Tomaapilot

I carried a grocery sack of parts to a local plater just yesterday. It included part the front and rear bumper "guards" for my '47 Roadmaster, plus the potmetal hood crest. The crest was "freckled" and had a small crack under where the Buick Coat of Arms attaches which would have to be welded. For the 3 horizontal bumper parts plus the 2 vertical parts plus the hood crest, the bill was going to be just short of $2000. (GULP!) The crest alone was going to be about $450. Bear in mind that this was to be very high quality work, and the guy even gave me names of others in the area who would do it less expensively. He said they do it the "right" way, because if it were done cheaply the first question out of people's mouths would be, "who did this chrome work?" I have to admire that kind of thinking. While I was there the old fellow I was talking with gave me a quick tour of the shop and showed me some of the (AMAZING!) work they were doing. I could see that they really take pride in their workmanship, and do things the "old fashioned" way. Interestingly enough, when the old gentleman told me his name, I KNEW HIM from about 40 years ago. He campaigned an absolutely beautiful Top Fuel Dragster. I remember the gold plated Hemi valve covers! Small world! Tom

If I might suggest, one can learn lots from making a few measurements with the car on jack stands, tires removed. With the car loaded and level as though it were on the ground, measure the wheelbase side vs side, and also the diagonal dimensions. Be sure you pick a good 'fixed' spot, like immediately under the rear axle on the face of the brake drum as a reference. Likewise, on the front, under the ball joints might be a good spot. I use a plumb bob on a string, and simple mark a spot on a piece of tape on the ground. Armed with these numbers you'll be able to immediately tell if something is cattywhompus or not. I'm not certain how to spell cattywhompus, but you know what I mean. Based on your report though, I'd be shocked if the car wasn't also handling quite rudely. Respectfully, Tom

Thanks, NTX! I know the purist would prefer an all original, but I want a nice driver. I don't think it would fit easily, but I've got access to frames from 90's era Roadie sedans and wagons, as well as things like pickups and Suburbans (which shares the 129 inch wheelbase). I've done nothing beyond a cursory look. Your post gives me hope. Of course if one is willing to go into the fight with a Sawzall and acetylene hot ax and enough wanton disregard, I guess anything is possible. I'm not that cavalier. Yet.

Greetings! I recently picked up two '47 Roadbarges and wanted to consider a possible chassis swap. Do any of you have any experience in this area? I know Fatman makes a really nice front end, but wondered if making new body mounts and transplanting the whole body to some other late model chassis might also make sense. Any input you might have will be appreciated. Thanks! Tomaapilot 96 Roadmaster wagons (two plus a spare) 93 Roadmaster sedan 47 Roadmaster sedans ( one plus a spare)