<VV> 40 year old convert - Unsafe at Any Speed?

[Garth Stapon]

For me open air motoring can be fun and I do no begrudge anyone that longs for
or owns a convertible.

My problem is with structural integrity (or lack there of) with a rag top.  I
like a roof with an old car as I feel it does a great deal to "solidify" the
car.  This can be especially important when old metal starts to get rusty.  I
have been told in the past that the door pillar that exists in a 4 door makes
it the stiffest platform of all.  Not that I thought much of that when I
bought the car.  I just liked the way it looked.  ( In my opinion, the only 4
door that rivals its looks - in any era is the Jaguar XJ6 - XJ12).  I think
that my Canadian made four door is a rare commodity indeed - as it was one of
less than 900 built in 65 and has the 110 hp engine option with a PG and as we
all know, most late model 500 - 4 doors were not considered worth saving from
the crusher.

I am told that the early model convert was made of heavier sheet metal making
it a more suitable convert - from a structural rigidity stand point.  You
experts out there can confirm or deny this statement.  I do think the 65 coupe
is also a beauty.I think that Mazda stole a page out of GM archives by
building the 97 MX6 coupe a clone of a 65 Corvair coupe. (Am I the only one
that sees this?)

Give me a roof because it makes the car safer (a relative term for a car built
in 65)

Garth Stapon
New Milford, CT
(65 Monza Coupe, 65 - 500 Sedan) Both Canadian Made eH!
Late Power Glide Sedans Rule!