I needed a 1955 Oldsmobile 98 four door hardtop, first year for the four door hardtop, and did not want to search for an ultra costly handbuilt so did my own " handbuilt". Bought an extra GFCC 1956 Buick Roadmaster four door hardtop, cut the roof off and transplanted it on to a 1955 Road Champs Oldsmobile 98 convertible. Of course there were a few other modifications like doors, interior etc. Then, left with a roofless Buick and never wanting to waste, this became a Roadmaster convertible. Shown here is the '55 Oldsmobile along with a Provence Moulage resin kit of a '55 98 convertible and the just launched Esval 88 hardtop. Note: PM got their resin kit just a bit off as it is a tad too short to be a 98 as it is labeled but they did get the side moldings and center trunk pressing correct for a 98.
And proof I actually pulled this off.
And the two finished.
And the Buick line up. One Conquest, one Madison the conversion, and a GFCC Roadmaster 4 dr hardtop.
And next up... I'm thinking about jumping to a Mopar, a 1940 Dodge coupe, or maybe I should do the 1954 Chevrolet Canopy Delivery truck first? Long live those inexpensive diecasts to keep the workbench active.
John F. Quilter
Eugene, Oregon USA
Nice conversions John. Keep the pictures coming.
Was the roof on the GFCC Buick a separate piece or did you have to cut it off?
The conversions look fantastic. I am really partial to the yellow Buick convertible.
John Merritt
South Lyon, Michigan - USA