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Big6ft6
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Group: Forum Members
Last Active: 9 Years Ago
Posts: 241,
Visits: 347
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Hey guys, it has been a while since you all helped me get my 4-door 56 Customline running.
I cannot get rid of this desire to cut the roof off of it (trust me I've tried, hard). I KNOW I KNOW....DON'T DO IT. Every internet post on this topic is filled with responses from wise, experienced people telling the 16 year old not to cut the roof off his car. I realize it is not a good idea. But this rusty car is worth little to nothing as it sits now as a historical vehicle. I will never sell it because my grandpa gave it to me. But I will also rarely use it, because frankly now that the fun of getting it running and driving is over, I find it kind of boring, it is "neat", because it is old and has a Y block, and has 3-on-the tree, but it is not cool and alluring. I have a burning desire for a convertible and a burning desire (fueled by issues of custom rod magazines) to do something radical that is my own.
I moved in to a new place with a couple pole buildings, so I have space, I have a MIG welder (only 120 V). I'm out of money (new house, and now 2 kids). Here is my question:
If someone put a gun to your head and said "take this rusty 56 Customline 4-door and make it into a roadster". What would you do? Frame reincforcments? Where? Body Reinforcements? Where?, how to handle doors, windows etc. Also all stories and anecdotes would be greatly appreciated! 
I don't need a convertible top, and I only need one door, or I could be convinced to have no doors (like a boat).
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Big6ft6
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Group: Forum Members
Last Active: 9 Years Ago
Posts: 241,
Visits: 347
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Here is my rendering using the fabulous Microsoft Paint (aka Nate-Cad)
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MoonShadow
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Group: Forum Members
Last Active: Yesterday
Posts: 4.5K,
Visits: 37.1K
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I don't think the frame would be strong enough. The convertibles had an X member to support the body. Chuck
Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.
 
MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire
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Big6ft6
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Group: Forum Members
Last Active: 9 Years Ago
Posts: 241,
Visits: 347
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Thanks Chuck...I was curious about this, so....
step 1) I'd need to reinforce the frame with an x-member. It seems my frame has some type of x-member with holes cut through it (for duals?) but I'm going from memory. The idea of cutting the roof off has been rolling around in my head for a couple years. In all that time I haven't been able to find ANYTHING on the entire web about the difference between the convertible frame and the standard frame on these cars. I'd love a photo of a regular frame and a convertible frame to compare if anyone has access.
Nate - Madison, Wisconsin 56 Ford Customline Sedan
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MoonShadow
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Group: Forum Members
Last Active: Yesterday
Posts: 4.5K,
Visits: 37.1K
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I haven't seen two side by side. I'm sure someone can chime in here with more details. Chuck
Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.
MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire
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dbird
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Group: Forum Members
Last Active: Last Year
Posts: 279,
Visits: 4.0K
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Nate,
Can't help with a picture of a convertible frame, but in my Craigslist surfing for a 312, I came across this:
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MoonShadow
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Group: Forum Members
Last Active: Yesterday
Posts: 4.5K,
Visits: 37.1K
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Although its not a Ford this is this a decent picture of a X member. Chuck
Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.
MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire
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Big6ft6
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Group: Forum Members
Last Active: 9 Years Ago
Posts: 241,
Visits: 347
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thanks Don, that craigslist photo refreshed my memory and I believe that frame is exactly what i have (car is in a different storage site at the moment), the front x-member (looks more like a trans-support) with the holes cut out for exhaust routing. Are you saying your tbird has same frame? Does your tbird have any additional cross members in the frame beyond the cross member/trans-support shown in that Craigslist ad?
Thanks Moonshadow...I actually came across that photo as well, if someone could confirm there is an additional x-member (like the one in your photo) under the 56 ford convertibles, that would be interesting to know.
Nate - Madison, Wisconsin 56 Ford Customline Sedan
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56_Fairlane
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Group: Forum Members
Last Active: 2 Years Ago
Posts: 575,
Visits: 14.6K
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Here's a comparison of the frames.
~DJ~ AKA "Bleach"
1956 Ford Fairlane Town Sedan 30K original miles
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PWH42
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Group: Forum Members
Last Active: 7 Years Ago
Posts: 854,
Visits: 6.0K
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Yes,the convertible does have an X-frame similar to the picture.Without it,when you cut the top off,the body would distort so much you wouldn't be able to open or close the doors.There may be so flex in the car that it would almost be undriveable.
 
Paul, Boonville,MO
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