1950s 57 and 58 Eldorado body shell

[Lars Kneller 8246]

My question is are they the same? I know the outside trim is different. A friend needs a rust free 58 Biarritz shell, but 57's seem more plentiful. Thanks.

[Mike Josephic CLC #3877]

Hello Lars.  I checked my master parts book and looked at the
part numbers for front and rear fender panels as a reference point. The part numbers are different, which means there are not identical even though, at first glance, they may appear so.

What those differences are, I can't tell you from the book.

Mike

[Warren Rauch #4286]

    The early part numbers differing  means very little. Try a mid 60's book ,they would be trying to consolidate stock numbers by then. But ,going part by part will take forever.

     Here are some changes that are likely.
     1) the frame was changed for coil springs. Rear body mounts will be different. Likely whole trunk   area
     2) dashs are different
     3) New  Name plates mean mounting holes are different
     4) 1960 Hollander says cowl (different master brake system)and left cowl side panel are different (right is the same),Trunk lids, Quarter panels are different (If your lucky see 3)
     5) 1960 Hollander says Doors and coupe roofs are the same ,also glass wasn't changed on 2dr and conv.

Warren

[Mike Josephic CLC #3877]

Warren, the question was about the body panels.  However,
I agree that even if they were "close" the mounting holes
for trim pieces, etc.  would likely be different.  Also,
it's no surprise about the dash, under chassis, etc.  Many
times two consecutive years of Cadillac look "much alike"
whereas in reality they are not.

The 59 @ 60 Eldorado is one example.  They look very similar
but in fact are quite different.  That's why the 59/60
Authenticity Manual runs over 600 pages.

Mike

[Warren Rauch #4286]

 I know the term BODY SHELL is not a well defined term. There are at least three  popular ways to I've heard to define  it.

   1) the part left when you take every part off of the body that came from the Fisher plant without using a cutting torch.

   2) The above part plus doors and trunk lid and the hinges that hold them in place.

   3) the Fisher body with just all interior parts removed

Terms like rolling chassis, Shell car also make it unclear what is meant. But I take them to mean more of the car. Understanding the post is an art.  Some days, I get it right . Some days I don't.

Warren