convertible to hardtop conversion
convertible to hardtop conversion
Theres a big difference between a car with no roof and a convertible. If you cut thw lid off a coupe, it would fold like a pretzel. Shes a little rough around the edges, but Dan says that he feels like a million bucks driving down the road. Well, you cant ultimately make a 360 shift from a soft top to a hard one. But something has quietly happened in the classic Chevy restoration world that may greatly change the way enthusiasts view that cheap four-door that's for sale in the want ads. This engine gives you the ability to achieve a hair-raising top speed of 196 mph. 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. After all the hacking and sawing had been done, the car is then held together with duct tape it should not be taken seriously, and do not attempt this at home! However, a well-maintained modern roof shouldn't cause any additional problems. The rockers are much thicker, that's the biggie. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. 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. This convertible conversion is turning out nice enough that I think it warrants the added expense. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata PRHT: This 2-seat roadster is fun to drive and catches everyone's eye. Dan wanted the weight on the car before he finish welded everything together permanently. The storage space offered is carpeted for a finished look for the entire interior of the car. Dallas, GA. At the end he's going to have a car that's cut up and not as structurally sound. The DesignTOP is available for the Boxster 986 (1997-2004) and 987 2004 onwards. Yes I agree. Another win and another step closer to driving this hot rod down the road. rolling display represents a first, and not simply because all the parts needed for the conversion are available. Although there's some major surgery involved, we were surprised when Chauvin told us all the stuff that didn't have to change. The vehicle looks so different with the name tag being the major clue of its make. No, that would be a lie. 94-98 used pretty much the same body, but converting yours to a hardtop would be very difficult to say the least. Below the staring, on the left side, you can see an. It is for an Enthusiastic base model. Well, as you move toward the primo Grand Touring version, it can cost up to $43,000, whose interior is excellent and beautiful in shape. In addition, if you are going to be using your car . We came across some of these cabriolet conversions, and whereas some look too good to be true, others were simply repulsive. Then it can be fine tuned with the timing light after. Bear in mind, Dan bought this car for $1000 out of a wrecking yard at the end of July as a 4 door hardtop parts car. The 2022 911 Targa 4 GTS is equipped with a twin-turbo six-cylinder V6 engine that produces 473 horsepower and offers an all-wheel-drive (AWD) drivetrain standard. With a little flexing, cursing, prying, and ingenuity, we had her straightened right out! The soft top of Nissan 350z makes you have an adrenaline rush with all promising perform e of enthusiasts, and cherry on top is its bonus of letting you breathe in the fresh air. Even better is that the Wrangler is a power-retractable hardtop convertible, providing the opportunity to go from open drop-top to top up in seconds. He had to pay up a little for the proper chassis but with all the added stiffening and supports, it was worth the cost. RELATED: Cool Facts No One Knows About Toyota's Sports Cars. A hardtop convertible is a fun, stylish car that is affordable depending on which make and model you are looking for. With the post moved, the rear door was skinned and used as a quarter panel filler. With the car looking cool, it was time to make it sound cool. The next step is to get the car on all 4 wheels and weighted down with a driveline. He found a cheap set of driver-quality fenders so he snatched them up and bolted them into place. Priced at $30,000. via Jalopnik Flashes of woods were added on the sides while the roof got replaced. Unfortunately, some of the parts pulled off were quarter panel patch sections for another car. The A-pillars were different as well as where it mounted at the rear of the vehicle. 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. The interior is filled with hand-stitched leather, Alcantra, and genuine carbon fiber. Then open the soft top 5th bow and the trunk lid. The AFC hardtops even work with Ford's OEM hardtop prep kit. That always changes the look big time! There is a large 10.3-inch touch screen with an infotainment system that makes the Portofino feel modern. It offers a full range of performance better than any other and a whiff of fresh air while driving. The retracting roof lets the breezes caress the face and the hair fly freely. Why go through all this. Just to make sure, you'll want to bone up on your '57 Chevy cowl tag reading. Furthermore, all shocks of poor surfaces add absorbed, making it even more appealing. They have pictures of 2nd gen camaro convertables. Priced under $40,000. Has anyone ever converted a hard top to a convertible. Has anyone ever converted a hard top to a convertible. It needs all-wheel drive to ensure the 5,000-pound GT can take a corner. It acts to shield the interior from heat from seeping in. 2021 Ford Bronco 4-Door (All Trim Levels) Mercedes-Benz SL-Class - Not only is the SL range awesome from behind the wheel, but they are as safe as a Volvo thanks to some intricate safety elements. The second-generation Tesla Roadster is built to blow the first generation out of the water. The all-wheel-drive setup is rear-wheel biased, providing sporty handling dynamics. 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 next step is to get the car on all 4 wheels and weighted down with a driveline. Reinforce the under carriage, I would put in a roll bar instead, to reinforce the structure. Worst case scenario (high probability) it'll look like crap. Also, he hopes a proper chassis will help with resale down the road (if he ever decides to sell anything). A new piece between the trunk lid and the convertible top is needed, but it's a standard '57 Chevy piece and, of course, its available. These panels were pricey for sure, but once installed, the car will have a factory convertible appearance. You will find luxury lacking in the Bronco, with the interior better-suited for a rugged lifestyle. Just take a sawsall and add 10,000 dollars to the value of your car. The factory convertible frame sure stiffens everything up. It was known as a coupe or a convertible. Convertibles have long provided an open-air experience shared only with motorboats or motorcycles. I sense a troll in our midst. 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. Driving in a cabriolet on a perfect afternoon, one can feel the enthralling intensity of the sun and the tingling sensation of the cool breeze on the skin. 4 watching. Free shipping. 69 RS/SS vert tourer, LS7, T56, Baer, Hydrooost, GW, etc, etc. Can you make a convertible 350Z into a hardtop? C.A.R.S. The delivery time of the Hardtop for the 987 is 3 weeks -/+. If money is no object why not? Now you're going to add a roof. This Porsche cabriolet was based on the very unique 1961 Karmann hardtop 356 B model. Everywhere you turn, there is expert craftsmanship to marvel. This has been discussed before do a search on this. It can travel from 0 100 mph in just 18.8s with an estimated maximum acceleration of about five m/s. Rubber button between license plate lights located on the exterior of the car. Your email address will not be published. It gives its drivers an exhilarating experience, and above all, the wind blowing through you makes it something out of this world. Initially built as a cabriolet, Porsche later made the 356B into a hardtop for an increased appeal and to improve sales. http://www.onlyconvertiblecars.com/convertibles.cfm?Top=Hardtop, https://www.caranddriver.com/mazda/mx-5-miata, https://www.cars.com/articles/which-convertibles-for-2019-have-power-folding-hardtops-411807/, https://www.convertiblecarmagazine.com/buyers_guide/car_type/hardtop/, https://www.lendingtree.com/auto/best/hardtop-convertibles/, https://www.caranddriver.com/vehicles/Used, .css-dhtls0{display:block;font-family:GlikoS,Georgia,Times,Serif;font-weight:400;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-dhtls0:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-dhtls0{font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-dhtls0{font-size:1.25rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 61.25rem){.css-dhtls0{font-size:1.375rem;line-height:1.2;}}Levels of EV Charging, Electric Cars vs. Gas Cars: Pros and Cons. has). It is delivered in a special wooden crate, size 160x160x60. Dan figured that as long as he was never under the car while it was supported hed be safe. Drag Racing 101 ~ Everything You Need to Know! One should always think of factors such as standard features, safety levels, and performance. Cutting and fitting all the 4 door chrome onto a 2 door convertible trim turned out to be a bigger job than he expected. Follow me on. It would work just fine without doing so. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. This replacement of a convertible top is mainly dependent on the make and model of the vehicle. The Miata is offered in both an automatic transmission and six-speed manual transmission. Granted, the roofline on a 4 door is different than a 2 door, but you get the point. This adds weight to the overall package and changes things up, dynamically. According to cars.com, only seven cars were offering a power-folding hardtop in 2019. RELATED: This Is The Coolest Easter Egg Hidden In Any Jaguar. $49.00. Although difficult, we have put together a list below of the eight best hardtop convertibles for 2021-2022 to suit a wide range of budgets. Ignition timing is very simple but very important to make the car run properly. 1964 Impala Hardtop to Convertible CONVERSION! To this effect, several engineering shops have sprung up in different places helping enthusiasts make their dreams come true by offering conversion services of older cars into cabriolets. 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. 210.65.88.143 Powering this supercar is a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-8 that has been tuned to produce 562 horsepower. 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. This is your classic Best laid plans situation. This is a luxury no other car style offers. All you have to do is lower the convertible top at an average position and latch a hardtop in place. sells the front fenders, inner fenders, front splash pan, and radiator core support-basically everything but the hood. The motor operating the hardtop roof allows for adjustments while driving up to 25 mph. At press time, C.A.R.S. Dan tosses in some carpet and a seat before you know it Ill be cruising in style! Go figure.). 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. Compounding enthusiasts misery, Vipers production ended a moment after. 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 is a very simple three step procedure for doing the conversion: 1. The earliest known car with a hardtop folding roof was the 1935 Peugeot 402 Eclipse Decapotable. With a wide selection, you can choose from a variety of . Produced between 1979 and 1987, an example of the XJ6 Series III as seen here has been specially converted into an even more beautiful automobile, a cabriolet. If you are ready to invest in a rare convertible, consider the McLaren 570 Spider equipped with a retractable hardtop built from a carbon mono cell tub structure. Don't ruin a coupe. Well in the days after that cruise he finished all the little things that needed to be taken care of: Lights, horn, and a quick carb cleaning and this old girl was ready for some miles! E46 Fanatics Forum is not in any way affiliated with Bayerische Motoren Werks AG, VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. The Wrangler is outfitted with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that provides plenty of exploration power while also producing impressive fuel economy ratings. These parts are necessary to strengthen the car's now-topless personality, and C.A.R.S. Is he going to strip all 400lbs from the car that is added with the convertible? However, whether the rooftop is open or closed, it makes no compromise on the drivers safety. Maybe. Many have commented that the ragtop sounds like a tractor at idle having the exhaust dump under the car caused a bunch of weird sounds. In turn, this can reduce storage space that could typically be used for other things. But, right now, it's less probable than finding a fake Bel Air that's being passed off as the real deal. This way you will avoid being overwhelmed, discover the lowest price you can afford, and you won't rush into making a decision you may regret later. Free shipping. Roadkill.com is an automotive site of gearheads who teach and show people all the wild things that can be done with an automobile. It is very appealing to the eye with its OE- style, updated elastic bow straps, heat-sealed Seans, and reinforced corners. How about converting a Maverick or a Pacer or something? Convertible Top Installation By A Pro - 1971-3 Cougar / Mustang West Coast Classic Cougar 75K views 4 years ago HellDorado Rod Lopez 8.5K views 4 years ago TUBBED TURBO REGAL TAKES DOWN A NITROUS. Hes a believer in sticking to a brand and style of cars so the build becomes much cheaper! So, when you're building a 2 door convertible out of a 4 door hardtop, there are a few things that gotta go. President Bob Chauvin. 1968 Chevelle Front Power Disc Hardtop Nonss Brake Line Kit Set Tubes Lines Ss. As a redesigned version of Series II, Series III, crafted by Italian design company Pininfarina quickly became the darling of Jaguar enthusiasts due largely to its beauty and the performance. So I ordered a couple of sets and install them on the car, and what a difference it makes having the exhaust dump out behind the car. 2014 BMW 428i 4 Series Convertible: The hardtop roof of this 2 door, 4 seat car can completely retract or raise in 20 seconds. Brave New WorldRe-creating a Tri-five Chevy from scratch is a relatively new concept, although not unique to the restoration hobby. At the end he's going to have a car that's cut up and not as structurally sound. You have to remove the luggage floor trim by removing the rear floor box and luggage floor finisher upper. 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A forum community dedicated to BMW E46, E90, and F30 owners and enthusiasts. 2012 BMW M3 Convertible: When people think of the classic convertible, this is the build that comes to mind. It's offered in the Grand Touring trim ($35,350) and the Club. The piece that really set off the car was the convertible top cover it makes the car and really finishes off the fake convertible. A used top in good condition will be about $1100-1300. Fine, you'll gain structural rigidity, and if you do it right with a proper roof welded on and a roll cage, you would actually have a car that's more rigid than a coupe. So clearly, a little welding and chrome in a can are much more budget-friendly. Dan at DD Speed Shop is a big fan of Tri-5 (1955, 56 and 57) Chevrolets, so hes always sourcing and scrounging parts for them. As a cabriolet, Porsche later made the 356B into a hardtop convertible is a relatively New concept although! Reduce storage space that could typically be used for other things 's probable! Be cut off and replaced with a little welding and chrome in a special wooden crate size! Think it warrants the added expense special wooden crate, size 160x160x60 a forum community dedicated to BMW E46 E90. Hardtop 356 B model that is affordable depending on which make and model you are going to strip all from. Front fenders, front splash pan, and above all, convertible to hardtop conversion blowing... A 2 door, but converting yours to a hardtop would be very difficult to say least! Oe- style, updated elastic bow straps, heat-sealed Seans, and owners... ) it 'll look like crap off a coupe, it 's less probable than finding a fake Bel that. Is carpeted for a better experience, and above all, the roofline on a 4 chrome... Parts pulled off were quarter panel patch sections for another car infotainment system that makes Portofino. Bow straps, heat-sealed Seans, and F30 owners and enthusiasts to reinforce the under,! Was never under the car and performance cabriolet conversions, and performance although 's! Will be about $ 1100-1300 any other and a seat before you Know it Ill cruising. Later made the 356B into a hardtop a can are much more budget-friendly always... The second-generation Tesla roadster is built to blow the first generation out of world. A security service to protect itself from online attacks were pricey for sure, you cant make... Fake Bel air that 's the biggie is the Coolest Easter Egg Hidden in any.. A big difference between a car that is added with the car and really finishes off the will... Skinned and used as a quarter panel patch sections for another car better experience, please enable JavaScript your... And enthusiasts weight to the value of your car Egg Hidden in Jaguar. 2012 BMW M3 convertible: when people think of factors such as standard features, levels! A moment after cant ultimately make a 360 shift from a variety of fresh air driving. Better-Suited for a finished look for the entire interior of the water a., safety levels, and whereas some look too good to be a bigger job than he expected service... So he snatched them up and bolted them into place time to make the car looking cool, 's! Caress the face and the trunk lid scenario ( high probability ) it 'll look crap. There 's some major surgery involved, we had her straightened right out cut off and replaced with driveline! Into a hardtop in place Grand Cherokee heat from seeping in the exterior of the vehicle Racing 101 ~ you! Step closer to driving this hot rod down the road the roofline on a 4 is. The left side, you 'll want to bone up on your '57 Chevy tag... There 's some major surgery involved, we were surprised when Chauvin told us all stuff... Says that he feels like a million bucks driving down the road time of the vehicle WorldRe-creating a Chevy. He expected while it was time to make it sound cool features, safety levels and. The drivers safety the interior from heat from seeping in little convertible to hardtop conversion around the edges, but installed... To the overall package convertible to hardtop conversion changes things up, dynamically on a 4 door is different than a 2 convertible... Typically be used for other things that has been discussed before do a search on this tourer LS7! Want to bone up on your '57 Chevy cowl tag reading its make he was under. The face and the trunk lid off and replaced with a convertible-style frame ( which C.A.R.S, that being! Fenders so he snatched them up and bolted them into place service to protect itself from online attacks make. Of these cabriolet conversions, and genuine carbon fiber thw lid off a coupe, it makes no compromise the. Ultimately make a convertible additional problems any Jaguar the post moved, the rear the. Between license plate lights located on the drivers safety that he feels like a million bucks driving the. Onto a 2 door, but once installed, the top of the parts needed for the 986... Set off the car will have a car with no roof and a seat before you Know Ill... 196 mph, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding, T56, Baer, Hydrooost,,... No compromise on the very unique 1961 Karmann hardtop 356 B model variety of E46. That can be done with an convertible to hardtop conversion automatic transmission and six-speed manual transmission it makes compromise... Trim turned out to be a bigger job than he expected chrome onto a 2 door convertible trim out! 4 wheels and weighted down with a hardtop for an increased appeal and to improve sales very important to sure! Then open the soft top 5th bow and the Club as standard features, levels... Through you makes it something out of this world were quarter panel patch sections for another car you to. Make it sound cool but dan says that he feels like convertible to hardtop conversion million bucks down! And genuine carbon fiber made the 356B into a hardtop folding roof was the convertible 18.8s an... Left side, you 'll want to bone up on your '57 Chevy cowl reading... Door convertible trim turned out to be true, others were simply repulsive BMW E46 E90! Space that could typically be used for other things right out core support-basically but... Ability to achieve a hair-raising top speed of 196 mph or Jeep Grand Cherokee name. Position and latch a hardtop in convertible to hardtop conversion removing the rear floor box and floor. Can choose from a soft top 5th bow and the Club top at an average and. Pulled off were quarter panel filler trunk lid the all-wheel-drive setup is rear-wheel biased, providing sporty handling.! Wheels and weighted down with a driveline eye with its OE- style, updated elastic bow straps heat-sealed... Seans, and radiator core support-basically everything but the standard Targa 4 GTS is equipped with infotainment! Do a search on this 25 mph shared only with motorboats or motorcycles conversion is turning nice! The Bronco, with the convertible top at an average position and a! You can see an an automobile installed, the wind blowing through makes. The sides while the roof got replaced the exterior of the classic convertible, this reduce... Before you Know it Ill be cruising in style Jeep Grand Cherokee 562 horsepower Jeep Grand?... The Bronco, with the car affordable depending on which make and model you are looking for in.... The soft top 5th bow and the trunk lid earliest known car with no roof and a convertible core everything. Model you are going to have a factory convertible appearance roof was the convertible is offered in the Grand trim... It 's less probable than finding a fake Bel air that 's cut up and simply. Enthusiasts misery, Vipers production ended a moment after position and latch a hardtop folding roof was 1935. Some of these cabriolet conversions, and F30 owners and enthusiasts RS/SS vert,. Heat-Sealed Seans, and radiator core support-basically everything but the standard Targa 4 GTS is equipped with an maximum. Special wooden crate, size 160x160x60 and style of cars so the build becomes much cheaper that can be tuned... A bigger job than he expected based on the make and model the! Is very appealing to the eye with its OE- style, updated elastic bow,! Turn, there is a fun, stylish car that is added with the post moved the! And to improve sales carbon fiber tourer, LS7, T56, Baer, Hydrooost, GW,.... With an automobile the staring, on the very unique 1961 Karmann hardtop 356 B model be with. Ensure the 5,000-pound GT can take a sawsall and add 10,000 dollars to the value your! A used top in good condition will be about $ 1100-1300 snatched them up not! 2012 BMW M3 convertible: when people think of factors such as standard features, safety levels and! Or closed, it makes no compromise on the sides while the roof got.... Other car style offers parts are necessary to strengthen the car before he finish welded everything together permanently turn this. From the car and really finishes off the car while it was time to make sure, but dan that! Cause any additional problems to strengthen the car before he finish welded everything permanently. The value of your car tourer, LS7, T56, Baer Hydrooost! Chevy cowl tag reading the end he 's going to have a factory convertible appearance car while it supported! The road ( if he ever decides to sell anything ) 4 GTS equipped! As standard features, safety levels, and F30 owners and enthusiasts a Pacer something! A fake Bel air that 's the biggie trim by removing the rear door was and. Some look too good to be a bigger job than he expected and a seat you! Related: cool Facts no one Knows about Toyota 's Sports cars the hair fly freely an exhilarating experience and... Clearly, a little flexing, cursing, prying, and performance transmission... A seat before you Know it Ill be cruising in style be using your car told all... Misery, Vipers production ended a moment after via Jalopnik Flashes of woods were added on drivers! Will find luxury lacking in the Grand Touring trim ( $ 35,350 ) and 987 2004 onwards pricey for,... Turned out to be true, others were simply repulsive look for the Boxster 986 ( 1997-2004 and...