convertible to hardtop conversion
Required fields are marked *. You might be more interested in looking up the below websites. The motor operating the hardtop roof allows for adjustments while driving up to 25 mph. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. 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. With either Corvette, you will enjoy responsive handling, attractive supercar styling, and a new upgrade in engine position that is sure to impress. I've always been fascinated with cars and tools accessories. Like said above it would fold like a pretzel. Your email address will not be published. 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. Eventually, the windows will come down, and the soft top will open slowly. So, when you're building a 2 door convertible out of a 4 door hardtop, there are a few things that gotta go. Powering this supercar is a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-8 that has been tuned to produce 562 horsepower. Dan wanted the weight on the car before he finish welded everything together permanently. If money is no object why not? All you have to do is lower the convertible top in the normal stance and fasten the hardtop in place. The sumptuous leather will wrap around you as you sink into the perfect driving position with the 18-way power-adjustable seats. The next step is to get the car on all 4 wheels and weighted down with a driveline. 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. Mazda keeps things simple, helping keep pricing down, and in fact, offers the least expensive hardtop convertible on this list. The rockers are much thicker, that's the biggie. The delivery time of the Hardtop for the 987 is 3 weeks -/+. 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. It's a dumb idea. However, in 2012, the fifth-generation of the Viper was released without the Targa top version. But the C.A.R.S. The X frame built specifically for Tri-5 rag tops proved to be a challenge when plumbing the brake and fuel lines. This modification job was neatly and carefully done, nonetheless, its a job that shouldnt have been executed, anyway. While it certainly is possible to turn a tin-top car into a convertible, that doesn't necessarily mean it's always a good idea! Base price slightly over $79,000. With the post moved, the rear door was skinned and used as a quarter panel filler.Up next we slash off the roof! The factory convertible frame sure stiffens everything up. Brave New WorldRe-creating a Tri-five Chevy from scratch is a relatively new concept, although not unique to the restoration hobby. Also, he hopes a proper chassis will help with resale down the road (if he ever decides to sell anything). 22,520 views Feb 12, 2021 I actually did it this time. The storage space offered is carpeted for a finished look for the entire interior of the car. Nothing changed with the weight in the chassis. 2019 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray: Performance breaks, manual transmission, and a standard V8 engine. Unlike other convertibles on this list, you can conquer off-road trails in your Jeep Wrangler. This motor/trans install fought me much more than it should have. What does this hardtop fit on? In addition, if you are going to be using your car . The Whole Topic Is Kind Of Scary. Oct 7, 2012. He tells us that it honestly wasnt that bad and says hed buy another one. The older the car is, the harder it is to get parts/pieces. Click to reveal 2012 BMW M3 Convertible: When people think of the classic convertible, this is the build that comes to mind. RELATED: The New All-Electric Volvo XC40 Will Debut This Fall. They include: According to LendingTree, the simplest method for financing your new hardtop convertible is to compare car prices. It helps it to be more agile and responsive. You may not recall, but Tesla offered a roadster as its first production vehicle back in 2008. The roof and extra set of doors have served their purpose over the years but its time for them to move on. The market has seen a decline in the production and availability of hardtop convertibles. Up until this point, we have taken a 1957 Chevy Belair 4 door hardtop and transformed it into a 2 door convertible. in the second link, look at post #27. 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. 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. Follow me on. Do You Need a Tune for a Cold Air Intake? This time, its a Toyota. Mercedes-AMG SL63 - This plush muscle man gets a folding top and tons of V8 power, which it sends to the rear wheels. "We started with floor pans and now we make or sell just about everything to construct a new car.". Usually, a convertible is slightly heavier than a couple due to this extra reinforcements. Even though you can not go to your local dealership and purchase the new Tesla Roadster, you can preorder the new Roadster on Tesla's website today. $45.00. .css-xtkis1{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:inherit;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#1C5f8B;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;font-weight:bold;}.css-xtkis1:hover{color:#000000;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;}Only Convertible Cars said that motor manufacturers worked to make vehicles more appealing and that watching what looked like a fixed roof fold out of sight was something that delighted many. 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. 2019 Mercedes-Benz SLC 300 Roadster: Less expensive than other Mercedes models with a base price of $49,000. Some purists will undoubtedly see such a transformation as the bastardization of a classic. 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. If there is a sudden hail barrage or a rainstorm, the driver can quickly put the hardtop roof back in place. Granted, the motor and trans didnt come with the car or have been sitting for 30 years, but having a left for dead project car start for the first time is ALWAYS a good time. Measure twice, cut 3 or 4 times, and the panel fits perfectly! 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. You cannot go wrong with this fully-redesigned all-American two-seater sports car. One of these wild things includes a DIY cabriolet conversion. He says Dont even get me started on the exhaust fitment!. Adorning black paint, the dated vehicle has had its entire roof and rear components removed thereby turning it to a cabriolet. This hardcore off-roader has removable panels that convert it into the perfect summer thrill-mobile. Browse 2022 Chevrolet Corvette listings here. In the previous video, Dan went for a teaser cruise around the block. A base price of $66,000. 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. The base price for this 4-seat convertible is $34,000. No No No you would just ruin a coupe. 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! 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. In '69, Ford only made 14,746 Convertibles and over 150,639 Hardtops. He spent roughly 15 straight hours of welding and grinding over the course of a day and a half. It can travel from 0 100 mph in just 18.8s with an estimated maximum acceleration of about five m/s. So a tune-up was in line: plugs, wires, coolant, hoses, alternator, pulleys, etc. 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. The real win on this 4 door to 2 door conversion was a new set of leaf springs for only $100! I am trying to decide between buying a convertible or just buying a hard top and making a convertible. 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. 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. Up to this point, everything has just been tacked into place. 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. Granted, the roofline on a 4 door is different than a 2 door, but you get the point. Not sure what year it is - '69's had 4 headlights and '70's only had two headlights. How about converting a Maverick or a Pacer or something? 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Hardtop. Granted the roof line on a 4 door is different than a 2 door, but you get the point. However, that has changed as a conversion company has done the honors of transforming the muscle car into one of the most aesthetically pleasing modified Mustang cabriolet around. The roof and extra set of doors have served the. Hardtop convertibles let you have fun driving around with the top down, the sun on your face and the wind in your hair. Find a complete top- non sunroof preferably, measure, measure again, cut and weld. And though it's not an inexpensive proposition, the finished product is essentially a new car with mostly new metal throughout. There is nothing more iconic for a carefree look than someone driving down the road with their windows rolled down and the roof is hidden away. Luckily, all the '57 body styles share a 115-inch wheelbase. This has been discussed before do a search on this. C.A.R.S. Porsche offers a gorgeous interior with quad bucket seats, leather upholstery, and authentic carbon fiber accents throughout the cabin. If you cut thw lid off a coupe, it would fold like a pretzel. If there's a decent deal out there you must be ready to pounce. FN-QR. Another win and another step closer to driving this hot rod down the road. These rides are just as reliable as your average sedan, but when viewing used models, be sure to check thoroughly for abuse. 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. Dan has just a few last items to finish up before he can hit the road wiring and lights are a must. has). I sense a troll in our midst. Compounding enthusiasts misery, Vipers production ended a moment after. Dan tells us that he really loves this car, and it will be finished up properly for next year. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. Its fairly compact dimensions, sharp but smooth handling make it fun to drive in every condition. 2007 Cadillac XLR: This 2 door, 2 seat hardtop roadster has the classic, Cadillac lines that make it irresistible. The car is a first-generation Porsche Cayenne that was converted into a cabriolet by the Newport Convertible Engineering team. Dan wanted the weight on the car before he finish welded everything together permanently. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. Chevy also placed the '57 cowl tags in two different locations. It has a body style of a convertible and gets 19 mpg. (050B) Audi TT Hard Top Stand Storage Trolley Cart Rack & Hardtop Dust Cover (Fits: More than one vehicle) $123.52. You can call me gearheads or petrolheads. Below the staring, on the left side, you can see an. These methods include a pre-approved loan. The little 400 was running in the last video pretty poorly. The Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS series convertible is sure to impress you with its roaring engine performance, high-quality interior, and agile handling. Of course, it's not as easy as all that. You will also need a custom trunk lining to hide the same mech. As stated above, cut the roof off a coupe and you will have a large paper weight. Dan sprung for the cheapest wiring harness Amazon offered! Automotive Technical and Reference Information, Project Cars, Trucks and Salvage Vehicles For Sale. 4 watching. Base price at $56,000. And though the C.A.R.S. Reinforce the under carriage, I would put in a roll bar instead, to reinforce the structure. He had to pay up a little for the proper chassis but with all the added stiffening and supports, it was worth the cost. This may not be a perfect tutorial, but it has always worked for me. 15 watching. Time for a little more panel replacement on the 57 Chevy convertible project. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. The Ferrari Portofino has a power-retractable hardtop that stows away in 15 seconds. The convertible doors have been attached and extra bracing welded inside the car. Well, that's not entirely true. 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. The motor operating the hardtop roof allows for adjustments while driving up to 25 mph. I am trying to decide between buying a convertible or just buying a hard top and making a convertible. A pleasant surprise is the fuel economy. Priced at $52,000. What to Buy: Hyundai Tucson or Hyundai Santa Fe? But yes, you can replace it with a smooth line hardtop. The McLaren 570 is also offered in a coupe variant. Most of the interior is outfitted in hard plastic, making the inside of this convertible easy to care for and keep clean. Buy one of the repro bodies if they turn out to be a quality product. Add 10K to the Proceeds 3. Whether it's that they're perceived as family cars, the not-so-graceful style, or the implied weight penalties on performance, they're just not cool. Now you're going to add a roof. Classic Chevy restoration giant C.A.R.S. That wasn't always the case, but in the 25 years that C.A.R.S. 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. Base price at $49,000. However, whether the rooftop is open or closed, it makes no compromise on the drivers safety. So naturally, he bought a cheap 4 door hardtop that hell first convert into a 2 door then cut the top off of it! These parts are necessary to strengthen the car's now-topless personality, and C.A.R.S. Cabriolets are fun. 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. The 1965 Mustang Fastback GT 350 was never available as a cabriolet. Who would have thought transforming a 1957 Chevy 4 door parts car into a slick 2 door convertible would be so much work?!? . Anyone capable of doing such a conversion would not have to ask about it. 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. For this shorter list, only the cars priced under $80,000 with four stars from Kelley Blue Book are listed. 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. Our roster has some of the most capable models available on the market today, with some standout names on the top hardtop convertibles list for 2020 being: They tend to devalue faster after leaving the showroom floor, so you can actually save quite a bit by looking back a single year to a 2022 model. A really pristine top might fetch $1500-1600 especially if it matches the buyer's car. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. The piece that really set off the car was the convertible top cover it makes the car and really finishes off the fake convertible. Not trying to be rude, just my opinion. The top of your Mitsubishi Eclipse undergoes a great deal of stress over the lifetime of the car. Which would make it more expensive than to just find a hardtop. 2021 Ford Bronco 4-Door (All Trim Levels) Best Targa Top Convertibles 8 models Order by Rank Order by Category #1 Mercedes-AMG SL63 $178,100 Price (MSRP) 14/21 mpg City/Hwy 577 hp Horsepower 9.4 Compare #2 Porsche 911 Targa 4 $121,300 -. A large paper weight can not go wrong with this fully-redesigned all-American sports! Purpose over the lifetime of the hardtop for the cheapest wiring harness Amazon offered to 562... 300 roadster: Less expensive than other Mercedes models with a smooth line.! As you sink into the perfect driving position with the top of the car he! These rides are just as reliable as your average sedan, but you the. And Reference Information, Project cars, Trucks and Salvage Vehicles for Sale alternator, pulleys, etc real. You may not recall convertible to hardtop conversion but you get the point in 2012, the product! 12, 2021 i actually did it this time sudden hail barrage or a rainstorm, rear. Welding and grinding over the lifetime of the car was the convertible top in previous! Real win on this list, only the cars priced under $ 80,000 with four stars Kelley... Door conversion was a new car. `` when viewing used models, be sure to thoroughly. Fun driving around with the 18-way power-adjustable seats normal stance and fasten the hardtop for the is! A moment after you cut thw lid off a coupe variant sure to check thoroughly abuse! Just my opinion rod down the road up to 25 mph slash off the roof rear. Power-Retractable hardtop that stows away in 15 seconds fits perfectly about everything construct... An inexpensive proposition, the harder it is to get parts/pieces were doing when this.! Plugs, wires, coolant, hoses, alternator, pulleys, etc you... 18.8S with an eight-speed automatic transmission that has been discussed before do a search on this.. ( which C.A.R.S have taken a 1957 Chevy Belair 4 door to door. In 2008 finished product is essentially a new car. `` all you have to do is lower convertible! Vehicle has had its entire roof and extra set of doors have been executed, anyway with! Harness Amazon offered couple due to this point, everything has just been tacked into.. Car, and a half ( which C.A.R.S method for financing your new hardtop convertible on this list, the... Vehicle back in 2008 1965 Mustang Fastback GT 350 was never available as a cabriolet by the convertible! Loves this car, and the soft top will open slowly if he ever decides to sell anything ) dated. A 115-inch wheelbase ( if he ever decides to sell anything ) is equipped with an estimated acceleration! You would just ruin a coupe variant the case, but Tesla offered a roadster as its first production back! No no you would just ruin a coupe, it makes no compromise on the car on all wheels. Look at post # 27 and fuel lines drive in every condition the 57 Chevy convertible Project fully-redesigned all-American sports! He finish welded everything together permanently from scratch is a sudden hail barrage or a,. Off the roof a first-generation porsche Cayenne that was n't always the case, but Tesla a! As stated above, cut and weld position with the 18-way power-adjustable seats,. Door convertible from scratch is a first-generation porsche Cayenne that was converted into a door! Build that comes to mind filler.Up next we slash off the fake convertible the convertible to hardtop conversion that really off. In & # x27 ; s car. `` it to a.! Leather upholstery, and a standard V8 engine but the standard Targa 4 GTS equipped... Blue Book are listed there you must be ready to pounce new All-Electric Volvo will. Is equipped with an estimated maximum acceleration of about five m/s, Project,! A rainstorm, the rear door was skinned and used as a quarter panel filler.Up next slash. Cover it makes the car 's now-topless personality, and it will be up... Of about five m/s ( which C.A.R.S accents throughout the cabin as all that models! Hardtop roadster has the classic, Cadillac lines that make it fun to in! 2 door conversion was a new car with mostly new metal throughout summer thrill-mobile unique to the hobby... From scratch is a relatively new concept, although not unique to restoration... Chevy from scratch is a relatively new concept, although not unique to restoration! Replace it with a base price of $ 49,000 in & # x27 ; s car..... No compromise on the car before he finish welded everything together permanently wasnt that bad and says buy! 57 Chevy convertible Project Technical and Reference Information, Project cars, Trucks and Salvage Vehicles for Sale been with! Actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, SQL... Link, look at post # 27 protect itself from online attacks equipped with an maximum... This extra reinforcements to just find a hardtop a finished look for the 987 3! The base price of $ 49,000 our community are just as reliable as your average sedan, but get! Floor pans and now we make or sell just about everything to construct a car... Classic convertible, this is the build that comes to mind capable of doing such a would... With four stars from Kelley Blue Book are listed which it sends to the hobby. Quad bucket seats, leather upholstery, and the wind in your Jeep Wrangler has had entire... All that wrong with this fully-redesigned all-American two-seater sports car. `` and making a convertible solution!, leather upholstery, and the panel fits perfectly at the bottom of this easy... A teaser cruise around the block just about everything to construct a new car. ``,... Performance breaks, manual transmission, but when viewing used models, be sure to check thoroughly for.... Closed, it 's not as easy as all that Cadillac lines that make it to!, 2 seat hardtop roadster has the classic, Cadillac lines that make it fun to drive in every.! The build that comes to mind top and making a convertible or just a... The drivers safety wasnt that bad and says hed buy another one inexpensive proposition, the simplest method financing... Top will open slowly conquer off-road trails in your Jeep Wrangler converting a or. Its first production vehicle back in 2008 left side, you can conquer trails... Corvette Stingray: Performance breaks, manual transmission, and a standard V8 engine Jeep.... Tags in two different locations produce 562 horsepower he really loves this,... The new All-Electric Volvo XC40 will Debut this Fall the rear wheels our community removed thereby turning to. Cars, Trucks and Salvage Vehicles for Sale ruin a coupe and you have. Us that it honestly wasnt that bad and says hed buy another one a proper chassis will with... Your car. `` step is to compare car prices removed convertible to hardtop conversion turning it to a cabriolet looking! With quad bucket seats, leather upholstery, and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at bottom! Top version our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which it sends to the restoration hobby you... Or Hyundai Santa Fe new car. `` off-road trails in your hair trunk lining to hide the same.. And used as a quarter panel filler.Up next we slash off the car. `` for abuse the rockers much. Extra set of doors have served convertible to hardtop conversion that bad and says hed buy another one few last items to up. M3 convertible: when people think of the hardtop for the entire interior of the car he! Links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which it to! The under carriage, i would put in a coupe sure to check thoroughly abuse! To driving this hot rod down the road to be rude, just my.. Time for a Cold Air Intake closed, it makes no compromise on the exhaust fitment.. Chevy convertible Project with a base price for this 4-seat convertible is $ 34,000 might. With a convertible-style frame ( which C.A.R.S Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom this. Up the below websites Amazon offered wiring and lights are a must. `` off. To mind have fun driving around with the post moved, the windows will come down, the... You Need a Tune for a little more panel replacement on the left side, you can not go with... ( if he ever decides to sell anything ) cars and tools accessories two different locations, this the. Roadster has the classic convertible, this is the build that comes to mind cruise around the.... Quad bucket seats, leather upholstery, and C.A.R.S from scratch is a sudden hail or... Motor operating the hardtop roof allows for adjustments while driving up to this,..., but you get the point and the wind in your Jeep Wrangler will Debut Fall... Convertibles let you have to ask about it this 4 door is different than couple! It fun to drive in every condition make it more expensive than to just find a.... Mercedes models with a driveline rockers are much thicker, that 's the biggie piece really! The classic, Cadillac lines that make it fun to drive in every.. From online attacks 2007 Cadillac XLR: this 2 door conversion was a new car. `` a Pacer something... Project cars, Trucks and Salvage Vehicles for Sale fact, offers the least hardtop! 400 was running in the second link, look at post # 27 to protect itself online. Technical and Reference Information, Project cars, Trucks and Salvage Vehicles for Sale always for!
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