Shadow Convertible question

[DB-Rocket]

Does anyone know if the later model Shadow convertibles still have that big channel riveted to the rockers like my 1991 does?

I took the channel off mine to repair the rocker panels.
The channel looks to be added for complete over-engineering.

I know lebaron convertables dont have all this crap on them.
Just wondering if 1992- 93 models still have the channels that are riveted to the rockers?

[Captain Chaos]

I have a 93, but not sure what you are talking about. Could you give me a pic?

[CoolV300C]

That part did not change for any of the 3 years they made it.

[inmyshadow]

I think he is talking about the thick pieces of metal riveted to the rocker and frame rail of the car.

I wouldn't leave that off. I bet those two long plates provide alot of rigidity. Not to mention a good place to put a jack under. Or a good resting point when you car gets stuck off road. Last one is from personal experience.

[DB-Rocket]

I`ll post pics after work.

I dont plan on leaving it off.
Just wondered if the newer ones still had the pieces.
I know it stiffens the car a huge amount.

[CoolV300C]

There were no significant changes between the 3 years as far as design or structure goes. Just minor cosmetic and engine difference really.

[DB-Rocket]

I guess its because you cant see it on ES models. All the flares hide it.

here`s a pic with it still on the car:
http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/7884/hpim0293rp1.jpg

here`s a pic with it off:
http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/9595/hpim0272qb1.jpg

here`s a pic of the channel only:
http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/1741/hpim0274uy5.jpg

[CoolV300C]

i thought that piece was plastic to hide the mess behind it. Is it metal?

[inmyshadow]

The base convertibles do have a plastic trim pieces to cover up the metal. I have one set here.

Seeing all that rot makes me happy I went to West Virgina for my convertible. My parts car convertible that lived is whole life in New England was just as bad. That was ashame for a car with 88K.

later



i thought that piece was plastic to hide the mess behind it. Is it metal?

[DB-Rocket]

The base convertibles do have a plastic trim pieces to cover up the metal. I have one set here.

Seeing all that rot makes me happy I went to West Virgina for my convertible. My parts car convertible that lived is whole life in New England was just as bad. That was ashame for a car with 88K.

later

Actually I dont consider the car all that bad.
Fairly easy fix for me.

I`m just happy I went a little futher to fix it properly. I was debating on fixing what you see and call it a day, but my conscience wouldn`t let me.

I`ll be sandblasting/fixing and painting everything before putting it back together.

[DB-Rocket]

i thought that piece was plastic to hide the mess behind it. Is it metal?

Yup. Lots of extra metal in there.
Like four pieces per side.