Converting a 4 door into a convertible
#1
Converting a 4 door into a convertible
OK. So I gave my 18 y.o. son my 1972 Cutlass (58,000 miles). I'll spare you the grisly details, but he's in college now and most of the body and both bumpers need to be replaced. Excellent mechanical condition. No frame rot - garaged for 40 years.
So - a guy close by is selling his 1972 Cutlass Convertible - great body condition but needs motor for $3000. Just wondering if I can just bring the body over. Any issues with that? Frames identical?
So - a guy close by is selling his 1972 Cutlass Convertible - great body condition but needs motor for $3000. Just wondering if I can just bring the body over. Any issues with that? Frames identical?
#2
If you are talking about putting the convertible body on the 4 door frame, quit thinking about it. If you check the wheelbase, I think they are different with the 4 door being longer. Even if it did fit, the 4 door frame is not boxed and in a very short time if not immediately you would not be able to open the door due to the frame buckling. Is there a reason you would just not take the driveline out of the 4 door and put on the convertible?
#7
#8
Excellent score on the convertible. Sorry to hear about the tragic end to your four door.
But! Your four door will make an excellent donor car.
You should be able to swap the engine over the weekend.
I found my cherry picker on Craigslist for next to nothing.
Good luck!
But! Your four door will make an excellent donor car.
You should be able to swap the engine over the weekend.
I found my cherry picker on Craigslist for next to nothing.
Good luck!
#13
Go to ebay and find yourself a factory shop manual. It will be the best money you can spend. If the engine is running good, why would you consider a rebore. Then you are talking a complete engine rebuild and lots of money.
#14
#16
Just an Olds Guy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
Chances are the 4 door car is a 350 2bbl and the vert is a 4 bbl. do both cars have AC? You need to factor that for the pulley system, alt, and front wiring harness.
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