Re: Mike's 53 Clipper

Posted by Tobs On 2023/7/31 15:15:51

There are a few differencces between the clipper and the caribbean. Some from the factory, and some changes over time.
The rear of the car is longer, but I think that is mostly because of the continental kit and the associated bumper extension. There is some extra weight way out back becasue of that. I have not had the caribbean on axle scales yet. I'l try and do that someday. With respect to extra weight and where it is...
Front: The hood weighs a ton! Honestly it feels like you are lifting a spare tire to get the hood raised. So, there is extra weight up front also.
Rear: Continental kit is out back in the carib, so extra weight is there.
Middle: The frame is strengthened for the convertible. It is pretty crazy, there is basically 3/8 (estimated) plate welded all along the middle section of the frame. They beefed it up and certainly added some weight.
The Carib has a panhard bar on the rear, which keeps the car a lot flatter.
The clipper has stock suspension, but the caribbean had the rear springs replaced with non-tapered end leaves, and the whole car sits about 2 inches higher than the clipper. -so the panhard bar, and the springs might make it sit flatter.
That being said, the clipper feels like it leans more in curves, but is more willing and able to go around corners.
Also, the clipper has cloth seats and 3 point seatbelts, and the caribbean has leather seats and no seatbelts. Take a hard left, and you wind up in the passenger seat!
They are 2 different animals.