cadillac chassis question

I have done a search but cant find the answer, just got this 56 deville, I got only what you see in the pic, no trim chrome bits or even an engine!, my plan is for a two seat custom roadster so the question is, is the 56 deville chassis the same as the convertable of that year or will my chassis need beefing up?

 

Your frame will need more beefing up if you cut the top off

 

Ryno, correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought the convertible and the hardtop both used the stiffer X frame, while the 2 door sedan and 4 door had a less rigid frame?

 

My '55 Coop DeVille has an X frame...I'd bet that 4-door hardtop has the same...and I'd venture to say only the body shell will need stiffening...

R-

 

I thought the issue wasn't the frame so much but once you loose the top the body looses all it's support and has a tendency to sag over time. I could be wrong though.

 

Thanks for replys, it does have an X frame and the body will need beefing for what have I in mind.........something like telstar

 

Sounds like you're after the Paul Zanetti look!

 

Follow the link.

James

Paul Zanetti Kustom Cadillac Tequila Sunrise

 

I guess I should have been more in depth.
As mentioned,you will need to strengthen the frame and I'd do some reinforcement tonthe inner structure also. Even if the frame is the same or you get a convertible one,your body doesn't have the factory skeleton to support the sagging without a roof.
Even factory converts of the era have problems

It sounds like you may already know all this, if your planning the extent of the telastar!

 

I was surprised to find my '52 Catalina HT has beefed up inner panels in the 1/4's.... evidently the engineers thought was needed even in a HT. Those Poncho's also have an x in the frame... stout cars.

Good luck...I love those Caddy's.

 

It's more a matter of stiffening the body than the frame. For normal street use the frame will be fine.

Plan on reinforcing the rocker panels and the cowl area especially.