1941 convertible authenticity

[1941convertible]

How can I check if a 1941 convertible car is an  original convertible o it is a coupe conversion?
I want to buy one for restoration, but I am not sure if it is original or not.
Thank you very much for your help.

Fernando

[Bob Hoffmann CLC#96]

An original car should have a data plate on the LH cowl near the hood hinge. Post what it says. Bob

[1941convertible]

Bob could you please tell me the data that should be at the data plate?
Thanks for your help.

Fernando

[Rusty Shepherd CLC 6397]

Since Bob hasn't seen the data plate question yet, I'll field it: For a 1941 convertible coupe, it should show: Model  41-6267D  (Year-SeriesBodyStyleDeluxe which all convertibles were).  Of course, if it's a closed coupe conversion it could have a reproduction data plate with the convertible body style on it.  If the data plate shows: 41-6227 or 41-6227D, the car was originally a closed coupe.

[1941convertible]

Thank you very much.

[Bob Schuman]

Fernando,
The CLC Authenticity Manual for 1941 models mentions that early 1941 convertible coupes had a 10"x12" heavy steel reinforcement plate welded to the underside of the frame at the X behind the transmission. Later 41 convertible coupes did not have this, but had considerable boxing in of the frame side rails. Closed body styles had neither of these features. Of course, a counterfeiter could make those changes, but that is probably pretty unlikely.
Bob Schuman

[Doug Houston #2257]

It's hard to tell what lengths a butcher might go to in making a convertible from a closed car. The windshield on convertible bodies is considerably lower than on the closed coupe.  He'd have to install the top raising mechanism, and the vacuum plumbing for it.

In any event, the points given above should be a big help.