I going to try this one. I have found a 72 malibu in very good condition except for someone cut the top off. I found a junkyard that will cut off the section from in front of the back seat to just behind the trunk lid on a 68 La Manz. It is missing the hydralic pump/motor. Any ideas where I can find a good boxed frame and a motor/pump? Also any ideas on how to go about this project before I start would be apperciated.
Oh and I will need anothe header I think. The very front part of the top frame is really rusted bad. The rest of the top frame is fine. Thanks in advance for the help.

Tracy, IMO you're going to spend more time and money making things right than would be to go out and buy an actual convertible. JMO http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif

TC#494
65 SS convt

I think you should fix the LeManns if you want a convertible. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif

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1965 Buick Gran Sport Convertible
1965 Buick Skylark H/T

Thanks for the input. The La Manz is beyond repair though. I am getting the only salvagable parts left on it. I am spending $500 for the car minus a running motor. I am getting the La Manz stuff for $450. I have a 305 complete motor to drop in it to get it running. I may have to box the frame myself so I can eventually put a rat motor in it without twisting the frame. I don't think I will have to sell the house to get this right. My wife will be happy about that. I am thinking I will have a very nice looking convertable for around $5000. But then comes the GM Ram 502 I want to put in it. (ha ha)

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need to get the wife to work to buy more chevelle parts.

The need for the boxed frame is not from extra torque of bigger engines, it's because the body will turn into a pretzel after hitting a few bumps, without it. The tops on hardtops are an integral part of the body. The top supplies the support between the front & rear halves. Without the top, the body will sag in the middle. To solve the problem, GM boxed the frame to make it super strong. Even so, if you look at a many convertibles very carefully, you'll find chips in the paint around the door edges.

I have seen boxed frames go for about $750.00. Call Sundells in Slippery Rock, PA.


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Phil Wise
67 SS Convertible
(now on the down slope of the resto curve)
ACES # 834, TC # 231
Photos of a work in progress (http://users.starpower.net/pwise/chevelle)