I know most of you dislike lowriders but this is what some of us go through to build a clean lowrider.
Here is where it started.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/HPIM0194.jpg

First extended skirts.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/HPIM0195.jpg
Then new E&G grille and continental kit
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/HPIM0240.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/HPIM0239.jpg

Then added a nice built in sub box port through with a kenwood double din tv dvd played
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/HPIM0206.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/HPIM0212.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/HPIM0211.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/HPIM0209.jpg

Disassembly for paint, and frame removal.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/HPIM0378.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/HPIM0358.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/HPIM0375.jpg

New custom built Zenith wheels.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/Picture024.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/Picture023.jpg

Here is the frame getting pulled. How many of you guys have done this?
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/Picture004.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/Picture005.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/Picture008.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/Picture009.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/Picture011.jpg

Thats it for now, frame is sandblasted and about to start giving it a full wrap. More pics to come.

Looks good. What's entailed in the body off frame removal?The frame is sandblasted and will be reinforced on all 4 sides in mainly 1/4 inch steel and a little 3/8, and then it will be ground smooth and painted. Here is my freinds frame for his regal it was flaked and candied, mine will be black with some subtle silver and chacoal patterns.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/HPIM0219.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/HPIM0214.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/HPIM0226.jpg

Just got the body back to my house on the dolly, ready to start some real work.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/Picture034.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/Picture033.jpg

Anyways back to the topic at hand, im trying to decide what kind of patterns I would like to lay out on the roof. How about some suggestions?
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/l_b77660fd3143473a5eecb2c4adc41ad5.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/l_fd661cccaaac6209657bbc594e140a53.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/l_47f6d276fc867845117f43d5cb667d85.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/eddiespictures225ia2.jpg

Put in a little work last night, to cold only 20 degrees outside, going to get a new heater this weekend so its a little warmer. Anyways started stripping the foam off, and pulled the rear window trim off.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/Picture036.jpg

Anyways back to the topic, here is an update of the continental kit, not done but its getting there.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/Picture046-1.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/Picture045.jpg

Just got these today, soon they will get smoothed out and painted up like the continental kit.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/Picture.jpg

Some frame work getting done.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/1214071230b-1.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/1217071451-1.jpg

Wont have any updates for about a week, taking a little time off.

bullshit removed. dont start it again folks

bullshit removed. dont start it again folksThank you sir.

To be honest with you it personally not my cup of tea, But I really admire the work you put into a project like that. It takes alot of time, dedication and money. I hope it turns out how for you the way u want it to. keep the pics coming and keep us posted. I respect anyone that puts time into car even if it isn't my personal style. To each his own. what do you have planned for the interior? what kind of in-dash is that?
Have you ever seen a SLABed out Fleetwood?
-Steve

How did you do the frame like that? Looks darn sharp. I would love to do it in Cadillac FireMist Grey...with a bunch of metallic added....

How hard is it to get these cars body off the frame? Do you ever have problems breaking the body to frame bolts?

To be honest with you it personally not my cup of tea, But I really admire the work you put into a project like that. It takes alot of time, dedication and money. I hope it turns out how for you the way u want it to. keep the pics coming and keep us posted. I respect anyone that puts time into car even if it isn't my personal style. To each his own. what do you have planned for the interior? what kind of in-dash is that?
Have you ever seen a SLABed out Fleetwood?
-SteveThanks, not alot with the interior maybe some black inserts, little touches here and there, I really like the way it is stock.

How did you do the frame like that? Looks darn sharp. I would love to do it in Cadillac FireMist Grey...with a bunch of metallic added....

How hard is it to get these cars body off the frame? Do you ever have problems breaking the body to frame bolts?Its not really hard just alot of wiring to disconnect, the body bolts come out no prob, if you have a hoist it makes the job alot easier..

I tried getting mine off, pass side was easy, driver's side I was very scared that I was going to break them. Can I get to the top to put on penetrating oil?

I tried getting mine off, pass side was easy, driver's side I was very scared that I was going to break them. Can I get to the top to put on penetrating oil?No you cant its inside the body. Not really sure what to tell ya, I guess just ease them out slowly.

Much respect due.

Much respect due.Thank you.

Super nice ride!!

Lookin sweet!! Let me know when you can do mine! :cool2:

Point of curiosity:
Why the small wheels? Wouldn't that interfere with any vertical movement that larger tires might actually accentuate?

Point of curiosity:
Why the small wheels? Wouldn't that interfere with any vertical movement that larger tires might actually accentuate?Thanks for all the positive comments guys. Most lowriders these days only roll 13s or 14s, its just the style, I would never ride a rim bigger than a 14 I just prefer the look more.

I tried getting mine off, pass side was easy, driver's side I was very scared that I was going to break them. Can I get to the top to put on penetrating oil?

Yes, but you have to drill a small hole in the trunk/floor to get the penetrating spray on them. If you hit them with an impact, they should spin out. Don't do them by hand - that is the way they break.

509 - well done. The ride is going to be tight.

Those electric impacts work enough? I do want an air impact, but need the compressor too....

Hey 509, can you do me a BIG favor? Take me a good picture(s) of the level ride compressor. I need to get mine out and can't seem to get things loose there to get to it.
That is, if you have it still exposed....

Thanks!!

If you hit them with an impact, they should spin out. Don't do them by hand - that is the way they break.

I must disagree The proper way is by hand but you must back off... tighten... back off... tighten... back off... etc. while keeping everything wet with penetrating oil. By using an impact you will not be able to feel the bolt binding up and you risk breaking the bolt or ruining the threads. By using the back and forth method you will be able to feel when it does not want to budge.

If the initial breaking loose is the problem then let it soak for a day or two, by soak I mean spraying whenever you have a chance. Letting it soak for that long should allow it to break free, if not... shoot it with a propane/MAPP torch... preferably MAPP, it will break free as if it were never stuck :)

I personally use anti-seize compound on every bolt I have ever had to remove on my vehicles (except for ones that require a sealant or loc-tite), I suggest such a practice.

Hey 509, can you do me a BIG favor? Take me a good picture(s) of the level ride compressor. I need to get mine out and can't seem to get things loose there to get to it.
That is, if you have it still exposed....

Thanks!!Its already removed, do you just need to know how it mounts?

Looks good. Keep us posted. I'm also interested in what the finished product will look like INSIDE...

Looks good. Keep us posted. I'm also interested in what the finished product will look like INSIDE...Will do Sal

KEEP ME POSTED!!! lol i cant wait to see what it will look like lol... how much longer till its done???

Camera phone pic, all done with the silver and gold leaf, sprayed some overreduced black over some of the leaf to give it a differant look. Will have good pics tuesday.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/kit.jpg

Yes, please. I need to get mine out, but can't seem to figure out how.

It was sooo nice and warm today, I got up under there some, but not around the compressor.

Do you deal with cars with much rust at all? I am seeing the north take some serious toll on mine and it is depressing....

Its already removed, do you just need to know how it mounts?

Seeing that picture of the body on the dolly, I just GOTTA ask:
is the body rigid or floppy without the frame?
Can you compare the Fleetwood to other vehicles you or others have done as low riders as far as body stiffness?

Seeing that picture of the body on the dolly, I just GOTTA ask:
is the body rigid or floppy without the frame?
Can you compare the Fleetwood to other vehicles you or others have done as low riders as far as body stiffness?It seems pretty firm, nothing is sagging doors close good. Most others I have seen are pretty much the same, no sagging probs.

Then have you guys done any unit bodies?

Then have you guys done any unit bodies?You mean put hydraulics on a unibody?

Can you and keep it together?

PRECISELY!:yup:

Looking good, i just did a frame off on my 83 Fleetwood to a 91 Fleetwood, A Lot Of Work !! Especially by yourself, so much props! keep the pics coming!

PRECISELY!:yup:I have had 2 unibody cars with hydraulics in the past, one honda one volkswagon, the volks was a bad idea, I tore that car up, the honda on the other hand road very nice and held up just fine, honda has a pretty cool suspension that has an upper control arm making it really easy to put hydraulics on, I also ran only 2 batts, it was quik but didnt hurt the car at all.

All done.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/Picture055.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/Picture050.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/Picture056.jpg

Is that silver leafing on the inner lip?

Is that silver leafing on the inner lip?Ya there is silver leaf in between the black and silver all the way around.

Nice looking continental kit. I like the color combination a lot. The design is a little too complex for my taste.

How about this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzIFbb75IJs&feature=related

To lose some weight, he can ditch the spare AND jack!!!

How about this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzIFbb75IJs&feature=related

To lose some weight, he can ditch the spare AND jack!!!Lol, ya my old fleet would park like that but this one wont.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/good.jpg

I'm just curious, why are the luxury/large cars prime target for lowriding? Cadillacs, Lincoln towncars, etc. They're rather large and seem to have a generation gap. Are there any lowrider Mustangs, Chevelles, LeSabres, or even stuff like Civics, or Galants? I'm not trying to be rude, but how come lowriders are the huge "little old lady cars" so many times? I mean, I see so many Fleetwood lowriders, but never any Buick Electra or Century lowriders

they tend to stick to the RWD full size cars because they got frames

Oh, that I did not know. Thanks. But are you saying smaller cars don't have frames? Or they're just not removable/alterable?

I'm just curious, why are the luxury/large cars prime target for lowriding? Cadillacs, Lincoln towncars, etc. They're rather large and seem to have a generation gap. Are there any lowrider Mustangs, Chevelles, LeSabres, or even stuff like Civics, or Galants? I'm not trying to be rude, but how come lowriders are the huge "little old lady cars" so many times? I mean, I see so many Fleetwood lowriders, but never any Buick Electra or Century lowridersAmerican rear RWD full frame cars are the most desirable, there is others but mustangs , chevelles and lesabres are not popular, imports are not either, they were in the late 80s early 90s but not anymore.

They don't have, they are unibodies, the body and frame are one in the same. Good and bad, they have advantages and drawbacks.....

They are getting stiffer, but you are paying for it in ride and noise too. Go ride in a newer unibody car down a noisy road, and then do it in a full frame Cadillac.... Now you know why those people keep driving in the left lane..... Noise and harshness....

Oh, that I did not know. Thanks. But are you saying smaller cars don't have frames? Or they're just not removable/alterable?

A couple of frame updates.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/Picture068.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/Picture067.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/Picture066.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/Picture063.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/Picture062.jpg

So you're reinforcing it? That car was heavy enough as it was; what will it weigh when your done? :eek:

So you're reinforcing it? That car was heavy enough as it was; what will it weigh when your done? :eek:Around 6,000

Im interested in this part of making a lowrider. 509, when you reinforce the frame are you just basically boxing the entire frame including the members or is it more complicated than that? Also, do you recommend reinforcing the frame for cars not used for lowriding? what are the benefits? Does it hurt the ride? how much weight does it add to the car?

Im interested in this part of making a lowrider. 509, when you reinforce the frame are you just basically boxing the entire frame including the members or is it more complicated than that? Also, do you recommend reinforcing the frame for cars not used for lowriding? what are the benefits? Does it hurt the ride? how much weight does it add to the car?

you can probably use thinner metal, but its still going to weight some

Im interested in this part of making a lowrider. 509, when you reinforce the frame are you just basically boxing the entire frame including the members or is it more complicated than that? Also, do you recommend reinforcing the frame for cars not used for lowriding? what are the benefits? Does it hurt the ride? how much weight does it add to the car?Ya you basically box the whole frame, its not real complicated if you know metal but it is real time consuming. I dont think its really going to benefit wrapping a stock caddy frame, they are pretty good from the factory, if your not putting hydraulics on it.

The hydro hopping would cause twisting in the rails without the reinforcing, otherwise it's not really neccesary.

I would expect additional cross-members are necessary as well?

I would expect additional cross-members are necessary as well?Nope

Hey I'm just curious, does anyone ever put hydraulics on the rear to make it jump, too? Because then you could make the whole car come off the ground! If those pumps can lift the engine bay, then they can certainly lift the trunk, even with a few batteries. Has it ever been done? I'd like to do it on the highway, then it would be like hopping. But I wouldn't try to go over traffic. :D

Hey I'm just curious, does anyone ever put hydraulics on the rear to make it jump, too? Because then you could make the whole car come off the ground! If those pumps can lift the engine bay, then they can certainly lift the trunk, even with a few batteries. Has it ever been done? I'd like to do it on the highway, then it would be like hopping. But I wouldn't try to go over traffic. :DYes it can be done, hopping the rear causes alot more damage as weird as that sounds, even with a fully wrapped frame you can break axle shafts housings, buckle quarter panels, front end is much more durable.

Some frame updates.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/Picture098.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/Picture099.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/Picture101.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/Picture103.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/Picture104.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/Picture105.jpg

I absolutely gotta chuckle at the idea of some of the gestapo-type DMV inspectors here in Connecticut should he encounter one of 509's lowriders should it ever be imported into this state.
Some of those I've seen would crawl under the car, take one look at the frame and go positively Able Sugar, sayng something like:
"Whaddaya mean? Cadillac never painted their frames candy apple red!" as he drooled down his uniform.
I really wonder if they'd simply say it wouldn't pass because it "wasn't stock" despite the fact that you could probably drive through a brick wall.
But on a more serious vein, do any of you guys ever fill the fully boxed frame members with foam for quiet and maybe a tiny bit more rigidity?
Here in winter, salt-on-the-roads New England, that would keep rust from growing inside, too.

I absolutely gotta chuckle at the idea of some of the gestapo-type DMV inspectors here in Connecticut should he encounter one of 509's lowriders should it ever be imported into this state.
Some of those I've seen would crawl under the car, take one look at the frame and go positively Able Sugar, sayng something like:
"Whaddaya mean? Cadillac never painted their frames candy apple red!" as he drooled down his uniform.
I really wonder if they'd simply say it wouldn't pass because it "wasn't stock" despite the fact that you could probably drive through a brick wall.
But on a more serious vein, do any of you guys ever fill the fully boxed frame members with foam for quiet and maybe a tiny bit more rigidity?
Here in winter, salt-on-the-roads New England, that would keep rust from growing inside, too.We dont have inspections here, but have had a few friends get there cars impounded, and had to remove there hydraulics before they could drive them again, but Washington passed a new law that makes them legal to have now. Never seen a foam filled frame it will be rigid enough when its done thats for sure

I'm glad you guys got such a law passed.
Now look at the crap a fellow has to go thru regarding the 4100 when it dies, or even the V-8-6-4 and you want to put another powerplant under the hood.
What is absolutely insane is the fact that IT DOESN'T MATTER IF THE REPLACEMENT MOTOR IS MORE FUEL EFFICENT AND LESS POLLUTING.
THE NAZIS SAY YOU CAN'T IF IT ISN'T STOCK!
That's totally stupid!
Our government is BEYOND OUT OF CONTROL!
No, I'm not one of those simply saying everything is "Bush's fault."
This kind of crap is at every level of government.
Every petty bureaucrat seems to have a hard on for every civilian they encounter and love to throw their weight around.
My own last experience was when I tried to have a shed built and the inspector said the shed had to "withstand 90mph winds."
Yup,, just like Florida hurricanes, right here in the middle of Connecticut.
Nobody at Lowes ever heard of that, so I cancelled the order for their building.
But that kind of mentality is raging throughout the entire governmental structure, from top to bottom AND IT'S GETTING WORSE.:rant2:

Nice car, and nice build, i have always liked lowriders, but u dont see much of them here, hardly any,

is it hard to put airride on this car ?
or u know any supplier that have "bolt on" what u need.

keep it up

Have not updated for a while, here is some more pics of my frame its getting real nice and smooth getting close to powdercoat soon.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/Picture123.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/Picture124.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/Picture125.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/Picture126.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e161/509rider/Picture127.jpg

Would I ever love to take my frame to you just to fully box it and stiffen it! That would really help the FW be a worthy handling car! (yes, I like to burn corners in my Caddy too.....the long wheelbase is actually a wonderful chassis to learn good cornering on and modulating the power to go through a corner faster than you normally would)

You are doing awesome work 509!

WOW!
Question on POWDERCOAT.
Do you guys have access to an oven big enuf to get the whole frame inside?:confused:

Wow. I love your work. I have always liked lowriders but I love original integrity more. Beautiful work. Keep it up!

Thanks guys, and yes we has a place that has an over big enough for frames.

509, now that the frame is reinforced, what is the thickness of the metal in the side rails?

Its all 1/4 except the crossmember its 3/8s as is the inside of the rear humps.