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Hello, I purchased a 1948 olds series 66. I am the second owner since originaly purchased in 1948. I need assistance finding either a brake conversion kit or components to rebuild the original drum brakes. Alot of sites i am looking at recommend switching to a wilwood front disk. I have already looked on rock auto and other sites with no results. The car is 100% original parts. Are there compatible parts from another company I can use. Factory drums are 11 inch 5 bolt. I would like to stay as true to original as I can. Also looking for tail light assembly and trunk handle/lock.
Please assist, any info Is greatly appreciated.
If you need new drums you might have to get them from a salvage car. Or take the drums to a "fly-by-night" shop to have them turned farther than their maximum ID.
If you need new drums you might have to get them from a salvage car. Or take the drums to a "fly-by-night" shop to have them turned farther than their maximum ID.
Thanks, will check if there is a number in the drum.
Update. Checked the front and rear drums and there is no number stamped. Thanks all for the reply. Will check the books for some sort if measure and the Interchange Parts Book for compatibility.
Last edited by jborregoy2k; Apr 17, 2023 at 05:11 AM.
You would have a difficult time finding a 48 Olds in a salvage yard. Kanter would be the most likely place to have them. Chances are they have already been turned too many times but it would be worth having them checked. Place a parts wanted ad on this site. Find what yeas fit and if maybe Pontiac and Buick might be the same. That would broaden your search universe if they are. If you came across somebody doing a restomod or street rod out of one of these car they will be trashing the brakes anyway.
You will not find drum size limits stamped on drums made prior to the early seventies.
That is when the government required that they be stamped on all new vehicles.
This model had 11 inch drums, so 11.090 would be the maximum limit to use standard size brake shoes.
Last edited by Charlie Jones; Apr 17, 2023 at 06:34 PM.
. Are there compatible parts from another company I can use.
Yes, according to The Hollander front brake drums from the following models will fit a 1948 Olds model 66
1940-41 Olds model 8-90
1941 Olds some series 70
1942 thru 48 Olds models 66,68, & 78
1942 thru 49 Pontiac all models.
The following rear brake drums will interchange with a 1948 Model 66.
1937-38 Olds six cylinder
1939-40 Olds 60 & 70 series
1941 Olds 60 and some 70 series
1942 thru 48 66,, 68, & 76 series
1939 thru 48 Pontiac 6 & 8 cylinder models.
Craig at Mobileparts 586-485-1935 may have drums and shoes.
Yes, according to The Hollander front brake drums from the following models will fit a 1948 Olds model 66
1940-41 Olds model 8-90
1941 Olds some series 70
1942 thru 48 Olds models 66,68, & 78
1942 thru 49 Pontiac all models.
The following rear brake drums will interchange with a 1948 Model 66.
1937-38 Olds six cylinder
1939-40 Olds 60 & 70 series
1941 Olds 60 and some 70 series
1942 thru 48 66,, 68, & 76 series
1939 thru 48 Pontiac 6 & 8 cylinder models.
Craig at Mobileparts 586-485-1935 may have drums and shoes.
Charlie great info!
Thank so so very much. Didn’t know the fact about the 70s stamped requirements. Every day you learn something.
