Trans Am front clip in 49 Buick

I have a 49 Buick with a 1979 Trans Am front clip installed in it. What rotors and calipers can I put on it to match the big Buick /Cad/Olds bolt pattern that is on my 70 Cad rear end that is under the car? Do I need to change the spindles also, and if so is there a spindle that will lower it? Thanks Brian

 

Not totally sure on this but I believe B-body brakes will fit those spindles and use the 5 on 5 bolt pattern you need. The calipers should be the same between with the existing one or you would need the B-body ones. Someone please back me up on this though.

Thanks,

 

I think that is right, although you might have to do some wheel-bearing replacement. Be sure you get the same dia rotors as yours. Some of the B bodys have bigger rotors.

 

Brian,

Is there any way that I could get some pics of that clip in your car? My friend has a '51 Riv and wants to rod/update it and I was thinking of a clip but didn't know where to start. Any help would be great!

Thanks

 

Ok, now you know you gotta post some pics of this thing.

 

pics

I have the Cad 472 engine in it and the sheet metal on also. I think I took some pictures of it when I was putting the clip in though....Just have to find them and scan them as they were film. Give me some time and I will see what I have. Brian

 

Thanks Brian, that would be great. This will be a first for me and while I know I can do it, a visual referance will help to speed up the learning curve considerably. Plus, I just want to see your car.

thanks again

 

Any luck on finding those pics Brian? If not, can anyone else refer me to any info on doing a clip?

 

I'm sorry I haven't had time to look yet. I will try to make time this week. Brian

 

No worries

I appreciate your taking the time and don't worry, we probably won't start on the car til Jan or Feb. I haven't even sold him on a clip yet but with all the upgrades he wants to do it just seems like the best way.

 

thanks

Thank you again for your time. Hope you enjoy your Christmas and see ya next year!

 

Photos of the 49 Buick/Trans Am Frame

These 2 photos show the stock frame and where I cut it and the frame braces I removed. The frame is for a 49 Super Sedanette. My next post will show the Trans Am subframe. Brian

 

Photos of the 49 Buick/Trans Am Frame

These 2 photos show the 1978 Trans Am subframe welded in place. Since the photos were taken, the sides were re-enforced with steel flat stock where the subframe and Buick frame met, and the ends of the subframe were connected to the Buick frame with rectangular tubing like I drew in on the photo. Sorry for the poor quality of the photos, but that's all I have as the body is back on. I hope to work on it this winter and hopfully get it on the road this summer..... if all goes well. Brian

 

Wow

Thanks Brian. It looks great! I like how the sub frame rails basically replaced the braces that you cut out. It looks really strong. And the track width looks spot on. Tell me, was the rolling height of the two the same?

Thanks so much for the pics. Please post more as the project progresses. This will be a fun one to watch!

Mike

 

trans/am subframe

brian -
looks good.
i have a front sub and the rear off of a 79 firebird.
will be going onto my 37 opera coupe. some time soon.

paul
(florida)

 

Thanks for putting up those pics. Might have to do that to mine. Sure will make an engine swap easier. Unless....I will make a new post......

 

75-79 Cadillac Seville's ( rear wheel drive) use a Trans Am type subframe with 5 on 5 big bolt pattern rotors that will fit your spindles. Plus most have rear wheel disc brakes on leaf springs,like the Trans Am.