Thread: 45 fin buick drum

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WTB a single good 45 fin drum and hub. thanks, jim.

If you don't score one on here keep checking Ebay. They do show up there occasionally, sometimes as a single drum. If one does show up and it is nice don't hesitate to up your bid just to get it. These things are getting more scarce all the time, especially clean ones with meat left to turn down.

Don

found.today.

Cool. I am seeing less and less of these for sale so you have to grab em when you see em. I passed up a nice set at Don Garlits show last Spring, they were only $ 200 for the pair but we were in my roadster and even our overnight bag took up what little space we had.

BTW, just in case you don't know, Wilson Welding makes brand new hubs to use these on early Fords (assuming that is what you are doing). The 46-48 outside hubs from Ford are also getting tougher to find, and the ones from Wilson go on so much easier. Just thought I'd pass that along.

Don

How is the quality of Wilson Welding products?
Ken

Very good, Ken, IMO. We have bought their 39 Lincoln brake setups, their Buick to Ford hubs, and their finned backing plate setups. All have been first rate, and Bob, the owner, is a true good old boy. I've had a few conversations with him and he has always been very helpful and courteous.

I'd give them a 10 out of 10. Just a little Texas machine shop operation with a couple of guys, but they turn out some really nice stuff.

Don

Thanks Don, I'm thinking of using them on the truck.
Ken

You're welcome Ken. You won't be disappointed, he does business the way you do. Which ones are you thinking about?

Don

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.

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

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.