1937-1957 Buick Oldsmobile Pontiac suspension upgrade
(→Key shortcomings of the original suspension) |
|||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | As with all custom modifications, | + | As with all custom modifications, a suspension and disc brake upgrade on a 1937-57 Buick, Olds, or Pontiac is complicated by many variables and side issues. In addition, there is little information on the topic, and few aftermarket parts available. |
With minor variation between models and years, all Buicks, Oldsmobiles, and Pontiacs (BOP) share a common frame and front suspension. Chevrolet did not share this setup, but General Motors's "3 Ugly Stepsisters" did. | With minor variation between models and years, all Buicks, Oldsmobiles, and Pontiacs (BOP) share a common frame and front suspension. Chevrolet did not share this setup, but General Motors's "3 Ugly Stepsisters" did. | ||
| Line 10: | Line 10: | ||
==Key shortcomings of the original suspension== | ==Key shortcomings of the original suspension== | ||
| − | These cars actually drive reasonably well, and this basic technology was a mainstay for 50 years. However, it does have certain shortcomings: | + | These cars actually drive reasonably well, and this basic suspension technology was a mainstay for 50 years. However, it does have certain shortcomings: |
*These cars came with zero to ½ degree of negative caster. When they were originally engineered, this was a reasonable setup. Negative caster makes the car easier to turn, and gives greater control in muddy ruts and other bad road conditions that were prevalent in the 1940's and 50's. However, modern roads and increased speed limits favor positive caster, as it allows the car to stay centered and stable at today's highway speeds. High positive caster became more common as power steering became common. Conversely, manual steering is fine at higher speeds, but requires greater effort in low speed situations, especially parking lots. Manual steering works best at about 2 ½ to 3 degrees of caster, which is a compromise between high speed stability and slow speed turning effort. | *These cars came with zero to ½ degree of negative caster. When they were originally engineered, this was a reasonable setup. Negative caster makes the car easier to turn, and gives greater control in muddy ruts and other bad road conditions that were prevalent in the 1940's and 50's. However, modern roads and increased speed limits favor positive caster, as it allows the car to stay centered and stable at today's highway speeds. High positive caster became more common as power steering became common. Conversely, manual steering is fine at higher speeds, but requires greater effort in low speed situations, especially parking lots. Manual steering works best at about 2 ½ to 3 degrees of caster, which is a compromise between high speed stability and slow speed turning effort. | ||
Your Privacy Choices