no one will make parts for this axle, but you never know unless you ask.
Ooops! It's a 33...I said 38! A Chevy axle may still work if for some reason the Buick ones are different? A stock 33 Chevy axle shouldn't cost ya much...if you can FIND one!
Yosemite, I'm not sure this info will help you, but here is what I did to my '33 '90 Series Victoria. I used the typical Mustang 11 front end as I could not use the clip off a GM car. The GM upper comtrol arms would need to have blisters formed in the fenders in order to clear. Not an option I could live with. The M11 just worked out excellent and I am glad I went that route. My X-member was custom made as no one was producing an appropriate one at the time. However, I would not hesitate to use Fatman's as they build quality stuff and stand behind their products with tech advice and service. Oh, I used the stock uppers and lowers and had trouble whatsover and I drove the car alot. It is now owned by a guy in the Detroit area who drives the bejeesus out of it. And, as far as I know he has had no problems with it. Hope this helps.
Hack, I'm hoping the '33 Buick might be the same, or at least have the same spindles, as a Chevy, but I'll look into a swap if that doesn't work out. The front end on this thing is just so wide. The track is at least 4" wider than that in my '50 chevy pu. The '50 has Must II which I've put many, many miles on in all conditions and up to 110 mph; it's a great setup. I had planned to just use that chassis as it was done but it won't fit; it's too narrow and a foot too short! That truck is being sold tomorrow. Wish I didn't have to be here to watch it drive away. As for Must II, the drawbacks for me and this Buick project are expense, the Fatman kit I'd like to use is about $2500 hub to hub, and I kind of like this one with the straight axle. Plus, the front suspension is on display so I can't hide anything. And the front frame rails on this have a nice style. I did have the problem on the '50 of actually liking the Must II but wishing I had left the straight axle in it. I don't want to do that again so if I go must II, I'll have to really want it. Thanks again fellas!
Hey Prime Mover, whatcha got? This one has a dual-leaf spring front suspension that has about 29" axle perch to axle perch on center. Sound close to what you have there?
Back in the early 60's a buddy of mine built a 34 Chevy Master that came with the funky independent front end. He replaces it with an early Ford dropped axle and split wish bones. I can't recall if he grafted in a Ford x-member or modified the Chevy to accept the Ford spring. The car is still on the road as built back then. Just a thought to concider for a reasonable suspension option.
I got a buddy and fellow clubmember that put together a killer 35 Buick 3 window. He used a 49-54 complete chevy front suspension with it's bolt-in crossmember. Gave him chevy 5 lug bolt pattern and the option of using an aftermarket disc brake kit. It sits about 4 inches lower than stock. He used a sbc in his. The room may get a little tight if you're gonna try to use a big buick 430-455. Rides and drives pretty good too.
this one looks like 32" center to center, the only thing I know about it is that it has chevy 5 pattern.
At least I've got some options. This is good news! I'll have to do some homework to see if I can get disc brakes and some other parts for this front end and go from there. Thanks for all of your help guys!
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