chopping a convet top 1950 cadillac

searching ebay for caddy parts i came across a rear convert section from a 1953 buick super and the top of the windshield frame. i want to make my 50 coupe a chopped working convertable. i will have no problem making up the 1/4 gl*** frames but im concerned with streching the top to get it to fold corectly any ideas ????? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7902999425&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

 

i was also thinking i could move the top foward when i weld it in but i dont want to make the 1/4 windows shorter like most one piece chops

 

Slag,
If ya buy that top. Im 2 miles from east meadow. if ya need it to be picked up and stored for a while till you can get it just let me know.
FRITZ
(516) 409-9551

 

It would be really cool if you bought a hard top convertible setup and had it hide into your trunk. It would be a hell of alot of work but how sharp would that be!

 

thanks alot fritz that would be a great help. i will give you all call with what i am going to do

 

53 buick you might have to shorten the top

 

Slag

I just finished my 52 Chev Ragtop, it was a 2dr HT. Found a donor car as you are thinking of doing. IT'S A TON OF WORK. The roof was cut of just about 2 inces below the beltline all the way through the trunk opening. The rear bulkhead between the trunk and back seat has to be replaced also. For the chop the whole top ***embly that fits against the 1/4 panels must have the amount of the chop removed from the bottom. Once it's in there are a thousand things that have to be modified to get it to fold correctly and get the 1/4 windows to operate properly. We are still finding things that don't fit correctly and thats after the top has been installed. If you want to discuss it PM me and I'll give you my phone #.

B B

 

strenghten the body mounths to the frame and do a carson top instead might be a decent idea

 

Damn dude, If that is a pic of your ride, you need to fork over the crack pipe! That thing looks way too nice to cut up!

 

[ QUOTE ]
Damn dude, If that is a pic of your ride, you need to fork over the crack pipe! That thing looks way too nice to cut up!



[/ QUOTE ]

yeah a real good point...

 

Would the front "Header" of the Buick convert top even be remotely similar to your Cad windshield top shape?

 

Put a 62 olds convert frame on a 51 baker last year.Had to narrow the bows 4 inches. Positioned the quarter window in stock location to the body. Made distance from header to first joint( bow over front seat ) 6 inches longer to reach windshield top. No change in the way the side rails fold by changing just front section. Olds header was stright across ,stude has a big V. Split 1 3/4 inch exhaust tubing and welded 4 inches of metal on top curve to make new header. Worked out real nice. Also had to extend back of well so top had room to go down without hitting. Go for it.

 

[ QUOTE ]
Put a 62 olds convert frame on a 51 baker last year.Had to narrow the bows 4 inches. Positioned the quarter window in stock location to the body. Made distance from header to first joint( bow over front seat ) 6 inches longer to reach windshield top. No change in the way the side rails fold by changing just front section. Olds header was stright across ,stude has a big V. Split 1 3/4 inch exhaust tubing and welded 4 inches of metal on top curve to make new header. Worked out real nice. Also had to extend back of well so top had room to go down without hitting. Go for it.

[/ QUOTE ]Pics please!