1957 Star Chief Convertible Conversion

[cedipman]

I'm converting a 57 2D HT to a convertible and would like to get a first hand look at an original 57 convertible to take some pictures and do some measurements. Does anyone know of any 57 Star Chief convertibles located in the Southern California area? I'm in Riverside, CA.

[Larry]

I don't have a '57 convertible located in SoCal, but would like to mention a couple of items.

Everyone has heard that the convertibles have beefier frames, the '57 included. A quick check of the 1957 Shop Manual states: "Convertible frames (series 28 ) are further reinforced by an extra channel of steal welded to the side bars to form a boxed cross section, and considerably heavier 'X' member flanges."

The Hollander Interchange manual shows the '56 and '57 frames as interchangable (with body bracket changes as necessary), and also the '55-'57 124" wheelbase frames as all interchangable. But this would not rule out the necessary reinforcement required.

A study of the convertible frame should yield reinforcement requirements that should be easily accomplished with some good welding. We don't want your project to fold in the middle after a good bump.

Keep us posted on this huge project.

[cedipman]

Thanks for the frame info. Do you know if the 57 Chevy and 57 Pontiac convertible top frames are interchangeable? I've been told that they are but, haven't found any documentation to back it up.

[Larry]

Sorry to take so long getting back to you on this.

I have found that some interchanging is possible between the motors (with certain stamping codes), but have not found anything on the actual frames themselves.

For most of the earlier Pontiac years PMD shared bodies with all the other GM brands, but I can not find any reference to '57 Star Chiefs sharing the Chevrolet body (and therefore making the tops - hopefully- interchangeable).

I have a suggestion that should give the answers you are looking for. Try contacting one of our Featured Commercial Suppliers ARO. They are listed under "AFFILIATES:" and then "Member Discounts."

They have been supplying GM convertible tops forever-- including way back in 1957. They would be the best source for the top and materials you need also.... plus they will give you a nice discount for being a PontiacRegistry.com member.

Let us know what you find out.