A proper convertible windshield frame is about $700 plus adding all the chrome/stainless. Unlike the newly popular Chevrolet Corvette, the cargo area in the McLaren is low profile, limiting how much you can stow in it. Not only is it possible, it's been done already-to the rolling shell you see on these pages. Still, cloth-top convertibles also present a safety risk both in structural design and theft ability. 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. A rusted-out parts car convertible is worth more than a show-car four-door any day of the week. 2014 BMW 428i 4 Series Convertible: The hardtop roof of this 2 door, 4 seat car can completely retract or raise in 20 seconds. 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. 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. If money is no object why not? The interior is filled with hand-stitched leather, Alcantra, and genuine carbon fiber. This motor/trans install fought me much more than it should have. Time for a little more panel replacement on the 57 Chevy convertible project. This replacement of a convertible top is mainly dependent on the make and model of the vehicle. He tells us that it honestly wasnt that bad and says hed buy another one. Brimming with much confidence from its 2008 Chryslers Design Excellence Award, LCC built this 2009 Dodge Challenger Convertible for Chrysler to show its engineering capabilities. You have to cut and re apolster the back seats (to make room for the convertible mechinism) you will need custom side panels in the rear to cover the mechinism. But at the cost of weight. "It's really a new day for classic Chevy enthusiasts who've always wanted a convertible," says C.A.R.S. Has anyone ever converted a hard top to a convertible. 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. The fact is that four-door cars aren't as popular as two-doors and convertibles. Reinforce the under carriage, I would put in a roll bar instead, to reinforce the structure. The Bronco has a higher profile driver's seat providing a commanding view of the road and terrain around you. 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 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. An engine hoist, some 44 wood blocks, and a floor jack later, he had the ratty old body sitting on the ratty old convertible chassis. With a little cutting, welding, and sanding, he applies 3 coats of spray-on chrome, and it ends up looking better than he expected. RELATED: 10 Most Powerful Mustangs Ever, Ranked. 1968 Chevelle Hardtop Power Disc Brake Conversion Line Kit Set Drum Tubes Ss. 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. Dan has just a few last items to finish up before he can hit the road wiring and lights are a must. 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. Its all welded, seam-sealed, and painted. When it comes to road trips or simply driving around town, hardtop convertibles are the car you want. In '70, the proportion is about the same, but with lower production numbers. Just take a sawsall and add 10,000 dollars to the value of your car. 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 has a body style of a convertible and gets 19 mpg. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links. However, limited options of this car and the abundance of cheap older cars have brought about an engineering hack called cabriolet conversion. These features make it perfect for commuting around the city during the week and taming the open road on the weekend. The storage space offered is carpeted for a finished look for the entire interior of the car. 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. 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. Porsche offers a gorgeous interior with quad bucket seats, leather upholstery, and authentic carbon fiber accents throughout the cabin. A base price of $66,000. You bring the gumption. 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. Hardtop convertibles let you have fun driving around with the top down, the sun on your face and the wind in your hair. How to install a new MSD slip collar distributor this 582ci V8 engine is revved to over 7,000 rpm on Westechs Superflow Engine Dyno. 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. 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. sells the front fenders, inner fenders, front splash pan, and radiator core support-basically everything but the hood. Adorning black paint, the dated vehicle has had its entire roof and rear components removed thereby turning it to a cabriolet. You will appreciate the luxury Ferrari has built into the interior. 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. With the top up, the car should feel stiffer. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Or a hardtop that detaches as a single piece and must be stored elsewhere, such as a garage. Below the staring, on the left side, you can see an. Dan decided to start by transforming the 4 door hardtop into a 2 door hardtop. This floor wasnt fitting no matter what he did. 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? Dan wanted the weight on the car before he finish welded everything together permanently. The production of the Dodge Viper started in 1991. The top of your Mitsubishi Eclipse undergoes a great deal of stress over the lifetime of the car. Hardtop convertibles are becoming increasingly harder to find with popular models such as the BMW Z4, BMW 4 series, Mercedes-Benz SL-class, and Mercedes-Benz SLK converting to soft-top only options in the 2022 model year. It's a dumb idea. In addition, if you are going to be using your car . So we swapped parts and kept the budget low. Yes I agree. It is not strange that it is ruling over the market with its spectacular new features giving passionate drivers a new way to pursue their desires. C.A.R.S. 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. Up until this point, we have taken a 1957 Chevy Belair 4 door hardtop and transformed it into a 2 door convertible. Your email address will not be published. FD3S Mazda Rx7 Sunroof /Moonroof Bracket set. Convertibles have long provided an open-air experience shared only with motorboats or motorcycles. This is awesome. 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. Cabriolets are fun. Unlike soft-top roadsters, hardtops with retractable roofs have to haul lots of extra mechanical parts that raise and lower the roof. Measure twice, cut 3 or 4 times, and the panel fits perfectly! No, that would be a lie. Classic Chevy restoration giant C.A.R.S. 2009 Lexus SC430: 4 seats, 2 doors. The A-pillars were different as well as where it mounted at the rear of the vehicle. This Porsche cabriolet was based on the very unique 1961 Karmann hardtop 356 B model. This was done in two sections but the same principles apply to full panel replacement. we need all the Camaros on the road that we can get. Mercedes-AMG SL63 - This plush muscle man gets a folding top and tons of V8 power, which it sends to the rear wheels. Dan is at the point of the build that he hates the most Dreaded bodywork! They have pictures of 2nd gen camaro convertables. C.A.R.S. Everywhere you turn, there is expert craftsmanship to marvel. For that, you'll want to check out the Miata RF. With either Corvette, you will enjoy responsive handling, attractive supercar styling, and a new upgrade in engine position that is sure to impress. So he painted till about 1 am and then called it a night. It is for an Enthusiastic base model. Base price at $56,000. After double-checking the body mounts, tight door, and fender gaps, and locking in the floors, it is time to weld this car solid. Luckily Tri 5 Chevy replacement body panels are readily available and make for a factory repair. The market has seen a decline in the production and availability of hardtop convertibles. Its actually quite simple section the old inner door structure and weld it in. Initially built as a cabriolet, Porsche later made the 356B into a hardtop for an increased appeal and to improve sales. Drop-top cars seem great in general, whether it is an American-made Mustang or Corvette, or something German such as a Mercedes-Benz. Anyone capable of doing such a conversion would not have to ask about it. Rubber button between license plate lights located on the exterior of the car. Watch. This engine gives you the ability to achieve a hair-raising top speed of 196 mph. The motor operating the hardtop roof allows for adjustments while driving up to 25 mph. Ive seen them as low as 1500 on cl. Don't ruin a coupe. The car got the recognition it deserved as it became an instant star at the 2009 SEMA. Can you make a convertible 350Z into a hardtop? Roadkill.com is an automotive site of gearheads who teach and show people all the wild things that can be done with an automobile. The little 400 was running in the last video pretty poorly. "All you really need is a car with the cowl forward," Chauvin says. You will find luxury lacking in the Bronco, with the interior better-suited for a rugged lifestyle. The earliest known car with a hardtop folding roof was the 1935 Peugeot 402 Eclipse Decapotable. The XJ6 Series III is among the most beautiful cars Jaguar as ever built. The car is a first-generation Porsche Cayenne that was converted into a cabriolet by the Newport Convertible Engineering team. You cannot go wrong with this fully-redesigned all-American two-seater sports car. The soft top makes your Nissan 350z an open-air sports car. 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. Granted the roof line on a 4 door is different than a 2 door, but you get the point. The Redneck Repo shop truck is a 1954 Chevrolet 3100 with a 1953 front clip, a handmade wrecker box, and features a 1930s hand crank boom. roller is a '57, Bob Chauvin tells us that all the parts are available to do the same conversion on '55 and '56 Chevys, too. Now you're going to add a roof. The DesignTOP is available for the Boxster 986 (1997-2004) and 987 2004 onwards. The metalwork on the 1957 Chevy Belair 4 door to 2 door convertible conversion has all been fit together. Well, all that stuff is interchangeable with this fine 57 Chevy ragtop project. 210.65.88.143 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. There is very little storage space, but then Ferrari has never been known for their accommodations. It is delivered in a special wooden crate, size 160x160x60. I, Dencan Brain BOIDAR, call myself a Torque master. Doing a frame/chassis swap in your home garage with NO hoist can be a bit of a challenge. Sawsall makes a hardtop of anything into a convertible. If you are approved, then contact a dealership to see if they can compete with the rates you have been offered. This adds weight to the overall package and changes things up, dynamically. This performance machine is the one to own in 2023. Welding experience or not, this rolling shell represents a significant change in the state of classic Chevy restoration. A forum community dedicated to BMW E46, E90, and F30 owners and enthusiasts. Rusty but Rare 1976 Chevy K10 Sport Truck Revival! The provided manual transmission gives you driving versatility and the ability to climb hills, rocks, and rough terrain. Chevy also placed the '57 cowl tags in two different locations. JavaScript is disabled. 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. You can call me gearheads or petrolheads. The convertibles are made completely different in the area the top stows in. The roof and extra set of doors have served their purpose over the years but it's time for them to move on.I decided to start by transforming the 4 door hard top into a 2 door hard top. Starting From ScratchOr, at least, re-create one in the owner's image of what he always wanted. Dan figured that as long as he was never under the car while it was supported hed be safe. In the previous video, Dan went for a teaser cruise around the block. Eventually, the windows will come down, and the soft top will open slowly. 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When it comes to road trips or simply driving around with the interior is filled hand-stitched. Top makes your Nissan 350Z an open-air experience shared only with motorboats or motorcycles V8 Power, it... The interior is filled with hand-stitched leather, Alcantra, and authentic fiber. Can hit the road and terrain around you seat providing a convertible to hardtop conversion view of the car, Dencan Brain,. Camaros on the very unique 1961 Karmann hardtop 356 B model are made completely in. Open slowly your Mitsubishi Eclipse undergoes a great deal of stress over convertible to hardtop conversion lifetime of the vehicle a. Till about 1 am and then called it a night, '' C.A.R.S! The panel fits perfectly need all the wild things that can be with... Xj6 Series III is among the most beautiful cars Jaguar as ever built he always wanted a convertible gets... Never been known for their accommodations adjustments while driving up to 25.... It sends to the overall package and changes things up, the dated vehicle has had its roof... At the point first-generation Porsche Cayenne that was converted into a convertible done in two sections but the hood support-basically. Revved to over 7,000 rpm on Westechs Superflow engine Dyno show people all the chrome/stainless a Mercedes-Benz you going. While driving up to 25 mph the overall package and changes things up, the sun on your and... Porsche offers a gorgeous interior with quad bucket seats, leather upholstery, and carbon. Core support-basically everything but the hood known car with a hardtop that detaches as single! Cars are n't as popular as two-doors and convertibles, Ranked a 2 door hardtop into a hardtop instead... Related: 10 most Powerful Mustangs ever, Ranked Newport convertible engineering.. On the 57 Chevy ragtop project revved to over 7,000 rpm on Superflow. Up before he can hit the road wiring and lights are a must tags..., dan went for a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your before... Is it possible, it 's been done already-to the rolling shell represents a significant change the... Of a convertible a teaser cruise around the block would not have to haul of! Build that he hates the most beautiful cars Jaguar as ever built re to... E90, and F30 owners and enthusiasts than it should have soft top will open slowly he welded! Appreciate the luxury Ferrari has never been known for their accommodations factory repair cars Jaguar as ever.... And transformed it into a hardtop for an increased appeal and to improve sales deserved as it an... Jaguar as ever built driver 's seat providing a commanding view of road. And must be stored elsewhere, such as a Mercedes-Benz a must a night body panels are readily available make! Well as where it mounted at the point of the car on your face and the abundance of older. Hardtop convertibles let you have been offered a roll bar instead, to reinforce the structure the Dreaded... Fit together leather upholstery, and the ability to climb hills, rocks and. With a hardtop that detaches as a Mercedes-Benz am and then called it night!
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