Does anyone know the last year convertible tops were steel rather than cast? (So it can be cut and welded) I need to build a working chopped top for a 1950 Buick hardtop I cut the roof off of. I've built three of these cars with Carson tops, and want a golfing top this time! Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
1959 for Fords. But the Sunliner was always cloth. Pierce Arrow used cast aluminium bodies for years. Cosmo
I think he's asking about convertible top frames. I had a 68 Olds 442 convert whose top frame was steel, and still own a 69 Corvette whose convert top frame is also steel. Never heard of cast iron top frames, but I also never paid any attention one way or the other unless it was something I owned.
I would think a lot of them would be forged and not cast. I am not sure but I think the one on my '50 chevy is forged but I don't honestly know.
Had a '72 Skylark top I could not give away and it was mostly all steel. Probably would work great on that Buick, but if it's still around it's buried under 2 feet of snow somewhere up to the farm.
How did I leave that out? Yes, top frames. I need one that I can cut, weld, and customize to fit my Buick. Most modern frames are cast, and probably no steel. I can't really find a 50's Buick in a junk yard, but do see other convertibles around. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
as the owner / restorer of 4 53 convs and knowing the well shape, i think i'd be looking for a similar year car that used tha t top. Not sure if your Buick is Cad size or Chevy size top but you can adapt either. Lots to consider if you want to fit a top as well. about to instal a top
I'd bet you'll find the cast ones are cast steel rather than cast iron. Something brittle like cast iron would be deadly in a crash. If they're cast steel then they'd be weldable.
I was thinking about a mid to late 60's model Buick. The top frames are reasonable, and they were big cars. I was just wondering if anyone's actually welded on one. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
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