logo
12 Port News - Features
12 Port History
Casting Numbers
Online Store
Tech Tips
Become a Member
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
#100481 11/12/22 03:35 AM
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 153
Likes: 4
T
tom c Offline OP
Contributor
OP Offline
Contributor
T
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 153
Likes: 4
I have a '50 Chevrolet four door that was my late grandfather's. It has a '54 model 235 engine. The body is beyond repair. I have found , locally, a '52 Chevrolet coupe,(Bel air hardtop body with no frame. I'm wondering if the hardtop body will fit on the four door frame? Anybody done it? Thanks.

Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,673
Likes: 42
1000 Post Club
****
Offline
1000 Post Club
****
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,673
Likes: 42
A quick measurement of the wheelbase on both frames may tell you if that is a viable option. If there is more than a couple of inches difference between them I'd probably say no....



Class III CNC Machinist/Programmer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 153
Likes: 4
T
tom c Offline OP
Contributor
OP Offline
Contributor
T
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 153
Likes: 4
I know the wheelbase is the same on all Chevrolet cars 1949-1952, but I wondered if there might be other factors involved, especially since one, the '50, is a four door sedan and the other, the '52 is a Bel Air hardtop.

Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 22
S
Active BB Member
Offline
Active BB Member
S
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 22
Have you looked up the frame dimensions? http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/

Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,041
Likes: 51
1000 Post Club
****
Offline
1000 Post Club
****
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,041
Likes: 51
It should be the same. I think the convertible may have had a beefier frame and not sure about the hard top. The link Scott posted may give the answer.


"I wonder if God created man because he was disappointed in the monkey?" Mark Twain
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,123
Likes: 3
P
1000 Post Club
**
Offline
1000 Post Club
**
P
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,123
Likes: 3
In later years, Chrysler (and I'm sure others) added new structure to any non-post chassis (2 & 4 door hard top, convertible). Typically they would reinforce the spring attachment points, and perhaps a frame connector at the rocker boxes.
You'd have to examine a drawing or excellent photo of the bottom of a coupe to tell if any of this is present, and how to add to your frame without disturbing original condition & appearance.


Moderated by  stock49, Twisted6, will6er 

Link Copied to Clipboard
Who's Online Now
0 members (), 125 guests, and 27 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Newest Members
Hairyclive, THarper, crash, ocean1907, Jabez House
6,816 Registered Users
Sponsored Advertisement
Sponsored Advertisement
This Space is Available
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5