im scrapping out a '47 Buick sedan and was wondering how different the frame of a sedan is from a convertible. I thought maybe I should keep the and clean it up if it isn't too different. I would then have a frame ready to go versus removing the convertible body, storing it, cleaning up the convertible frame, and then re-uniting. If there is a major difference off it goes to Asia...
I could be wrong but I believe the sedan frame is boxed. I've boxed a sedan frame to use under a convertible. Worked well.
Yes, 56 S and C. I'll have to take another look at the convertible, in storage right now. I don't want to do a lot to the sedan frame if the convertible is OK. But I'm torn about tossing a very good frame to the eye suckers were made compable to som of the WW II truck frames. I need to win the lottery and buy a farm!
It has been 'rumored' and/or 'speculated' that convertibles may have a slightly heavier gauge metal in the chassis rails and/or the reinforcement straps on the X member. Also, there is a possibility of and additional mount or two. I believe a Buick Factory Shop Manual will contain frame diagrams with measurements and relevant differences and would be where I suggest you look for authoritative answers. The question about Series is a good one as there differences in wheelbase between Super (124") and Roadmaster (129").....but you probably know that already.
Thank you very much for that. I heard a little of that rumour as well but need definitive answers. I'm checking over at the AACA but they must have a waaay earlier bedtime. I'm thinking of keeping the seat frames/springs case of repairs or cut downs. The convert was missing its seat back and I think perhaps the bottom as well. In addition I was thinking of saving the vent window mechanisms as well as the front and rear window mechanisms, rear end, front suspension bits, and the dashboard as you never know if/when you'll need parts. The one major area of rust onthe convert is above the left rear wheel house and the sedan has a perfect patch waiting to be cut out. I wish someone close could use this stuff as I HATE seeing good stuff being turn to scrap.
Good point and it would be wise to take that into consideration. If the OP has adequate documentation for both vehicle’s, I would think the chassis can be treated like a ‘spare part’ and the relevant title corrections/changes can be done in a legally acceptable manner. But now is the time to determine how that can be accomplished.
I will have to look underneath my 48 convertible but I believe the X member is either of thicker material or double stacked pieces of the original material. The rest is the same. It is unboxed. I'm pretty sure.
I checked this morning. The frame is not boxed and is the same as my 49, material is about 1/8". The X member, however is much beefier. It is 1/4", maybe 5/16" thick. It still has quite a bit cowl shake, however and you don't open the doors when it is on the lift.
Yeah, late last night I thought about the serial number issue so this plan may be a no starter. I believe my vert frame is ok but I will check in the next little while. Good quality steel may be going back to molten state...
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