Hi, I'm new to Buicks and this site.Hope someone can enlighten me. I just got a 57 Century 4 dr hardtop, not running and may be just a parts car. After reading all I can find, I am starting to question weather or not this was a smart move.It doesn't seem like there are a lot of 57's out there or board members with them or discussing them.It also seems that front end parts are harder to get and more expensive.On www.classicbuicks web site, on their suspension section, they have an old style and a new style section.The new style section pictures show stamped upper and lower control arms and have some 57 pieces listed. The old section goes to 56 and shows a pic of the forged square style arms .What is a 57 supposed to have?My 57 has the square arms with the upper and lower ball joint bolted to each where ona 56 or earlier had a vertical pin bolted in. Is this why 57's are more obsolete? Or is this a Canadian Buick thing and U.S. Buicks in 57 used a stamped type arm?Hope someone can fill me in on this,and the whole drivetrain in general. What are the drum brakes really like for ordinary cruising around? Thanks for any help or suggestions offered,Jim Carter.
57's Jim, I had a couple 57 Century's - GREAT CARS!!!! These cars are great performers, great cruisers, and great road cars. Can you tell I really liked mine. The 57 ball joint suspension is not cheap to repair, but once reapaired and properly cared for you should never have a problem with them. There are company's that rebuild them or you can watch ebay (they show up on ebay with some regularity) If the car is not to far gone I think you would rally enjoy it. I would also suggest watching or posting on the Buick Club of America website as they are more oriented toward your type of car than the V8 site. Although you will find many members that are active on both. Enjoy your Buick.
RE: 1957 Front End Hey Jim, Every New Model of which a 57 was, a complete change from the Frame Up from the Previous Year. Every New Model has an achilles Heal, With My 56 It's the Master Cylinder and Braking System. With the 57 the Front End, I'm Sorry to say Is the achilles Heal for that model. It's Not the End of the World. The Front Suspension and Components Are Available, but they are More Expensive for a 57 than other Model Years. You can Shop around. You can try www.classicbuicks.com or www.kanter.com You could also try Buick World at 360-825-3787. 8:00 AM to 5:00 Pacific Time. Ask for Jim. I have had Great Success with This Particular Firm. They are Very Knowledgeable in Regard to the Buick Product. They are Customer Friendly. They Stock a Full Line of Buick Parts. Buick World is a Reputable Vendor/Supplier that carries Top of the Line Merchandise at a Fairly competitive Price. They Do Not carry any Junk and They won't Try to Sell You Stuff You Don't Need. I know www.kanter.com has an On-Line Catalog. and I Know that they Do Stock Complete Front End Kits for '57 Buicks. Shop Around and Compare Prices. I have given You the Vendors/Suppliers that I'm Aware of. There May be Others, But at least We have Established a Starting Point. Happy Hunting. I Hope You find Exactly what Your LQQKING for. Let the Rest of US Know How You Made Out. :TU: :TU: :beer :3gears: Tom Gallagher
