1950 ft wheel brgs.

Robberbach · October 15th, 2009

This may have been covered in the past, I tried searching, but couldn't find anything. We are hoping to drive the 50 out to Ames IA for the 2010 meet. 450 miles give or take. We want to run out old US30, as that it is only 5 miles from the house. Scenic tour, off the beaten path, not too many towns, once you get past all of Chicago area, not a good place to break down. Anyway I want to convert the front wheel brgs from ball brg to roller brg. Anyone do this, any insight?

The Old Guy · October 15th, 2009

Why do it??? I have driven my 40 with the old bearings over 100,000 miles and as long as you pack them every 25-30,0000miles the will run forever.

First Born · October 15th, 2009

I agree with the old guy. the original ball bearings will be just fine.
Look forward to parking next to you, or close by, at Ames with my 41d.

Ben

Robberbach · October 16th, 2009

Well if the Old Guy says it'll be ok, I'll scratch it off the list. I always carry a spare set, inner and outer, just in case.

The Old Guy · October 16th, 2009

Mark
In all my travels, I have only seen one failure of a front bearing. If you carry a spare set ,you will be covered for as long as you can see to drive

trp3141592 · October 16th, 2009

Hi Mark,

Greetings from just down the road in Niles, MI.

If your existing bearings, races, and seals have mfr part numbers stamped on them, that number can likely be ID'd and matched up by Motion Industries, Inc, located just south of us in South Bend. That'd get you a spare set to take with you.

--Tom

Gary_N · 4 Weeks Ago

I'm not promoting a supplier, but I just bought a bunch of bearings from Cars. Fronts, rears, etc. They are Japanese made. I think the Japanese make great stuff these days. A far cry from the old days. Also, I picked up a set of NOS New Departure front bearings from the Buick Farm. A tiny bit of surface rust but nice. I actually just put these in my '50 tonight. I've learned to stick with NOS where ever possible.

As far as the maintenance thing, that's the best part of old cars. You have to pay attention to them to keep 'em happy....and then they keep you happy....sorta....I guess like my wife....but then I had to turn her in since she became too expensive to operate! Ah well.....

Gary

1939_buick · 4 Weeks Ago

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary_N

.... Fronts, rears, etc. They are Japanese made....

As a matter of general interest what is the Japanese manufactures' part numbers?

Gary_N · 4 Weeks Ago

Ah, that would be hard to say since they are now installed. Wish I could be more helpful. Maybe I still have the boxes in the garage. I will take a look at let you know.

Gary