Slap in the Face

[rcb]

I checked the ball joints on my 57 Century and found the driver lower
was bad, so I thought I'd just replace them all !!! I called the local parts
store and laughed when the guy said $400 for the lower and $300 for
the uppers !! This is not the way I want to start my weekend !! Anybody
have any insight on replacement or a source to have them rebuilt ??
Thanks...
Bob

[justalark]

Try Rock Auto.

[David G]

www.rockauto.com

[65specialconver]

Looks like that price might not be too far off base:Dou: http://www.kanter.com///gallery.aspx?Tg=1266588&Mak=Buick&Yr=57&Dv=1&Dpt=1600&Sb=0&Vdr=Kanter&Itm=02789G&MDv=1&MDpt=0&MSb=0&Cat=73&Prc=

[Smartin]

57 front end parts are out of control $$$$$$

[DugsSin]

There was an article on the web about making alterations to the 57 so you can fit ball joints that are not made of gold in there. Don't really remember where it was though :Do No:

Prices are correct and may be for rebuilt units. :rant: Glad I collected a full set many many moons ago for my Roadie. :Smarty:

Ok it was right here on the V8 board, just search 57 ball joints and it will be the 57 vs 58 suspension thread. Seems the 58 and 59 arms will interchange with our 57's.

The 57 lower joints do have a certain amount of play in them .062 according to the AACA site which translates to about 1/4" tire motion. Just FYI. Good luck and keep us informed.

[rcb]

Thanks for the responses !!! Rock auto does not carry the ball joints
for the 57. I'm going to try to locate the shop that rebuilds them for
the parts stores.

[roverman]

Have you tried Kanter Automotive, as listed in Hemmings Motor News or webb site? Their one of the biggest. Good luck, roverman.

[buford27]

I've also heard of that the upper and lower control arms and spindles from a '59-'60 without air ride are also a direct bolt on. I think the '59-'60 ball joints are cheaper than the '58s.

[64Electra]

I've heard '57=one year only ball joints. Gooooooood Luck! I'll ask my local friend who has a '57 Roadmaster 75 cpe.

[64Electra]

I've heard '57=one year only ball joints. Gooooooood Luck! I'll ask my local friend who has a '57 Roadmaster 75 cpe.

[HilbornNailhead]

A full set of '57 Buick ball joints will set you back around $1,200+, depending on who you go through (and those prices are based on you giving them your cores). In all the catalogues I've looked through, from the '30s to the '70s, the '57 Buick has the most expensive front end parts out of anything.

When it comes time to replace mine, I'm just going to convert/replace the front end with something else, as there is no way I'm going to pay those prices.

[64Electra]

have fun with that conversion!:beers2: