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front end kits

Started by Philippe M. Ruel, April 02, 2006, 11:52:38 AM

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Philippe M. Ruel

My 1952 Fleetwoods front end is in need of a restoration, as most of the grease has gone solid, forming a strong protection around the articulations and no grease remaining inside where it should be.

I know of two vintage cars parts specialist in the U.S. (New Jersey and Virginia) whose catalogs feature front end rebuild kits, including rubber, tie rod ends, shafts etc.
I was wondering about the quality of these products compared to OEM parts (which cannot be found anymore but with chance). Are they all from the same factory in Taiwan or somewhere ? Would you recommend (or not) any of these sellers ? Or another one ?

If you dont wish to quote brands or vendors names on this forum, feel free to share your good or bad experiences through email - philipperuel@yahoo.fr

Geoff Newcombe #4719

I just finished a complete front end rebuild on my 60 Cad. using the deluxe kit plus the idler arm (not included in the kit) from Kanter in N.J.  I was happy with the kit and their service, the parts looked to be at least equal to OEM and the ball joints looked beefier.  I have heard good and bad about Kanter and USA Parts here and elsewhere but so far my experience has been good with both.  You might also try http://www.coopersvintage.com TARGET=_blank>www.coopersvintage.com as was suggested in the recent thread here concerning front wheel bearing seals.  Their  front end parts might be a little cheaper, but I have not added their parts up to check that against Kanters kit.  Cooper does not seem to have an all-inclusive kit but it might be worth asking them about it, wouldnt be a bit surprised to learn that Cooper, Kanter, and USA all get their front end parts, etc., from the same source.  

Rhino 21150

I got a front end kit from Kanter for my Delta 88. I put the parts on myself and had a local expert line it up. It still steers like a go kart! Five years and 30,000 miles. Spooked me the first time I turned the wheel.

Viator Trudeau #8697

Hello,  just read your note about ball joints from Kantor, is steerimg like a go cart after 30,000 miles ment to be good or bad ball joint parts? Thanks. Viator Trudeau

Chris McBride

another vendor frequently mentioned on various forums is

http://rareparts.com/ TARGET=_blank>http://rareparts.com/

i have no direct experience with any of the vendors but just thought i would provide the link for your information

good luck

chris

Geoff Newcombe #4719

Just for comparison, the rear ball joint for my 60 Cadillac is listed as $120.00 from Cooper, $153.71 from Rare Parts, $158.43 in the 2004 issue of the USA Parts catalog.

Rhino 21150

It means VERY good. The steering on a Delta Royale as it comes from the factory is sloppy. There is a lag between turning the wheel and the car turning. There is little or no feeling that the wheel is centered and the car is going straight. There is no feedback, the wheel doesnt tell you what the car is doing.
All of this sorry steering went away with the new front pieces.  The steeering is quick, conveys feeling and you know exactly where center is and so does the car. After 30,000 miles this should be wearing out but it isnt. Its still very good.

Philippe M. Ruel

Thanks to all of you who answered me, here or via e-mail :)