Does anyone own a 57 Century Caballero Estate Wagon (my dad & I do bought one 3 weeks ago) or a 57 Century Hardtop? We would like to convert over to newer brakes and master cylinder. Has anyone had success in doing so? We love junkyards! Several companies (brakes) that we have contacted say that it can't be done, that there isn't a bolt on kit available, and they have no suggestions. DUH! I know I can put a windshield wiper on a donkey if I talk to the right poeple. Ha! Ha! Thanks for any info/encouragement/suggestions! Missyo No:
my dad has a 57 Caballero, he has considered putting it on a boattail riv frame. it has the same wheel base. that would give it disc brakes, more modern suspension and set up for a 455. thinking about it is as far as it has gone not sure how it would work. has anybody done this or a similar swap with a mid 50's buick? i think 55-57 were the same basic setup
Thanks, Paul! We will check on your suggestion. Is your dad's swg restored or still in the stages. We would like to communicate with him if possible, if he approves. If he would be willing to share info/suggestions/problems with swg. We would greatly appreciate it. This is our 1st Buick, we have always had Fords and Chevys. Thanks, Missy
the car is unrestored and has been in storage for several years he doesn't have email if you have any questions i can relay to him he has alot of 50's buick parts as well. maybe something you need in his 40 year collection
Parts needed Paul, These are the parts we need for our 57 Buick Caballero SWG: Right passenger side-recessed bullet on front bumper, back bumper exhaust, & Manifold. Front left & right Bumper guards. Cowl vent below wipers. Thanks for asking your Dad to check. Iam sure the further we get along we will need other things. Thanks, Missy:TU:
my dad didn't have any spares of any of the items you listed. but i did find this today. at J+M vintage auto in Goodman, Mo. 57 buick special 2dr post
417-364-7203 is the phone # he is in sw Mo. and does not ship i saw at least 2 other 57's there today ran out of space on cam he is very cheap on everything he has may be worth the trip just to look through the yard
Paul, Thanks so much for the info, we'll give this guy a call! Hoping to get some other resources this week at the Shades of the Past Nationals. Missy/D.L.
Try Fat Man or Boyds, or some of the better street rod/cruiser fabricators. I'm pretty sure Fat man sells disc brake conversion for 55 buick, I know they sell a dropped spindle, but you have to bend some steering linkage.
Art Morrison, http://www.artmorrison.com, has built a frame for my 55 Special. This frame includes spindles, air bags, etc. I would hope that they could do the same for you in less time than it took for me since I was the first 55 Buick frame they did.
:TU: Thanks everyone for your suggestions! I found out this week that you can take 85 Chevy spindles turn them down add a spacer and they will bolt right on. The person that told me this has a 57 Buick 2 DHT. Investigating the best option for Dad & I. Thanks, Missy
You might try to PM "The Old Guy" on this board.and ask about the frame swap he did on his 56 Buick. I believe that he put a 72 Electra frame/ suspension under his car. It seems like it works really well for him.
