1937-1957 Buick Oldsmobile Pontiac suspension upgrade
(→Brakes) |
(→Brakes) |
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The brakes on these cars definitely need improvement. | The brakes on these cars definitely need improvement. | ||
| − | + | The brakes should be handled first, because the decision you make on the brakes determines the spindles you'll need, and you must have your spindles before you can design your suspension. The information listed here is general in nature and varies from model to model and year to year. Earliest models had 1 ¾ by 11 inch brakes with 1-inch wheel cylinders. | |
| − | Earliest models had 1 ¾ by 11 inch brakes with 1 inch wheel cylinders. | + | |
| − | + | Postwar, they were 2 ¼ by 12, with 1 1/8 wheel cylinders. The most basic upgrade would be to the later, larger, components. Control arms and spindles are unchanged for 20 years, so this is a basic bolt on. Even the shop manuals refer to this upgrade. | |
| − | The single system master cylinder is located under the floor and bolted to the frame. | + | |
| − | A new split system master cylinder and power booster will be an amazing transformation of your stopping ability. Several aftermarket | + | The single system master cylinder is located under the floor and bolted to the frame. A new split system master cylinder and power booster will be an amazing transformation of your stopping ability. Several aftermarket master cylinders and 7-inch boosters (with universal pedal mounts) are available. With a V8 engine swap, a 7 inch booster seems to be the most you can squeeze under the hood. |
| − | If you elect to do a power only upgrade and keep 4 wheel drums, be aware most | + | |
| + | The Geo Metro hanging pedal and 7 inch booster is one option, but the MC is small. Didnt chase down a match, but the center hole and bolt pattern appear to be typical GM. Be sure to get one designed for a booster application, and pay attention to the pushrod length. (Pulling the old pedals out was twice the work of putting the new one in). | ||
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| + | I located the unit just outboard of the steering column to clear the engine. Under the dash I had to bend the hanging pedal slightly to the center to get a good pedal position. I also welded on a new larger pedal pad that seems more appropriate to a large car and automatic transmission. | ||
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| + | ===Drum brake upgrade=== | ||
| + | If you elect to do a power-only upgrade, and keep 4 wheel drums, be aware most master cylinders are designed for a disc/drum setup, and you will have to add 10-pound residual valves to the front lines. | ||
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*The front drums and hubs come together, at about $130 each. | *The front drums and hubs come together, at about $130 each. | ||
*Wheel cylinders are $32 each. | *Wheel cylinders are $32 each. | ||
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So, a complete brake job will run around $600 just for the 2 front wheels, without the master cylinder or booster. | So, a complete brake job will run around $600 just for the 2 front wheels, without the master cylinder or booster. | ||
| − | + | ===Disc brake upgrade=== | |
| − | + | Personally, I I like the Scarebird setup. Basically they supply the brackets for the calipers and the correct spacers for the spindles/rotors, and a tech list of parts to finish the job. | |
For clarification purposes only, here is an example. On a 58 Pontiac they supply the brackets and spacers - From any source, new or used, you need a pair of 77 Bonneville 12 inch hubs/rotors, a pair of 88-91 GM truck calipers, and 2 choices of flex hoses depending on whether you want them 12 or 15 inches long. | For clarification purposes only, here is an example. On a 58 Pontiac they supply the brackets and spacers - From any source, new or used, you need a pair of 77 Bonneville 12 inch hubs/rotors, a pair of 88-91 GM truck calipers, and 2 choices of flex hoses depending on whether you want them 12 or 15 inches long. | ||
Note: From CPP (Classic Performance Parts) you can get a tapered bearing conversion kit. | Note: From CPP (Classic Performance Parts) you can get a tapered bearing conversion kit. | ||
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| + | If you are using all new parts, you can have disc brakes cheaper than rebuilding the original drum setup. | ||
Footnotes; | Footnotes; | ||
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