Thread: 45 fin buick drum

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Call GM Sport Salvage in San Jose, they have them,, a TONE!! though it might be about $150.00 a drum, they caught on cause i kept buying all there sets.

Happened to notice this thread today and thought I would revive it.

I have some 90 fin and 45 fin drums that need new liners. I want to turn the out of spec. liners out on the lathe and replace them with new cast iron liners. I called all around the Seattle area pipe dealers for 12 inch cast iron and when I found one that carried it they will only sell in 10' sticks at around $250. Does anyone know of anybody that sells the liners or know of a source that will sell short pieces?

Jack.

I've never heard of these being relined. Interesting question, maybe there is a way.

Don

Don,

I read somewhere that there is a company on the east coast somewhere that does it. If I could get the CI I thought I would turn it for a press fit and then pin it or key it, I think keying would work best. So far the only the only short pieces I can find are ductile cast iron and of course that won't work. I now have the 90 fins on the front with good liners but the rest of my drums need liners.

Jack.

One thing to keep in mind is cost vs value. In today's market the good, useable 45 fin typically sell for $200-250 a pair. 90 fin on the other hand go for about $100 a pair. That may change over time, but the ratio has been pretty consistent over the last decade or so. Repair, if possible, will cost the same for either.

Hi Bob,

I have two 45s and three more 90s and I will do the work myself so all I need is the CI at a reasonable (to me) price. Haven't worked at finding the CI for over a year and just thought I would see if there were some other avenues to explore.

Jack.

Joe,

I at first thought I would reline with steel if I couldn't find the CI. When I mentioned that to my engine re-builder (for the 461) he told me not to do it because steel has a different friction coefficient and would not work like CI. I haven't explored that any further so don't know how true that is but until I do I will stick with CI. If I can't find any at a decent price maybe I should explore the steel angle further.

Jack.

Originally Posted by Itoldyouso

I've never heard of these being relined. Interesting question, maybe there is a way.

Don

About 10yrs ago I bought a bunch of stuff from a closing bone yard.
One of the many things I got was a bunch(about 30) of these type drums.
A few were good, but most were to far gone to turned true.
Had one guy buy the all, he told me all the drums would be relined.
From what I understood was they would machine everything out & then press in a new steel lining.
All I knew was I got paid good for what I considered junk drums, I was surprised when the guy offered me what he did
As they say Supply & Demand & at the time I guess there was no supply but there was a demand. So as hot rodders do, "You do whatsa gotta do"...joe