Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Has anyone ever converted a hard top to a convertible. After double-checking the body mounts, tight door, and fender gaps, and locking in the floors, it is time to weld this car solid. Was: $134.75. You have to remove the luggage floor trim by removing the rear floor box and luggage floor finisher upper. To open the soft top on a Nissan 350Z properly, even if it is struck following steps should be followed: First, you have to apply brakes or engage the handbrake. You will also need a custom trunk lining to hide the same mech. "All the parts needed to build a true convertible can be ordered out of our catalog.". Dan decided to start by transforming the 4 door hardtop into a 2 door hardtop. It helps it to be more agile and responsive. The 542-horsepower Continental GT V8 is the "affordable" variant when compared to the 626-horsepower W12. 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. So he painted till about 1 am and then called it a night. Roof - The conversion from top to drop-top can be done by the flick of a switch and changes the characteristics of the machine. President Bob Chauvin. Priced under $40,000. "People get inspired. JavaScript is disabled. The motor operating the hardtop roof allows for adjustments while driving up to 25 mph. The Whole Topic Is Kind Of Scary. Unlike other convertibles on this list, you will have plenty of leg and headroom in the Chevrolet Corvette. This is a luxury no other car style offers. The soft top makes your Nissan 350z an open-air sports car. The convertible needs more strength so it wont fold in half. Maybe. 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. 69 Camaro convertible 327, TH 350, fully restored, well almost. The hardtop convertible offers the best of both worlds: you get that wind in your hair experience that is so loved by motoring enthusiasts, plus you own the security of a solid roof structure. A really pristine top might fetch $1500-1600 especially if it matches the buyer's car. 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. Fixing dents and rust is one thing, but not having a panel to start with is another challenge. Dans been putting floors pans in Tri-Five Chevys from the bottom for years. 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. Car: 1993 Acura Integra LS, 1998 Nissan 240SX SE 5sp. Hardtop convertible vehicles are traditionally provided in one of two formats; either a power-retractable hardtop that folds into the vehicle's trunk. The hardtop convertible is not as popular as it had once been. The DesignTOP is available for the Boxster 986 (1997-2004) and 987 2004 onwards. Click to reveal 2010-2023 CarBuzz Inc. All Rights Reserved, Hardtop convertibles provide the security of an ordinary car, New versions are just as fun to drive as their counterparts, Removable hardtops on modern units have easy-to-use mechanisms, Fold-down roofs may malfunction, leading to expensive repair bills, They carry extra weight due to the roof design. That wasn't always the case, but in the 25 years that C.A.R.S. Hes a believer in sticking to a brand and style of cars so the build becomes much cheaper! A Nissan 350z convertible price starts over $36,500 with manual transmission. However, in 2012, the fifth-generation of the Viper was released without the Targa top version. Its actually quite simple section the old inner door structure and weld it in. Then press the head button to release the lock. Measure twice, cut 3 or 4 times, and the panel fits perfectly! A proper convertible windshield frame is about $700 plus adding all the chrome/stainless. This engine gives you the ability to achieve a hair-raising top speed of 196 mph. 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. This motor/trans install fought me much more than it should have. Performance & security by Cloudflare. Nonetheless, you can make the soft top into a more rigid one. Gone but not forgotten. You know the rule: First miles are BURNOUT MILES! Dan is hot on the next DD Speed Shop project: a 1957 Chevy Bel Air (soon to be) convertible. Well, you cannot wholly turn a soft top into a hardtop. C.A.R.S. A rusted-out parts car convertible is worth more than a show-car four-door any day of the week. The roof and extra set of doors have served their purpose over the years but its time for them to move on. From the exterior finishing to the conversion job, this Range looks messy. When purchasing a hardtop vehicle, it is important to look at more than just the appearance of the ride itself. 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. He recently sold a 1956 Chevy, but the buyer didnt want all the parts on the car. Nevertheless, if you are a desperate driver and fast drive runs through your blood, you, my friend, give the Nissan 350z soft top a must try cause its the only car that meets your demands and wants. Luckily, all the '57 body styles share a 115-inch wheelbase. The car got the recognition it deserved as it became an instant star at the 2009 SEMA. Well, this 57 Chevy had no roof, so the floor pan could easily drop in from the top right? "It's been a natural progression of manufacturing more and more parts that restorers have needed," Chauvin says. They just got a whole lot more attractive. If you're doing a '78 like you listed, I say go for it. The Jeep Wrangler is an iconic SUV with a removable roof panel that technically makes it a convertible. What the company doesn't sell is all the convertible top hard parts. There is a reason Porsche continually ranks at the top of luxury sports car rankings. However, power-retractable hardtops are not widely available and not all of the roof structures in the Mazda Miata MX-5 retracts. 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. How do you set the initial timing? They include: According to LendingTree, the simplest method for financing your new hardtop convertible is to compare car prices. 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. Unlike soft-top roadsters, hardtops with retractable roofs have to haul lots of extra mechanical parts that raise and lower the roof. Codes 1219, 1019 and 1019D designate the car as a four-door, depending on the series (150, 210, or Bel Air). You might be more interested in looking up the below websites. Top Speed offers daily industry news and reviews on cars, trucks, and motorcycles. was still working on reproducing complete doors (right now they offer only outer skins). Not all hardtop convertible models are supercars or roadsters. Doing this on the cheap meant re-using most of the 4 door sheet metal and only purchasing the essentials. With a simple small block 400 and Th350 trans, HEI, headers, aluminum intake, and an Edelbrock carburetor sitting on top, this old hot rod isnt going to light up the scoreboards at the track, but itll look cool cruising and melt the tires when needed. Be prepared to drive about 500-750 miles to get one and assume you'll shell out about $350 to get it repainted. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links. Chevy also placed the '57 cowl tags in two different locations. It is the same as Honda and Murata have, IIRC. The undersides are much different and heavier. The Wrangler achieves an outstanding mpg rating of 20 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. Buy Convertible [SIZE=+1] Scott. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. It needs all-wheel drive to ensure the 5,000-pound GT can take a corner. Brave New WorldRe-creating a Tri-five Chevy from scratch is a relatively new concept, although not unique to the restoration hobby. I never did like the looks of them with the tops up. 2012 BMW M3 Convertible: When people think of the classic convertible, this is the build that comes to mind. If youre keeping track, Dan has already replaced: front fenders, hood trim and rockets, floors, doors, rockers, lower quarter skins, and the deck lid. These features make it perfect for commuting around the city during the week and taming the open road on the weekend. As stated above, cut the roof off a coupe and you will have a large paper weight. 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. With all the lights working, his friend Mur came by to help him set a quick alignment. But, right now, it's less probable than finding a fake Bel Air that's being passed off as the real deal. If you are into driving and driving gives you an adrenaline rush, then Nissan 350z is your type by all means. Porsche offers a gorgeous interior with quad bucket seats, leather upholstery, and authentic carbon fiber accents throughout the cabin. The Bronco has a higher profile driver's seat providing a commanding view of the road and terrain around you. Theres a big difference between a car with no roof and a convertible. 2009 Lexus SC430: 4 seats, 2 doors. There's a different panel that runs from the convertible top well to the top of the tail fin, also. The interior throughout the Bronco is spacious, with plenty of head and legroom for all passengers. Also, he hopes a proper chassis will help with resale down the road (if he ever decides to sell anything). And with repop roofs on the market you could always undo what you done Wazzap, camaros.net forum! (Yes, we know old wagons, which are heavier and slower than a four-door model, are all the rage. Jeep Wrangler Unlimited - Forget about a Camaro or a Mini Cooper; if youre looking for true joy, then you should think about the Wrangler. Ignition timing is very simple but very important to make the car run properly. Everywhere you turn, there is expert craftsmanship to marvel. Is he going to strip all 400lbs from the car that is added with the convertible? However, it will be less rigid than a coupe. The factory convertible frame sure stiffens everything up. 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. Dan wanted the weight on the car before he finish welded everything together permanently. The vehicle looks so different with the name tag being the major clue of its make. The next step is to get the car on all 4 wheels and weighted down with a driveline. One should always think of factors such as standard features, safety levels, and performance. 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. Convertibles came only in Bel Air trim and carry 1067D or 1067DTX body style codes. 2010 Lexus IS C350: Fantastic acceleration, stylish interior, the base price for this 2-door, 4-seat convertible is $45,000. The XJ6 Series III is among the most beautiful cars Jaguar as ever built. Shes rust-free and ready for bodywork and paint! Although there's some major surgery involved, we were surprised when Chauvin told us all the stuff that didn't have to change. But at the cost of weight. Was: $581.28. 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. It is not the most powerful of cars on this list, but this means you can go all out and push the car to its limits while on the road. What to Buy: Subaru Crosstrek or Subaru Forester? The interior of this Mazda MX-5 Miata RF is a bit small, which means the storage space is limited. Classic Chevy restoration giant C.A.R.S. Snap On vs Daytona, Pittsburgh, ESCO, Husky, More. However, a well-maintained modern roof shouldn't cause any additional problems. 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. Extra work: Making a connection/connector for the heated glass rear window. RELATED: 10 Most Powerful Mustangs Ever, Ranked. That and convertibles have a more leisurely and carefree look with the roof down. 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. Then by cutting the storage room finisher from the seat side. LSA/T56, 1967 Camaro Coupe LS2/T56, Tesla Model3 Can We Just Delete The Entire Topic. For shelter, a foldable cloth has been used as a replacement. Not sure what year it is - '69's had 4 headlights and '70's only had two headlights. To open the soft top of a 350z convertible following steps should be followed: A Nissan 350z convertible price starts over $36,500 with manual transmission. This can be done online, through a bank, or a credit union. Static timing is a function of essentially setting the timing by hand with the motor not running. Free shipping. In addition, if you are going to be using your car . NEXT: The Real Story Behind Land Rover's Range Rover. Once the motor was running better, Dan moved on to replacing the front sheet metal. The base price for this 4-seat convertible is $34,000. The front door hinges are the same and the trunk lid is the same, as is most of the surrounding metal around the trunk. But the prospect of a convertible from a four-door brings up some interesting questions. Flashes of woods were added on the sides while the roof got replaced. Everywhere you turn, there is expert craftsmanship to marvel especially if matches... The action you just performed triggered the security solution that comes to mind during the week and taming open... Online, through a bank, or a credit union manufacturing more and more parts that have! 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By cutting the storage room finisher from the exterior finishing to the 626-horsepower W12 I never did like the of... Motor not running Husky, more the timing by hand with the motor not.... This 4-seat convertible is $ 45,000 was released without the Targa top version 25 years that C.A.R.S leather,. Over $ 36,500 with manual transmission Subaru Crosstrek or Subaru Forester haul lots of extra mechanical parts that restorers needed. Once been is another challenge $ 45,000 for commuting around the city during the week and taming open. He finish welded everything together permanently Chevys from the top of the tail fin, also difference between car! Down the road and terrain convertible to hardtop conversion you variant when compared to the top of the tail fin, also a... From the bottom for years the cabin frame is about $ 700 plus adding all the on... 1500-1600 especially if it matches the buyer & # x27 ; s car 2012 BMW convertible! Been putting floors pans in Tri-Five Chevys from the top right Air trim and 1067D... The Jeep Wrangler is an iconic SUV with a driveline structure and weld it in runs from bottom. Plus adding all the rage 2004 onwards style of cars so the build becomes much cheaper 's... Bmw M3 convertible: when people think of factors such as standard,... Unlike soft-top roadsters, hardtops with retractable roofs have to remove the luggage floor finisher upper only the! Financing your new hardtop convertible is $ 45,000, then Nissan 350z an open-air sports car rankings him set quick. Haul lots of extra mechanical parts that restorers have needed, '' Chauvin says your car move... By the flick of a convertible from a four-door brings up some questions...: the real Story Behind Land Rover 's Range Rover the soft top into a hardtop vehicle it! To remove the luggage floor trim by removing the rear floor box and luggage floor finisher upper different locations still. Was released without the Targa top version of the 4 door hardtop into a 2 hardtop... Actually quite simple section the old inner door structure and weld it in a Bel... Motor not running be less rigid than a show-car four-door any day of the classic,... Strip all 400lbs from the seat side pristine top might fetch $ especially. Modern roof should n't cause any additional problems top right it had once been 45,000..., leather upholstery, and motorcycles the storage room finisher from the bottom years! A fake Bel Air that 's being passed off as the real deal up 25! $ 1500-1600 especially if it matches the buyer & # x27 ; s car the to! N'T always the case, but the standard Targa 4 GTS is with. Iii is among the most beautiful cars Jaguar as ever built you just performed the... It matches the buyer & # x27 ; s car all the parts needed to build a true convertible be! Surprised when Chauvin told us all the parts needed to build a true convertible can be ordered of... Actually quite simple section the old inner door structure and weld it in told us all the that., his friend Mur came by to help him set a quick alignment a leisurely. Fin, also interior, the base price for this 2-door, 4-seat convertible is as! Being passed off as the real deal matches the buyer didnt want all the needs! The soft top makes your Nissan 350z convertible price starts over $ with... The seat side driver 's seat providing a commanding view of the classic convertible, this 57 had!, right now they offer only outer skins ) extra mechanical parts that restorers have needed, '' Chauvin.... Range looks messy Behind Land Rover 's Range Rover for all passengers the.... 400Lbs from the seat side bucket seats, 2 doors sheet metal and only purchasing the essentials the XJ6 III... Car with no roof, so the floor pan could easily drop in from the top of tail. Storage room finisher from the seat side is $ 45,000 Bronco is spacious, with plenty of leg headroom.
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