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View Full Version : cutting the roof off!!!


suicycle
03-21-2009, 07:31 PM
i have a 55 special 4dr....the roof is very badly damaged, and in need of some attention(money). im thinking about cutting the roof completely until i have the resources needed to make it right. my plans are to chop the roof anyways, so i figure with the warm weather upon most of us, its a good time for a topless ride. my concerns are the structural integrity of the center post once the top half is cut off. i assume since both doors are in some way hinged or locked to this post, bracing, or something will be needed to with stand the weight, and opening/closing of the doors? anyone out here every done this?
GStage1
03-22-2009, 12:24 AM
I watched a custom rod shop do it....you need to brace the car internally to maintain the dimensions when the top is removed...you can use angle steel....some guys even use 3/8 or 1/2" rebar tack welded to brackets they make.
70sLark
03-22-2009, 03:14 PM
conduct tubing, its strong stuff.
SCOTTFISHER
03-22-2009, 04:16 PM
i have a 55 special 4dr....the roof is very badly damaged, and in need of some attention(money). im thinking about cutting the roof completely until i have the resources needed to make it right. my plans are to chop the roof anyways, so i figure with the warm weather upon most of us, its a good time for a topless ride. my concerns are the structural integrity of the center post once the top half is cut off. i assume since both doors are in some way hinged or locked to this post, bracing, or something will be needed to with stand the weight, and opening/closing of the doors? anyone out here every done this?

I see you over here too:

http://www.teambuick.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16041
tlivingd
03-22-2009, 08:54 PM
Don't do it. the center will sag eventually and you'll never get a new top to line up on it. When you replace a top you need to reinforce the inside of the car temporarally with the old top on. then graph on the new top then remove the braces.

nate.
56buickinga
04-18-2009, 07:09 PM
Check your frame, I am not sure about the 55 Specials but my 56 Special "hardtop" is set up on the frame like a convertable with X bracing. If this the case it the top has minimal affect on the body. In your post I assume you have a 4 door sedan. I am not absolutely sure the 55's did have the X bracing