Thread: 49–53 Buick Roadmaster Convertible build questions?

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Dave Kindig Breaks Down the ’52 Pontiac Chieftain from Bitchin’ Rides | Velocity Blog | Velocity

I would look at the build for the '52 Pontiac above for some ideas. If you're insisting on a frame swap, I would look at the mid-90's Caprice or Buick Roadmaster just to keep it mostly GM. If you choose to modify the original frame, like Shine said the C4 Corvette would be a nice option for front/rear suspension. There are mounting kits available from people like Flatout Engineering, if you don't have a lot of fab skills. The late 80's/early 90's Jaguars also have good suspensions that could be adapted pretty easily and they also have the Chevy bolt pattern on the wheels. Several guys are dropping their 60's & 70's Ford pickups onto the Crown Vic chassis. It's a good modern setup but from a cost vs value standpoint, I think it wouldn't have nearly as much resale value as it would if you kept it mostly GM. Just my 2cent....

those buicks were 80 inches wide so the crown vic may not be as bad .

Originally Posted by shine

those buicks were 80 inches wide so the crown vic may not be as bad .

Yeah, the body was wide but I don't think the track width was that bad. '03-11 crown vics are really wide. Before that not so much

yeah , i think the track on the buicks was around 58-59 in but with the wide body there may be room to play. not a big fan of the CV setup. even under a 70 ford truck your limited on wheels. i just dont like the neg offset . even the c4's have that problem . i've seen a few with earlier ford clips that fit well .
a friend has a 38 ford coupe that he's owned for 40 years and has a dropped axle . he has owned others but prefers the 38 and swears it rides and drive as good as any of them .
hell i'm building a street feak so ride and comfort are a non issue nor is tire clearance

I did an explorer frame under my truck but I think in your case I would use a mustang ii with a four link in back. I agree that the crown vic wheel offset sucks.

there's really nothing wrong with the stock setup. new rear end housing for od .
but i would not use mll under a 4200 lb car.