Re: IML: Convertible 1969

["Bill Watson" <wwatson5@xxxxxxxxx>]

The problem with 'converting' a 2-door hardtop to a convertible is that
Chrysler engineered their convertibles with stronger members.  The A
pillars, floor, and rear wheelwell area of the convertible all have
different stampings from the hardtop, plus there are some areas that had
added reinforcement.   Which is why Chrysler convertibles did not weigh
hundreds of pounds more than the hardtop.  The extra strength and
reinforcement was engineered into the car during the design process.  Just
compare a Concept Car-built LeBaron convertible (a modified coupe) with the
later Chrysler-built LeBaron convertible.

If you want to make an Imperial convertible, find a 1969-70 Chrysler
convertible and put the Imperial front clip on it.  It will work and you
will have a body that was designed and built as a convertible.  You could
use the interior as well, although the hardtop rear seat may be too big.
But you could use the upholstery on the convertible's back seat, with some
modifications.

Of course you will need to use the rear fender extensions, bumper and trunk
lid of the Imperial as well.  And you may need to do some minor body
modifications as well to make everything attach properly.  But you would
still be doing less body work and would not need to worry about the body's
integrity.

Bill
Vancouver, BC



----- Original Message ----- 
From: Frederick Joslin
To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Tuesday, November 01, 2005 10:54 AM
Subject: IML: Convertible 1969


I am the proud owner of a 1969 LeBaron 2 door. There is some minor rust on
the roof immediately behind the windshield and several larger rust holes
underneath the rear window fiberglass insert. The rust at the back is not
visible with the insert installed.
The easiest repair would be to passivate the rust and metal under the vinyl
top and replace the top  and window insert. However, I am not a big fan of
the aesthetics and visibility of the rear window insert and certainly do not
like the design and its propensity for rust.
Another option is to go to the larger rear window and paint the roof as
opposed to using a vinyl top. This would require a lot of rust repair,
especially at the back behind the rear window.
A final option and the most radical would be to conver the car to a
convertible. I have always wanted a convertible and especially like the
looks of the 1969 and 1970 Chrysler 300 Convertibles. I understand that this
may be heresy, but this is an inexpensive (the car is was only $750) way for
me to get a unique convertible.
Questions:
1) Does anyone know what kind of bracing the frame should have for this
conversion?
2) Does anyone know if the 69/70 C Body convertible frame and top will be a
close fit. It seems like it should.
3) Has anyone done this before and do you have suggestions.



Fred Joslinknow



-----------------  http://www.imperialclub.com  -----------------
This message was sent to you by the Imperial Mailing List. Please 
reply to mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx and your response will be 
shared with everyone. Private messages (and attachments) for the
Administrators should be sent to webmaster@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
To UN-SUBSCRIBE, go to http://imperialclub.com/unsubscribe.htm