Re: '57 Packard What-If based on Turnpike Cruiser

Posted by 55PackardGuy On 2012/4/17 22:08:11

I don't see an insurmountable problem, Brian. Using original floor pans isn't required with a rolling chassis, in which the body components contribute little if anything structurally.

I'm not talking about all cars over the "decades." Candidates would be body-on-frame models that continued to be made throughout the sixties, and even up to the '80s--for instance the full-sized Cadillac. These cars were built on chassis that were, in the case of GM at least, also used for 1/4 ton pickups. I think the differences in body height between those vehicles is a good indicator of the flexibility of various bodies that can be mounted on old-school chassis.

One would have to look at various designs and have a good idea of the specific dimensions, or be willing to do a "cut-and try" approach, to have an idea of what would work. This has been a successful approach in hot-rodding and other modifications. I've seen a 70's era Olds station wagon body affixed to 4-wheel drive pickup chassis-- for more cushy surroundings while plowing snow.

"Can't be done" is a pretty far-reaching statement, considering what has already been done, and is currently being done. Thanks for the terse assessment, though.