51 Buick Special New Brake Shoes

**bwave** · 05-13-2009, 08:06 AM

Does anyone know of a good place to get new brake shoes for a 51 Buick Special? Is this something that has a new part crossover that can be bought at a local NAPA, PepBoys, etc... or is this a special order item from a specialty store? I want to do a brake job this weekend, and I want to make sure i have everything I need. From what I have been told vehicle has been sitting up for a while. I just picked it up last weekend and the brake pedal goes all the way to the floor.
Thanks

**Straight Eight** · 05-13-2009, 02:48 PM

Sometimes NAPA will surprise you. Why not give em a call?

**Airy Cat** · 05-13-2009, 08:45 PM

I get most of my brake parts at NAPA

**bwave** · 05-18-2009, 08:05 AM

I called NAPA, it seems like unless you talk to the right person, they are completely useless. Their computer system doesn't go back that far, I experienced the same thing at O'Reily, but I went in and talked to a guy who pulled out a catalog and was able to pull up some info, but the brake pads the catalog called for where the wrong size. The catalog says it takes the 2 3/4 inch wide pads, but it actually takes the 1 3/4. This concerns me that everything these guys have at their reference may not be accurate. Does anyone have a good up to date part number on brake shoes for the 51 Special?

**rm23j8g** · 05-18-2009, 08:58 AM

I'm in the same situation with my '53 Roadmaster. I did a lot of online searching and ran across rockauto.com. It looks like they have most of what I need for my '53, so I'm probably going to order what I need this week.
I just checked on your 51 Special, and they do list them.

**39CENT** · 05-18-2009, 09:19 AM

Originally Posted by bwave

I called NAPA, it seems like unless you talk to the right person, they are completely useless. Their computer system doesn't go back that far, I experienced the same thing at O'Reily, but I went in and talked to a guy who pulled out a catalog and was able to pull up some info, but the brake pads the catalog called for where the wrong size. The catalog says it takes the 2 3/4 inch wide pads, but it actually takes the 1 3/4. This concerns me that everything these guys have at their reference may not be accurate. Does anyone have a good up to date part number on brake shoes for the 51 Special?

I checked on several parts houses and the ones I found listed Buick special shoes at 2.25" wide, which is not the Special size. Best to make sure about the width. Anybody have an interchange list?

**Airy Cat** · 05-19-2009, 07:55 PM

The 1952 through 1956 Buick Roadmaster front shoes are 2 1/2 ". They are the same as 1961 through 1968 Cadillac front shoes.

**JR9162** · 05-20-2009, 10:33 PM

I've heard you can swap Roadmaster brakes (drums, and shoes) over to a Special. Not sure if you need the backing plates and wheel cylinders as well.

**39CENT** · 05-21-2009, 09:11 AM

Originally Posted by Airy Cat

The 1952 through 1956 Buick Roadmaster front shoes are 2 1/2 ". They are the same as 1961 through 1968 Cadillac front shoes.

Ahhh good info, I was looking for interchange on the 2.5"shoes.
sorry off topic,1951 Special, frontbrake shoes are 1, 3/4" wide, [per Motor,s Manual] check with Bob,s automobilia, only parts place I found that had the right size, [Bobs a good buick guy].

http://www.bobsautomobilia.com/cgi-b...ml/product=881

**roystacy** · 06-08-2009, 05:24 PM

I bought some really nice turned drums for my 53 Buick Special but turned out they are like a 1/2" too wide. Now I have to find new ones again and sell these on evilBay.

I already changed the wheel cylinders and brake line for the rear. Time to work on the fronts.

RSS