Why not use buick hubs with buick finned drums?

In preparation for sending out my ford hubs to be machined to accept my Buick aluminum drums, I can't help but wonder why the buick hub is never used. After running my vernier caliper around, I realize the spindles would need spacers turned to fit the larger buick wheel bearing I.D. and the longer ford spindle requires a spacer to space the hub away from the inside of the spindle but that seems to be the only hurdles to overcome.
Are they not used because the 5 on 5" wheel bolt pattern isn't as desireable? Hell, I'm using a 57 Pontiac rear axle with 5 on 5" pattern on the back, why not run the buick hubs with skinny 5 on 5" early olds/Pontiac 16" wheels. They have the kinky little hubcap clips allowing be to run some funky early chevy center caps, as this is all going under my 36 chevy pickup....
Anybody have any experience using the roller-bearing buick hubs? I have 2 pairs of buick hubs...one with tapered roller bearings and one pair with ball bearings. The hub dimensions are different from each other but the finned drums appear to be the same. I'd definetely go with the roller bearing hubs...
Input?

 

If you have the parts AND WANT the 5" BP AND need to do machine woirk anyway..................do it.

 

You want experience with them on another Buff or on somethin else? I can tell you that the later roller-bearing hubs will fit ball bearing hubbed cars back to 57, and possibly later.

Don't understand the prejudice against the 5x5 bolt pattern. GM used it on their trucks till the early 90's.

 

BTW, I'll have a pair of ball bearing hubs left over if anybody needs a pair of good ones with bearings. And no, I didn't mix up the bearings and races. I made that mistake once with a 57 Pontiac ball-bearing and paid the ultimate price....smoked wheel bearing.

 

I forget what year range it is.But you can use the Buick backing plates on a old Ford spindle.I have seen it done.
It has the four bolts in a square pattern .And you get Bendix style brakes as the bonus.

 

Yes, I have the buick backing plates and will be using them as well. In fact, I have 2 pairs and will use the buick brakes front and rear.

 

Sounds like you answered your own question as far as bolt circle - if you've already got 5x5" on the rear, why change the front to anything else?

I think you're right - you just need a spacer to put the hubs where they need to go.

Not being familiar with the Buick setup, how much difference is there between spindle OD & bearing ID? If it's not a lot, maybe you can get a bearing that fits both at the local bearing supply house? If not, it shouldn't be a big deal to machine a stepped spacer to meet your needs of both spacing the hub & increasing the diameter for the bearing to press on to.

Good luck & keep us informed.

 

Will do, Ernie. I'll get with my bearing-guy to find answers to these and more burning questions like seals. I think it'd be simple to space with a bushing that will allow me to use the buick inner bearing and seal and keep me from having to machine the inside of the buick drum lip, a step that must be taken when using ford hubs. I feel confident the bearing guy can hook me up with an outer bearing that meets my requirements as the diameter difference is small.
The inner spacer also helps the back surface of the buick backing plate to clear the ford spindle....no sweat. I'll take photos and post the entire ordeal when I get a few hours free time soon....