Open Drive Line

**ToTo Lee** · 07-01-2008, 08:33 PM

Hi all
I have 59 with a very bad 401. I also have a 72 with a 455. I would like to put the 455 in the 59 and use a open drive line. What third member will inter change with the 59 rear housing to make it an open drive. I heard a 63 third member will inter change.

**carpnta** · 07-03-2008, 09:10 PM

do a search, this has been covered many times.

**ToTo Lee** · 07-06-2008, 07:58 AM

Just got back home. Thanks Carpnta for acknowledging my thread. I had ask this one other time with no reply. I have searched a number of times, but have not found what open 3th member will fit my 59 rear housing. Not how to put in a open drive line. Thank you any how.

**theoldguy** · 07-06-2008, 08:46 AM

I had a 57 Special that was sitting on a 72 Chassis. You might want to think about this swap, as it will give you a much better handling Buick with more brakes and steering.

**ToTo Lee** · 07-08-2008, 08:40 AM

Thanks Theoldguy that might work for me. I will have to get under them both with a tap and do some checking.

**carpnta** · 07-09-2008, 08:23 PM

Originally Posted by ToTo Lee

Just got back home. Thanks Carpnta for acknowledging my thread. I had ask this one other time with no reply. I have searched a number of times, but have not found what open 3th member will fit my 59 rear housing. Not how to put in a open drive line. Thank you any how.

you can use a 61/62 3rd member. ihave one in my 57, just use your 59 axles. i used a trailing arm setup like nascar type bars.

good luck
bob

**ToTo Lee** · 07-12-2008, 12:13 PM

Thank you Carpnta. I was close with the 63. So I start looking for a 61 or 62 third member. It will have to wait for a week or two. Heading out in the morning for WY on my bike. Thanks again.

tp · 08-17-2008, 08:56 AM

TOTO, I also have a 59 that I converted to open drive. I used a 62 lesabre and 4 linked the car. Very easy to do if you have any welding skills. If you want email me at tdprice@charter.net and I'll get you some pictures. I also got some shorter springs from salvage yard and lowered at the same time. Works great. I have a sp 400 tranny in it. I had to modify crossmember and have a driveline built. Erything else is a bolt in. TP

tp · 08-17-2008, 09:00 AM

TOTO, if your interested I converted my brake system also. I put a booster on the firewall. Contact me and I'll tell you whats up. again easy to do and works great. TP