Thread: Buick brake drums

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Mike, most common method is to use '40-48 Ford backing plates, shoes, cylinders, etc., and then modify Ford hubs to fit the Buick drums (with a very slight bit of machining and redrilling the bolt pattern to 5 on 5 and 1/2) To do this swap, you want the hubs that mount on the OUTSIDE of the Ford drums, not the ones that go on the inside.

Now, a better alternative has come about. Wilson Welding is selling hubs that are made for this swap, and the cost is very comparable to using stock stuff, when you can even find it. What you do is strip the old Buick drums of their hubs and bolts, and then have the Ford bolt pattern drilled through the Buick drums. There is a steel spacer ring that goes inside, to which you tack weld some grade 8 fine thread 1/2 inch bolts to act as new wheel studs.

Wilson sells a cheap jig to do the drilling, but I found out about it too late. It cost me $ 175 at a local ripoff machine shop to have my Son's drilled.

Here is a picture of mine on '40 backing plates, and also my Son's on some nifty finned brake assemblies Wilson Welding sells. His have the advantage of being more modern, self energizing than mine.

Don