Projects 1954-1956 Olds convertible

Wondering if anyone might know of or have a viable lead on where I might find a frame for a 54-56 Oldsmobile convertible. And just to be clear, I'm not referring to the top assy.
Hoping someone can help.

 

any help here?

All American Classics in Vancouver

 

Can you specify what model as they are different depending on that, 88 or 98?
The B-body used by the 1954-1956 Oldsmobiles was easily distinguished from the larger C-body by the pillars of the wraparound windshield, on the:-

• B-body, they were sloped; and
  
• C-body they were upright.

 

you might try the facebook 54-56 olds pages, seen one there a few months ago. dont know if its still available or not.

 

Do you have a bad convert frame and if so are the convertible specific bracing good enough to transfer to a non-convertible frame ?

 

Post a wanted ad on ClassicOldsmobile??
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums/parts-wanted-13/

 

No such luck there.

I'm on there and looked. Didn't see anything and also posted on there.

I have nothing at all.

I'll try there. Thanks

 

I have a 98 hardtop to use for parts but honestly I want to build this into something so bad that if I ran across an 88 frame I'd run with it.

 

Check this
https://m.facebook.com/groups/1956OldsmobileOnly/permalink/3116275178393106/?ref=content_filter

 

I'm not sure where it's supposed to be sending me but it keeps coming back to my own page

 

a guy by the name of dave baker posted on the 1956 Oldsmobile only page a frame for a S88 back in may if that helps.

 

Thanks. Found it. Unfortunately that's not a convertible frame.

 

That is what you are after. Wrong side of the world though.

 

Thanks. That is extremely helpful. Is the whole frame double thick or is it just the X member that is special and double thick? I'm trying to figure out how the 57 Chevy vert gets by with so much less. I know an olds is a bit wider than the Chevy but trying to wrap my head around the differences and why.

The sad thing is, my convertible had a frame that came with it. Unfortunately I also got scammed. It was about 2-3 years after the fact when I was able to locate the remains of what I'd bought.
In a nutshell, I bought the car sight unseen from a guy in Montana. He regularly came out to the car auctions and would be willing to deliver it to Spokane for me. One story after another, yada, yada, yada. No car money gone. Found out he resold it to someone else. I eventually got my money back but was only able to get the cowl and the doors.
Pics are of what I'd originally bought. That was my first bad deal with Craigslist.

I have never given up my dream of one day building this car.
I bought the folding top assy from Freeman's before they crushed out. Wish I'd known then, I'd have tried for the whole car. Just didn't have that kind of money to purchase and ship at the time.
The 55 Buick tub came from Hayden, ID from another yard that was getting ready to crush. Glad I have more years in me to keep tracking down parts.

 

You will want a 55 or 56 frame,the 54s still used the front suspension where the upper control arms are the shocks and I think its just the X that is thicker. I know of a 54 convertible frame but its been on the ground for many years.

 

Do you have a frame but it’s trashed or do you not have a frame at all? Are you trying to do a stock restoration or are you open to utilizing other components?

If you have a chassis is it that far gone that it can’t be saved? You’re probably going to wind up having to buy another car for the chassis, at which point you’d probably wind up just buying a better car to begin with.


Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.

 

Worst case, Art Morrison will bend up a set of 2x4 square-tube rails to your specs, probably not real cheap but maybe not as bad as you think. Still leaves a lot of fab work, but may not be any more work than trying to repair rusty junk. His full chassis are expensive (about $6K, you furnish all suspension components), not a scrounger-friendly price....

 

I might be able to make something like that work. Probably have to graft it into another.

 

I have nothing. The person who bought my car from the scammer had no use for it as it wasn't for a Chevy so I'm sure it was either left behind or got scrapped along the way. I'm not doing a resto but as long as I can find an original if I wait I'd rather do that. I have enough work that will be going into saving the body that I'd rather avoid any hassles with the frame.

 

I've thought about that but if at all possible I'd like an original. I know it's relatively unseen but I prefer the look of a factory frame over an aftermarket.

 

Ironically, it looks like what I needed was in this auction.

https://dcauctionservices.hibid.com...parts-auction-december-16th-2020-6pm/?cpage=2

Item 147. Didn't know about it until after the auction was over.

 

I had a 53 that I was going to switch over to a 56 front suspension since I think all it needed would be upper shock mounts welded on but the lower A arms were shot and I picked up a pair of NOS uppers for the 53.

 

@junkyardjeff

Would you be willing to check out the x member and possibly cut it out and ship it?

 

The next time I get there I will.

 

Have you ever been back?

 

Are you still looking for a chassis? Thought you may have sorted it by now?

 

I see tons of parts cars on fb olds page. You would have to bite the bullet and retrieve it from wherever it’s located. 303-394 olds Rocket Engines is one, Classic 54 55 56 Oldsmobile is another. There are more exclusive olds pages

 

I find Oldsmobiles all the time. Unfortunately no convertible frame. I ran across a rusty convertible in Ohio but it was coming apart. I'd have had to drive back and get it myself. I just didn't have the $2500 to rent a trailer, gas, food, hotel and time to drive back and get it. That's as close to almost having one as I've found yet. Thinking about pulling a chassis out from under a 4 door hardtop and really boxing the frame and crossmember to stiffen things up.

 

its still there and was supposed to go today but had issues to deal with at the bank.