1954 Front End Rebuild

[Tony R.]

I am down to the frame in my 54 restoration, and have removed the front cross-member and suspension. The car has about 102,000 miles on it, and I have no indication that the front end has ever been redone. I am thinking that it makes sense to go through it while I have the whole car apart. I have the Corvette ST-12 shop manual and the 49-54 passenger car manual. I also have found Tom Parsons' and Aaron O'Brien's write-ups on doing this. I have not done one before, so this will be an experience. I know enough to know (1) that I will likely need a long breaker bar and (2) to not lose my head to a spring.

My primary question is whether people have opinions or experience about which supplier/manufacturer offers the best overhaul package for kingpin front ends.

Thoughts?

[Bob B.]

Re: 1954 Front End Rebuild

Tony,

Most likely your car has no need of new kingpins, but if you go that route, take it to a place that does these. Kingpins are one of the hardest pieces to do, and they will charge you way less than the time you would spend, unless your time is worth very little.

Bob

[Dan P.]

Re: 1954 Front End Rebuild

All the suppliers have rebuild kits . I would defiantly put in new king pins and bushings. It is real easy . Just follow the articles ans the ST-12.If your a arm nuts have the the GM stamps on them and you are going to have the car judged you may want to reuse them . If they have been greased they should be fine . Also the repro tie rods will not pass.There was a guy selling repos on Ebay that had the grease zert in the right place . Plus 49-54 Chevrolet Passenger car are the same .

[Mike M.]

Re: 1954 Front End Rebuild

Tony: I agree with Dan old king pins are almost always loose in their bushings. The replacement is a cake walk also agree reusing a arm shaft nuts if they have gm logo. Mike

[Tony R.]

Re: 1954 Front End Rebuild

Thanks everyone for your input!