Ridigity? What rigidity? Yes, the frame will not be rigid enough to
handle a body without a roof. The convertible frame did have an extra "X"
in the centre to help strengthen it. To show you how "loose" those 1957-59
Mopar bodies were engineered, by the way, the Imperial 4-door hardtops of
1957 and 1958 used the convertible's frame.
Being a non-unibody system does not mean the body does not need reinforcing.
I do know the 1957-59 bodies also had added reinforcement in the area around
the rear wheel wells and rear quarter window area. This was probably done
to handle the extra weight and forces created by the folding convertible
top, as well as to compensate for having no roof. The "A" pillar also had
differences to reinforce the body and the convertibles had stonger,
reinforced body sill (rocker) panels.
Bill
Vancouver. BC
----- Original Message -----
From: ALIENVOICE@xxxxxxx
To: L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Thursday, June 27, 2002 12:20 AM
Subject: [FWDLK] 59 Imperial Convertible
I have the opportunity to buy a '59 Imperial hardtop that has had the top
cut to make into a convertible. Since this is pre-Unibody, how would this
effect the rigidity of the frame and what problems might it cause? Car is a
413, needing restoration and salvaged convertible parts (hens-teeth?), but
man, what styling. What would be needed to finish the conversion (trunk
panels, top frame, Carson-top)?
Has anyone done this and what are your experiences? Thanks for input.
LARRY
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