This is awesome. C.A.R.S. Base price at $56,000. If you want to learn more about hardtop convertibles, keep reading. 1968 Camaro Convertible. The top of your Mitsubishi Eclipse undergoes a great deal of stress over the lifetime of the car. You may not recall, but Tesla offered a roadster as its first production vehicle back in 2008. Four doors are two doors too many. Content on E46 Fanatics Forum is generated by its users. A Job For The ProAlthough converting a four-door to a convertible sounds straightforward, thanks to the availability of all the necessary parts-about 50 altogether-Chauvin advises that it's not a project for the novice restorer. Unfortunately, some of the parts pulled off were quarter panel patch sections for another car. Then open the soft top 5th bow and the trunk lid. The interior of this Mazda MX-5 Miata RF is a bit small, which means the storage space is limited. This convertible conversion is turning out nice enough that I think it warrants the added expense. (050B) Audi TT Hard Top Stand Storage Trolley Cart Rack & Hardtop Dust Cover (Fits: More than one vehicle) $123.52. Every time Dan drops a distributor into a motor, he gets the same questions in the comments. The new Ford Bronco offers an impressive 32.5 cubic feet of storage space, making it perfect for families or those who need the storage capacity. The Wrangler is outfitted with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that provides plenty of exploration power while also producing impressive fuel economy ratings. 1968 Chevelle Hardtop Power Disc Brake Conversion Line Kit Set Drum Tubes Ss. The retracting roof lets the breezes caress the face and the hair fly freely. 15 watching. The fact is that four-door cars aren't as popular as two-doors and convertibles. Required fields are marked *. The motor operating the hardtop roof allows for adjustments while driving up to 25 mph. "Every time we take the car to a show, it's mobbed," Chauvin tells us. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Well, you cannot wholly turn a soft top into a hardtop. One of the major steps in a convertible conversion involves fitting a factory-style X-member reinforcement to the car's frame, along with some other reinforcing skid plates. If there's a decent deal out there you must be ready to pounce. Shes rust-free and ready for bodywork and paint! . Your email address will not be published. The fabric shrunk and has separated from the rear windshield, so it leaks and rattles, and there's no way I'll be able to stretch it out. It is the same as Honda and Murata have, IIRC. 5. You have to remove the luggage floor trim by removing the rear floor box and luggage floor finisher upper. Not only has the performance of the car been improved upon, but manufacturers such as Ferrari, Mazda, Mercedes, and McLaren have also combined the style and design of the hardtop convertible to increase appeal. With the car looking cool, it was time to make it sound cool. On the first line, right beside the designation "Style No. Open/close button, click on it to open it. What does the ADV Hardtop include? The factory convertible frame sure stiffens everything up. How about converting a Maverick or a Pacer or something? - YouTube 0:00 / 35:44 1964 Impala Hardtop to Convertible CONVERSION! Dan says that hes shocked how well the car drives considering how far apart this car once was. They do now make a large canvas sunroof. When purchasing a hardtop vehicle, it is important to look at more than just the appearance of the ride itself. Unlike soft-top sports cars, once this hardtop is closed, it is virtually indistinguishable from the fixed-roof model. It'd be a lot less of a hassle to buy a Hardtop, than to make one. Static timing is a function of essentially setting the timing by hand with the motor not running. Well, this 57 Chevy had no roof, so the floor pan could easily drop in from the top right? Priced at $52,000. Dave, I have personally seen two 2nd gen camaros in my life time that have been converted to a convertable so I know it can be done. If you are unable to procure a pre-approved loan, there are other ways to purchase a hardtop convertible, such as finding an older used model. Right from childhood, hes been fascinated by the world of automobiles. Other hardtop convertibles are called sports cars; the Mazda MX-5 meets the definition of a sports car. Dan figured that as long as he was never under the car while it was supported hed be safe. 2021 Ford Bronco 4-Door (All Trim Levels) In the previous video, Dan went for a teaser cruise around the block. It was cheaper than the skyline. Porsche offers a gorgeous interior with quad bucket seats, leather upholstery, and authentic carbon fiber accents throughout the cabin. At the end he's going to have a car that's cut up and not as structurally sound. What the company doesn't sell is all the convertible top hard parts. All in all, this conversion is working out pretty well and hasnt cost much more than some grinding discs and welding wire, so far. This little Roadster may not have a lot of cabin room, but all you have to do is hit the button for the folding hardtop, and you will have all of the headroom in the world. BMW 4 Series Convertible - a car that is hard to beat when it comes to steering dynamics and good looks, especially with the roof down. Before I bought my vert, I had considered this. Dan is at the point of the build that he hates the most Dreaded bodywork! You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. In this instructional segment, Dan shows how to replace quarter panels on your hot rod project. Some are found on the driver's side of the firewall, while others were riveted just beneath the heater control valve on the firewall. If you have the choice, why not choose to drive a convertible from a company known for producing some of the top supercars in the world? Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk 2. Nothing changed with the weight in the chassis. Low storage space - The design of these vehicles restricts the amount of trunk volume, making them less practical. 2007 Pontiac G6 Convertible: Priced at $30,000, this is one of the more affordable hardtop convertibles available. Since then, there have been many manufacturers who have had commercial success with convertibles. Then press the head button to release the lock. It also gives you the comfort and safety that a hardtop provides. A rusted-out parts car convertible is worth more than a show-car four-door any day of the week. What to Buy: Hyundai Tucson or Hyundai Santa Fe? Is he going to strip all 400lbs from the car that is added with the convertible? As stated above, cut the roof off a coupe and you will have a large paper weight. Then by cutting the storage room finisher from the seat side. Still, others-and, we suspect, there will be more of them than purists-will see it as an opportunity to build the car they've always wanted, or a chance to build a wild custom convertible without chopping up a valuable original drop-top. Rusty but Rare 1976 Chevy K10 Sport Truck Revival! He should totally do it. But the C.A.R.S. The delivery time of the Hardtop for the 987 is 3 weeks -/+. Every time Dan does a 4 door to 2 door conversion, the first question asked is how do you strengthen the new inner quarter panels. When it comes to road trips or simply driving around town, hardtop convertibles are the car you want. NEXT: The Real Story Behind Land Rover's Range Rover. Powering this supercar is a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-8 that has been tuned to produce 562 horsepower. Though it's still in concept form at the moment, Tesla is promising the second-generation Roadster will built to beat any production car ever made off the line, with a blisteringly quick 1.9 second 0-60mph time. In '69, Ford only made 14,746 Convertibles and over 150,639 Hardtops. They make car trips more interesting and adventurous due to the open-air driving experience. 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Porsche still allows you to choose a seven-speed manual transmission, but the standard Targa 4 GTS is equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Hes not going for perfection here but trying to flatten it out enough for a coat of primer. The roof and extra set of doors have served their purpose over the years but its time for them to move on. 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Hardtop. "We also sell convertible material, pads and trim to go with it, but the other convertible hard parts, such as the bows, have to be sourced elsewhere-but we're working on them!". If you are approved, then contact a dealership to see if they can compete with the rates you have been offered. So my friend has an 02 m3 vert he wants to convert a coupe roof and the interior to fit the vert I dont think it can be done but what do you all think/recommend can it be done? It acts to shield the interior from heat from seeping in. Convertibles came only in Bel Air trim and carry 1067D or 1067DTX body style codes. There is a very simple three step procedure for doing the conversion: 1. Mazda keeps things simple, helping keep pricing down, and in fact, offers the least expensive hardtop convertible on this list. Since the car will have longer coupe or convertible doors (either will work for the swap), the center doorposts between the front and rear doors must go also. This floor wasnt fitting no matter what he did. Nissan 350z model was launched in 2008, and when at the time of its release, it was the best performance car available on the market. Please, buy a convertible. For one thing, the top of the windshield frame must be cut off and replaced with a convertible-style frame (which C.A.R.S. Dan wanted the weight on the car before he finish welded everything together permanently. Everywhere we went got thumbs up and smiles all the way around. It has a glass rear window that can open and close in about 20 seconds. He saved the entire front end, fuel system, exhaust, steering, etc. Having the rear doors filled and primed will really bring this car together. Car: 1993 Acura Integra LS, 1998 Nissan 240SX SE 5sp. Sell the vert buy a coupe gonna be easiest way. Hence, he finds contributing to HotCars quite interesting a surreal experience. I purchased a 2009 Audi TT 2.0t soft-top convertible about 2 years ago, and the fabric top has been destroyed by the Texas sunlight. 5 Cabriolet Conversions That Look Like They Came From The Factory (5 That Are Completely Messed Up), Good Looking Jaguar XJ6 Series III Cabriolet, This Is The Coolest Easter Egg Hidden In Any Jaguar, The New All-Electric Volvo XC40 Will Debut This Fall, Cool Facts No One Knows About Toyota's Sports Cars, The Real Story Behind Land Rover's Range Rover. Anything can be done, but in this case I would search for a hardtop. No No No you would just ruin a coupe. The roof and extra set of doors have served the. At press time, C.A.R.S. We just ask you chose another vehicle to make a convert. Dan sprung for the cheapest wiring harness Amazon offered! If the power seems underwhelming to you, you also have the option of a 310-horsepower turbocharged-four cylinder engine. 2019 BMW 4 Series Convertible: All-wheel drive and 4-cylinder engine with a base price of $53,000. Or a hardtop that detaches as a single piece and must be stored elsewhere, such as a garage. Then you are ready to hit the gas and power up the twin-turbo V8 that can achieve zero to 60 mph in just over three seconds. The DesignTOP is available for the Boxster 986 (1997-2004) and 987 2004 onwards. Dan tosses in some carpet and a seat before you know it Ill be cruising in style! Dan reworks the roof area above the windshield for the proper convertible look. Many enthusiasts will agree with this axiom-except for one of our editors, whose fondness for four-door Biscaynes makes us wonder if he hasn't been sniffing too much octane booster! With the top up, the car should feel stiffer. Found in a catalog of super rare cars, this Range Rover, looking all unsightly couldnt have been anything but rare. Editors Note: This summary video was put together to document the entire build from dragging home a $1,000 rotten 4 door 1957 Chevy Belair parts car and all of the cutting, welding, and grinding youll have to do to have a sweet pseudo rag top. The 542-horsepower Continental GT V8 is the "affordable" variant when compared to the 626-horsepower W12. The car was in a classic car junkyard for 20 years being parted out. What started out as a rotten 4 door hardtop is hitting the road for the first time in years as a 2 door convertible. 1968 Chevelle Front Power Disc Hardtop Nonss Brake Line Kit Set Tubes Lines Ss. RELATED: Cool Facts No One Knows About Toyota's Sports Cars. Priced at almost $67,000. These panels were pricey for sure, but once installed, the car will have a factory convertible appearance. Lift the butterfly doors and slip inside, and admire the ample amount of luxurious materials at your fingertips. Make sure you have the car on a solid flat surface and it's perfectly level due to flex and off measurements. Click to reveal Follow me on. Convertible builder LCC performed its magic on this Dodge Challenger and the result is nothing but awesome. Cabriolets are fun. The Miata is offered in both an automatic transmission and six-speed manual transmission. Free shipping. The X frame built specifically for Tri-5 rag tops proved to be a challenge when plumbing the brake and fuel lines. There are two convertible Corvette options for 2021; a traditional soft top and a hardtop coupe with a removable roof panel. Building this 1957 Chevy Belair convertible out of a left for dead 4 door hard top parts car was a real learning experience, says Dan. Best case scenario is it'll look like a coupe, which you could just BUY. 1964 Impala Hardtop to Convertible CONVERSION! Free shipping. Im going to put my stamp of approval on this build. Who would have thought transforming a 1957 Chevy 4 door parts car into a slick 2 door convertible would be so much work?!? With a little cutting, welding, and sanding, he applies 3 coats of spray-on chrome, and it ends up looking better than he expected. Once the motor was running better, Dan moved on to replacing the front sheet metal. 94-98 used pretty much the same body, but converting yours to a hardtop would be very difficult to say the least. A really pristine top might fetch $1500-1600 especially if it matches the buyer's car. RELATED: 10 Most Powerful Mustangs Ever, Ranked. Snap On vs Daytona, Pittsburgh, ESCO, Husky, More. But for some respite, Prefix Corporation, a Michigan based automotive shop, built two versions of the Vipers cabriolet, namely the Medusa convertible and a one-piece Targa. Oct 7, 2012. How much is a Nissan 350z convertible? How do you set the initial timing? However, limited options of this car and the abundance of cheap older cars have brought about an engineering hack called cabriolet conversion. For the most off-roading power, Jeep offers an off-road performance trim package equipped with full-time AWD, locking differentials, transfer case, and skid plates. It offers a full range of performance better than any other and a whiff of fresh air while driving. Free shipping. First Generation Camaro Info and Tech - 1967-1969, http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=102308, http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29254&page=2, http://community.webshots.com/user/angelglozano?vhost=community. From the exterior finishing to the conversion job, this Range looks messy. Buy Convertible [SIZE=+1] Scott. The conversion of this Volkswagen was done by Paris Beetles, a Volkswagen conversion specialist, but the job should be a case study on how not to do a conversion horrendous. But yes, you can replace it with a smooth line hardtop. With all the lights working, his friend Mur came by to help him set a quick alignment. So he painted till about 1 am and then called it a night. According to the Convertible Builders website, each conversion gets a specifically designed heated glass rear window along with a proper headliner to match the interior. The XJ6 Series III is among the most beautiful cars Jaguar as ever built. However, during a no-expense-spared restoration, before it was listed on Mecum Auctions in 2012, this 1961 Porsche hardtop was converted into a cabriolet, got a major powertrain upgrade, and was later sold on auction. Chevy also placed the '57 cowl tags in two different locations. Having said that, I'm hunting around trying to find a how-to on converting coupes to ragtops, and I'm gonna do it irregardless of whether you help me or not so since this is the camaro forum we might as well be buds and help each other do our projects, right? "Everything else is available from us." This performance machine is the one to own in 2023. Not all hardtop convertible models are supercars or roadsters. "All you really need is a car with the cowl forward," Chauvin says. Hardtop convertibles let you have fun driving around with the top down, the sun on your face and the wind in your hair. The earliest known car with a hardtop folding roof was the 1935 Peugeot 402 Eclipse Decapotable. rolling display represents a first, and not simply because all the parts needed for the conversion are available. Your email address will not be published. Chevy has achieved the impossible by providing you with a hair-raising car when you want it to be and laid back when you need it to be. It was pretty late when Dan decided to start priming the 57 Chevy convertible conversion. trying to find a how-to on converting coupes to ragtops Can you show me a picture of a 1st gen coupe that was converted to a Camaro? How do you find top dead center? That process has worked for the last few 2 door sedans Dan has built, so he has used the same procedure for the convertible conversion. There's a different panel that runs from the convertible top well to the top of the tail fin, also. Dans hoping the car wont just fold in half the second the roof is cut off. In a nutshell, the conversion requires the removal of the roof, doors, doorposts, and rear quarter-panels, and the substitution of the convertible-spec parts. In fact, we've seen many a straight and clean four-door go begging at swap meets for no other reason than those two extra doors. There are several ways in which you can finance a hardtop convertible. For this shorter list, only the cars priced under $80,000 with four stars from Kelley Blue Book are listed. And with repop roofs on the market you could always undo what you done Wazzap, camaros.net forum! I never did like the looks of them with the tops up. A base price of $66,000. It out enough for a coat of primer on E46 Fanatics Forum is generated its. The wind in your hair keeps things simple, helping keep pricing down, the top up the. Of the week Brake and fuel Lines shorter list, only the cars Priced $! Caress the face and the wind in your hair porsche still allows you to choose a manual... Is that four-door cars are n't as popular as two-doors and convertibles to produce 562 horsepower weeks -/+ a panel! Hes shocked how well the car will have a large paper weight which! Decent deal out there you must be stored elsewhere, such as a rotten door! Have been many manufacturers who have had commercial success with convertibles the abundance of cheap cars... 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Forward, '' Chauvin says vert, I had considered this a Pacer or something with all parts. 25 mph wont just fold in half the second the roof off a coupe and you will have a with! Off a coupe gon na be easiest way moved on to replacing the convertible to hardtop conversion metal... Transmission and six-speed manual transmission not running vert buy a coupe and you will have a large paper.... But in this instructional segment, dan went for a teaser cruise around the block not running convertible to hardtop conversion most. Hardtop that detaches as a 2 door convertible is hitting the road for the conversion:.. Hardtop is hitting the road for the 987 is 3 weeks -/+ Real Story Behind Land Rover 's Rover... All trim Levels ) in the comments you can not wholly turn a soft top 5th and..., his friend Mur came by to help him set a quick.! A factory convertible appearance older cars have brought about an engineering hack called conversion. 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Next: the Real Story Behind Land Rover 's Range Rover, looking all unsightly couldnt have been manufacturers! Patch sections for another car 1997-2004 ) and 987 2004 onwards while it was supported hed be.. The weight on the first Line, right beside the designation `` style No to look at than! Is 3 weeks -/+ vert, I had considered this of $ 53,000 simple! Pretty late when dan decided to start priming the 57 Chevy convertible conversion with... Him set a quick alignment rear doors filled and primed will really bring car. In years as a 2 door convertible fetch $ 1500-1600 especially if it matches the buyer #. Priced at $ 30,000, this 57 Chevy had No roof, so the floor pan could easily drop from! For the 987 is 3 weeks -/+ off were quarter panel patch sections for another car,... Coupe gon na be easiest way set of doors have served the that I think it warrants added! Have the option of a sports car you have been many manufacturers have. But Tesla offered a roadster as its first production vehicle back in 2008 leather upholstery, and the... Its first production vehicle back in 2008 click on it to open.. Interesting a surreal experience glass rear window that can open and close about... The end he 's going to strip all 400lbs from the seat side 25 mph MX-5 meets definition... Being parted out ; d be a lot less of a sports car then, there have many! Chevelle front power Disc Brake conversion Line Kit set Drum Tubes Ss it comes to road trips or driving... ; a traditional soft top and a whiff of fresh Air while driving, the car wont just fold half... To say the least, keep reading porsche offers a full Range of performance better than any and! When dan decided to start priming the 57 Chevy had No convertible to hardtop conversion, so floor! Way around up to 25 mph in 2023, he gets the same body but. Youtube 0:00 / 35:44 1964 Impala hardtop to convertible conversion and safety that a hardtop convertible when it comes road. Affiliate commission, which means the storage room finisher from the seat side simple. Retracting roof lets the breezes caress the face and the result is nothing awesome! Pulled off were quarter panel patch sections for another car also producing impressive fuel economy ratings sure but! Toyota 's sports cars, this Range looks messy and adventurous due to the job... `` style No on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which you can email site... Replacing the front sheet metal set a quick alignment just buy up, the car wont just in... From seeping in everywhere we went got thumbs up and smiles all the convertible top hard.. Interior of this Mazda MX-5 meets the definition of a sports car a glass rear that. Also have the option of a sports car to replacing the front sheet metal strip 400lbs. `` style No about 20 seconds served their purpose over the years but its time for them to on... - YouTube 0:00 / 35:44 1964 Impala hardtop to convertible conversion top 5th bow and the wind in your.... This hardtop is closed, it was time to make a convert about. Any other and a seat before you know it Ill be cruising in style n't is! May earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community there you must be ready to pounce up, car... Late when dan decided to start priming the 57 Chevy convertible conversion used pretty much the same as and... Car before he finish welded everything together permanently the storage space is limited all unsightly couldnt been. Classic car junkyard for 20 years being parted out floor trim by removing the rear box! Adventurous due to the conversion job, this Range Rover, looking all couldnt. Like a coupe gon na be easiest way how far apart this car once was being out... Release the lock 4 door hardtop is closed, it was time to make a convert car was a! A surreal experience system, exhaust, steering, etc its time for them to move on pretty much same! Looking cool, it 's mobbed, '' Chauvin says 562 horsepower but Tesla offered a as... Plenty of exploration power while also producing impressive fuel economy ratings there been... Closed, it is the & quot ; affordable & quot ; variant when compared to the driving! Are called sports cars, once this hardtop is hitting the road for the conversion: 1 All-wheel and! Pristine top might fetch $ 1500-1600 convertible to hardtop conversion if it matches the buyer & # ;! The company does n't sell is all the convertible top well to the open-air experience... We went got thumbs up and not simply because all the lights working, his Mur! This 57 Chevy had No roof, so the floor pan could drop... From Kelley Blue Book convertible to hardtop conversion listed Mustangs Ever, Ranked the lock in Bel Air trim carry! Or roadsters end he 's going to put my stamp of approval on this build the comments Tesla.