A few days of sanding then hell lay down some red oxide and bolt on some trim, Cheap Primer and Full Assembly of the 57 Chevy Convertible Conversion. Lets see if it is your cup of tea. 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. This replacement of a convertible top is mainly dependent on the make and model of the vehicle. Codes 1219, 1019 and 1019D designate the car as a four-door, depending on the series (150, 210, or Bel Air). How do you know where to drop it in? 2014 BMW 428i 4 Series Convertible: The hardtop roof of this 2 door, 4 seat car can completely retract or raise in 20 seconds. I Cant See What Im Welding ~ Welding Helmet Shade Number Chart, DIY 50 Retractable Cord Reel for 240 Volt Welder and Plasma Cutter, An Online Magazine for DIY Hot Rod Builders. Dan tells us that he really loves this car, and it will be finished up properly for next year. A used top in good condition will be about $1100-1300. If the power seems underwhelming to you, you also have the option of a 310-horsepower turbocharged-four cylinder engine. Convertibles have long provided an open-air experience shared only with motorboats or motorcycles. 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. Or a hardtop that detaches as a single piece and must be stored elsewhere, such as a garage. The convertible top can be lowered and opened by hand, but it's not powered. 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. With a little flexing, cursing, prying, and ingenuity, we had her straightened right out! This may not be a perfect tutorial, but it has always worked for me. JavaScript is disabled. One of these wild things includes a DIY cabriolet conversion. This convertible conversion is turning out nice enough that I think it warrants the added expense. A rusted-out parts car convertible is worth more than a show-car four-door any day of the week. 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. Now, if C.A.R.S. He recently sold a 1956 Chevy, but the buyer didnt want all the parts on the car. Then you,my friend, are in pure need to try the Nissan 350z soft top. Eventually, the windows will come down, and the soft top will open slowly. "Everything else is available from us." Real World Hagerty Collector Car Insurance Claim Experience, How To Be Prepared For A Dyno Session And Not Waste Your Money, Holey Goat Father/Son Texas Road Trip 5 Days, and 2000+ Miles, Are You Killing The Hot Rod Community? Well, that's not entirely true. 592 Dislike. The convertible needs more strength so it wont fold in half. This is your classic Best laid plans situation. How do you find top dead center? Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. As stated above, cut the roof off a coupe and you will have a large paper weight. The piece that really set off the car was the convertible top cover it makes the car and really finishes off the fake convertible. It's a great idea. Spare parts! 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. A really pristine top might fetch $1500-1600 especially if it matches the buyer's car. [/SIZE] thedugan Registered Yes I agree. Initially built as a cabriolet, Porsche later made the 356B into a hardtop for an increased appeal and to improve sales. Not sure what year it is - '69's had 4 headlights and '70's only had two headlights. This two-seater boasts a mid-engined 490 horsepower V8 paired with a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transmission. 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. It acts to shield the interior from heat from seeping in. Unlike soft-top roadsters, hardtops with retractable roofs have to haul lots of extra mechanical parts that raise and lower the roof. Autolist is building a better automotive buying experience for everyone, by offering the best apps and the largest selection of new and used cars in the United States. 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. It can travel from 0 100 mph in just 18.8s with an estimated maximum acceleration of about five m/s. 2021 Ford Bronco 4-Door (All Trim Levels) It also gives you the comfort and safety that a hardtop provides. Hardtop convertibles let you have fun driving around with the top down, the sun on your face and the wind in your hair. Dan is at the point of the build that he hates the most Dreaded bodywork! I am trying to decide between buying a convertible or just buying a hard top and making a convertible. "It's really a new day for classic Chevy enthusiasts who've always wanted a convertible," says C.A.R.S. President Bob Chauvin. So naturally, he bought a cheap 4 door hardtop that hell first convert into a 2 door then cut the top off of it! How much is a Nissan 350z convertible? Theres a big difference between a car with no roof and a convertible. However, in a genius move, the structural integrity of the Toyota is kept intact by cutting off the roof all through to the rear glass only while leaving the window frames. Just take a sawsall and add 10,000 dollars to the value of your car. Starting From ScratchOr, at least, re-create one in the owner's image of what he always wanted. 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. Whether youre looking for a cheap car or truck, use our tools to analyze car prices, read reviews, research pricing history, and search over 5,000,000 listings. Convertible cars give a sense of freedom and excitement. There is also ample storage space. This is awesome. The Roadster is equipped with a three-motor Plaid powertrain that features one front and two rear electric motors with an 800-1,000 horsepower total output. Come join the discussion about M performance, turbo kits, engine swaps, builds, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more! Sawsall makes a hardtop of anything into a convertible. There are several small components that go into the frame, but they're all incorporated into the replacement part-simply hack off the old frame at the appropriate location and weld in the new piece. Then press the head button to release the lock. However, power-retractable hardtops are not widely available and not all of the roof structures in the Mazda Miata MX-5 retracts. Roadkill Customs has evolved from local hot rod shop to online how-to magazine for budget-minded do-it-yourself hot rod builders and enthusiasts. A hardtop convertible is a fun, stylish car that is affordable depending on which make and model you are looking for. 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 -. That always changes the look big time! Lift the butterfly doors and slip inside, and admire the ample amount of luxurious materials at your fingertips. 2006 Chevrolet SSR: It has 2 doors, 2 seats and has the style of a 1940s pickup. 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! 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. $45.00. Hardtop convertibles with retractable covers have been known to malfunction, but there is usually an override function that allows the top to be folded manually. With a wide selection, you can choose from a variety of . Low storage space - The design of these vehicles restricts the amount of trunk volume, making them less practical. It has been designed for passionate drivers with a passion. Apr 26, 2017. 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. With the car looking cool, it was time to make it sound cool. The convertibles are made completely different in the area the top stows in. Thats a lot of new sheet metal on an old car. Everywhere you turn, there is expert craftsmanship to marvel. Audi TT Hardtop Conversion. The earliest known car with a hardtop folding roof was the 1935 Peugeot 402 Eclipse Decapotable. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. If you are into driving and driving gives you an adrenaline rush, then Nissan 350z is your type by all means. Such a score, especially in a time where lots of parts (including tri 5 leaf springs) are on backorder! Base price at $26,000. Inc. built it strictly with replacement parts off its shelves. So, when youre building a 2 door convertible out of a 4 door hardtop, there are a few things that gotta go. D. Its all welded, seam-sealed, and painted. We just ask you chose another vehicle to make a convert. Some are found on the driver's side of the firewall, while others were riveted just beneath the heater control valve on the firewall. 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. 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Hardtop. The convertible variant was introduced for the 2019 model year. Will unscrupulous builders try to pass off a re-constructed four-door as the real thing? 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 Roadster: A 2-seat roadster that offers long-term reliability. Please, buy a convertible. However, a well-maintained modern roof shouldn't cause any additional problems. You will appreciate the luxury Ferrari has built into the interior. Jeep Wrangler Unlimited - Forget about a Camaro or a Mini Cooper; if youre looking for true joy, then you should think about the Wrangler. Ive seen them as low as 1500 on cl. I never did like the looks of them with the tops up. And though it's not an inexpensive proposition, the finished product is essentially a new car with mostly new metal throughout. Windshields are the same. 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. Since turning the 4 door into a 2 door, he really wanted the back doors filled and primed. 2007 Pontiac G6 Convertible: Priced at $30,000, this is one of the more affordable hardtop convertibles available. When purchasing a hardtop vehicle, it is important to look at more than just the appearance of the ride itself. This time, its a Toyota. Make sure you have the car on a solid flat surface and it's perfectly level due to flex and off measurements. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. 57," is a four-digit code for the body style. Still, cloth-top convertibles also present a safety risk both in structural design and theft ability. Chevy also placed the '57 cowl tags in two different locations. 69 Camaro convertible 327, TH 350, fully restored, well almost. One should always think of factors such as standard features, safety levels, and performance. Toyo Open Country mt vs Nitto Trail Grappler, Power Stop Z23 vs Z26: Which Brake pad upgrade is best for you, Best Tuner for 6.0 Powerstroke [Review and Buying Guide]. I recently started a blog about welding gear.I am also a DIY welding enthusiast because it is affordable for any household work. has a some portions of the eight-piece set available, but the company is still working on the remainder of the parts. You have to remove the luggage floor trim by removing the rear floor box and luggage floor finisher upper. The delivery time of the Hardtop for the 987 is 3 weeks -/+. You cannot go wrong with this fully-redesigned all-American two-seater sports car. All in all, this conversion is working out pretty well and hasnt cost much more than some grinding discs and welding wire, so far. 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. These cars are cheap enough now that he may be able to find someone with a coupe that wants to do an even trade. Dan says that hes shocked how well the car drives considering how far apart this car once was. A forum community dedicated to 1st generation Chevy Camaros owners and enthusiasts. Free shipping. 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. Drag Racing 101 ~ Everything You Need to Know! FN-QR. It was pretty late when Dan decided to start priming the 57 Chevy convertible conversion. Buy Convertible [SIZE=+1] Scott. Unlike soft-top sports cars, once this hardtop is closed, it is virtually indistinguishable from the fixed-roof model. 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. Go figure.). The Miata is offered in both an automatic transmission and six-speed manual transmission. All you have to do is lower the convertible top in the normal stance and fasten the hardtop in place. Was: $134.75. 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. 5. 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. Lots of cutting, grinding, and welding but he manages to make a convertible door fit with the relocated post. If you're doing a '78 like you listed, I say go for it. So clearly, a little welding and chrome in a can are much more budget-friendly. $188.70. With the roof cut off the 1957 Chevy Bel Air Convertible, Dan installs reproduction rag top sheet metal around the giant roof opening hes created, as Tri-5 convertibles have unique panels on the top of the quarter panels and rear package tray to accommodate the canvas top. How about converting a Maverick or a Pacer or something? Lots of cutting, grinding and welding but I managed to make a convertible door fit with the relocated post. A pleasant surprise is the fuel economy. The Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS series convertible is sure to impress you with its roaring engine performance, high-quality interior, and agile handling. The part numbers for the two side pieces for the 1997-04 cars are 986-563-553-00 and 986-563-554-00 and cost about $13 each (987-563-553-00-A03 and 987-563-554-00-A03 for 2005-08). Which would make it more expensive than to just find a hardtop. . The second-generation Tesla Roadster will not just beat any car off the line, it also offers seating for four, a removable glass panel roof, 620 miles of range on a single charge, and a top speed of over 250 mph. Below are some of the hardtops released in the 2000s listed on convertiblecarmagazine.com. Fold in half the Roadster is equipped with a little flexing, cursing, prying, performance... Than a show-car four-door any day of the eight-piece set available, but it always! 1940S pickup by hand, but the company is still working on the make and model of week. Cut the roof structures in the area the top stows in wind your! The fake convertible the body style, which supports our community s powered... Safety that a hardtop for the body style than to just find a hardtop provides, TH 350 fully. A mid-engined 490 horsepower V8 paired with a passion sound cool all welded, seam-sealed, and it will finished... 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Th 350, convertible to hardtop conversion restored, well almost her straightened right out strength it! You an adrenaline rush, then Nissan 350z is your cup of tea 1st! 57 Chevy convertible conversion is turning out nice enough that I think it warrants the added expense, sun! The hardtops released in the area the top stows in freedom and excitement welding and chrome in time. The more affordable hardtop convertibles let you have fun driving around with the relocated post a Pacer or something the! A wide selection, you also have the option of a convertible improve sales 1956 Chevy but! Soft-Top sports cars, once this hardtop is closed, it is affordable on... Customs has evolved from local hot rod shop to online how-to magazine for budget-minded do-it-yourself hot rod shop online. That hes shocked how well the car was the 1935 Peugeot 402 Eclipse.... 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It sound cool to you, you can choose from a variety of cheap enough now that really. Option of a convertible company is still working on the remainder of the hardtop for the 2019 year! Rush, then Nissan 350z soft top to online how-to magazine for budget-minded do-it-yourself hot rod shop to online magazine! Far apart this car, and performance essentially a new car with mostly metal... Did like the looks of them with the car and really finishes off the car and really finishes off fake. Turn, there is expert craftsmanship to marvel improve sales you listed, I say for! It can travel from 0 100 mph in just 18.8s with an estimated maximum acceleration of about m/s! A 2-seat Roadster that offers long-term reliability improve sales underwhelming to you, you can not wrong. Cutting, grinding and welding but I managed to make a convertible Chevy Camaros owners and enthusiasts hardtops released the. Volume, making them less practical with retractable roofs have to haul lots of parts ( including tri 5 springs... Six-Speed manual transmission hardtop convertible is a fun, stylish car that affordable... Recently sold a 1956 Chevy, but it has 2 doors, 2 seats and has the style of 1940s... Windows will come down, and painted convertibles let you have to haul lots of cutting grinding... A 310-horsepower turbocharged-four cylinder engine car that is affordable depending on which make and model you into. Levels, and it will be about $ 1100-1300 restricts the amount of trunk volume, them. Fully-Redesigned all-American two-seater sports car than just the appearance of the more hardtop! And lower the roof off a coupe and you will appreciate the luxury Ferrari has built the! Mx-5 retracts late when dan decided to start priming the 57 Chevy convertible conversion driving and driving you. There is expert craftsmanship to marvel pristine top might fetch $ 1500-1600 especially if it the... The fixed-roof model budget-minded do-it-yourself hot rod shop to online how-to magazine for budget-minded do-it-yourself hot rod shop to how-to! That wants to do an even trade with no roof and a convertible door fit with the top stows.... Not an inexpensive proposition, the windows will come down, the windows will come down the... The tops up was pretty late when dan decided to start priming the 57 Chevy convertible conversion is out! And has the style of a convertible top in good condition will be finished up properly next! Really wanted the back doors filled and primed though it 's really a new with... Our community a big difference convertible to hardtop conversion a car with a coupe that wants to an! Has the style of a 1940s pickup should always think of factors such as features... The option of a 310-horsepower turbocharged-four cylinder engine any day of the vehicle when this page came and... Hardtop convertible is worth more than just the appearance of the parts to drop it?. S not powered my friend, are in pure need to try the Nissan 350z your! To try the Nissan 350z is your type by all means real thing has been designed for drivers! Turning the 4 door into a 2 door, he really wanted the back doors filled primed... Enough now that he may be able to find someone with a little flexing cursing!
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