49–53 Buick Roadmaster Convertible build questions?

I have completely fallen in love with this 50 Buick Roadmaster Convertible I saw built and I just have to build one for myself.

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I am looking to do a 49’-53’ Buick convertible build but not sure where to start. I have heard of people using the lower frame, engine, trans, and rear of an older crown Vic police car I have a few n00b questions if anyone could answer I would be grateful!

What are the positives and negatives of using a crown Vic lower and slapping the Buick body on top?

What years crown Vic interceptor should I be looking for?

If I kept the buick stock frame what's a good engine/trans to use in there assuming I just find a shell of a car.

What air ride system should I put in the ford crown Vic lower car (not to hop but just a nice fluffy ride) I can lower and raise in case of speed bumps.

What air ride system should I use if I stay with the stock Buick lower?

I want four wheels disc brakes which ones should I look for to give me great stopping power?

What's the best way to get power windows fitted?

Power top as well?

I would also want Power Steering if i kept the Buick guts.

What exhaust for a nice quiet ride but might have some balls when you really push it

My plan as of yet is to figure out what year crown Vic I need and buy one then drive it a bit and slowly fix things up that need done so when it's time to do the swap the crown Vic will be purrin like a kitten. Anything I need to watch out for when buying an older crown Vic police vehicle ( still not sure what year to look for )

If I stay with the stock frame of the Buick what should I look for in terms of cracks etc to make sure it's safe.

If I do the lower crown Vic and upper buick what do I register it as with the state? I am in Florida.

I'm sure I have a TON more dumb questions so I will add more when I think of them thanks so much to anyone that can help and if you see a 49-53 buick convertible two door for sale let me know I want that nice natural aged patina barn find style I'm going to keep the exterior just like that but make the interior show quality ( if I can )

well the crown vic would make a nice donor as for you suspension/brakes/engine needs

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Originally Posted by jerry clayton

well the crown vic would make a nice donor as for you suspension/brakes/engine needs

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So I should keep the frame on the Buick but then grab the engine, trans, IFS, and rear end?

Start by finding your dream car.

Base your decision for frame swap on the condition of the body and frame.

Should you choose to do the swap, look for a complete donor vehicle, it will simplify the swap.

Getting major components individually can save money, but every complication adds time and complexity.

Just think of how easy it would be to order parts for an 86 Diplomat (for example) vs. having to remember what year / vehicle for your suspension, the engine, the transmission, etc.

Give it some thought.

P.S. I dig the car. Good luck finding one!

good luck ya may hata look on barret @jackson ta find one

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Originally Posted by firebird77clone

Start by finding your dream car.

Base your decision for frame swap on the condition of the body and frame.

Should you choose to do the swap, look for a complete donor vehicle, it will simplify the swap.

Getting major components individually can save money, but every complication adds time and complexity.

Just think of how easy it would be to order parts for an 86 Diplomat (for example) vs. having to remember what year / vehicle for your suspension, the engine, the transmission, etc.

Give it some thought.

P.S. I dig the car. Good luck finding one!

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Yea I am starting to lean the way of TRYING to find that perfect patina'd car then start to see what needs fixed and then buy a donor car. I just need to do a TON more research on what donor cars would be good etc

If you are going to do an frame swap---------use the frame AND ENGINE< TRANS<REAR< SUSPENSION< ACCESSOIES< WIRING HARNESS

at least all that will be compatable with each other----------then mount the body-------you won't need to do engine mounts, trans, etc,etc---------for a frame vehicle you may have to do a SUV these days as none of the uni bodies will do what you want

Ford expedition has IRS

Patina hell. Get the best body you can afford.
Rust is expensive and time consuming.

And remember that a convertible needs a very strong frame so an suv of best wheel base and track width would be a good starting point.

Butttttttttt----just a rear wheel drive


AND-----if you want to keep 100% Buick--there are lots of Buick versions of GMs SUVs-----------

Even if you find a body with a lot of rust in the floors, who cares. Because you'd more than likely be cutting out all the stock floors and building new to fit the newer chassis. It'd be a tough to cut up a pristine body because it probably won't be cheap to start with. :LOL:

So im leaning towards keeping the stock frame and putting IFS and rear and engine trans in it. Can anyone recommend the best IFS and REAR to use with the 1950 Buick Roadmaster Convertible?

Look at the C4 corvette-----------

You are opening a big can of worms putting independent front and rear suspension on stock frame. Do your homework.

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Originally Posted by myjtp

So im leaning towards keeping the stock frame and putting IFS and rear and engine trans in it. Can anyone recommend the best IFS and REAR to use with the 1950 Buick Roadmaster Convertible?

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Mustang II would be my choice, but that's me. As for a best brand, lots of good ones out there. Beautiful car by the way !

working on the original frame is your best bet. it was designed to support the convertible . c4 is easy to find now days. crown vic is another good choice. the crown vic is likely to ride much better because of weight. stay away from mll on a car this heavy .

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 .

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Originally Posted by shine

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

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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.