1981 Buick Skylark conv

Discussion in 'Car & Truck Talk' started by jwdtenn, Jul 6, 2017.

  1. jwdtenn

    jwdtenn Well-Known Member

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    jwdtenn, Jul 6, 2017
    #1
  2. Poison_Ivy

    Poison_Ivy Dogzilla Fan

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    Poor decision to have it aftermarket rag-topped. T-topping it would have been much preferable. At $338 current bid, it's still worth trying.
     
    Poison_Ivy, Jul 6, 2017
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  3. 81X11

    81X11 Well-Known Member

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    These were done through dealership orders. Lots out there actually. Olds Omegas too.
     
    81X11, Jul 6, 2017
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  4. Brad

    Brad Moderator Staff Member Moderator

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    I would think those cars would be a structural nightmare. They weren't that stiff to begin with, and to lop off half the body structure, well....
     
    Brad, Jul 6, 2017
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  5. Krash Kadillak

    Krash Kadillak Well-Known Member

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    Yup. Not a good choice to remove a main structural component on one GM's very first unibody cars.
     
    Krash Kadillak, Jul 6, 2017
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  6. Poison_Ivy

    Poison_Ivy Dogzilla Fan

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    It depends on how competent they are at reinforcing the remaining structure. Back in the early days, it was easy enough to drop a convertible body onto an X-frame.
     
    Poison_Ivy, Jul 7, 2017
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  7. Silvertwinkiehobo

    Silvertwinkiehobo "Everything that breaks starts with 'F.'"

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    The question would be, "Did the company X-brace the body and weld in the strengthening members before lopping off the top?"
     
    Silvertwinkiehobo, Jul 7, 2017
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  8. Poison_Ivy

    Poison_Ivy Dogzilla Fan

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    Time will tell.
     
    Poison_Ivy, Jul 7, 2017
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  9. Krash Kadillak

    Krash Kadillak Well-Known Member

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    You would need to do at least two things to this one to make it acceptable.

    1. Major reinforcement in the inner rocker panel area, basically installing a large frame member from the front wheel opening to the rear wheel opening.
    2. Reinforcement from the front strut towers to the firewall.
     
    Krash Kadillak, Jul 7, 2017
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  10. Brad

    Brad Moderator Staff Member Moderator

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    And the rear strut towers to rear seatback panel and the rear strut towers to each other and...... I had a '81 Skylark when they were new. Not what I would call a "stiff" car...
     
    Brad, Jul 7, 2017
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  11. Poison_Ivy

    Poison_Ivy Dogzilla Fan

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    Then, weld the doors to the pillars, for good measure.
     
    Poison_Ivy, Jul 8, 2017
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  12. jwdtenn

    jwdtenn Well-Known Member

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    jwdtenn, Jul 19, 2017
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