convertible to hardtop conversion
Every time Dan does a 4 door to 2 door conversion, the first question asked is how do you strengthen the new inner quarter panels. The base price for this 4-seat convertible is $34,000. The Ferrari Portofino has a power-retractable hardtop that stows away in 15 seconds. Usually, a convertible is slightly heavier than a couple due to this extra reinforcements. Your email address will not be published. Nissan 350z convertible has never stopped to amaze its customer ever since its release. 2007 Cadillac XLR: This 2 door, 2 seat hardtop roadster has the classic, Cadillac lines that make it irresistible. 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Hardtop. Some purists will undoubtedly see such a transformation as the bastardization of a classic. Once the primer dried, he decided to install all the chrome on the car to give it a more finished look. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata PRHT: This 2-seat roadster is fun to drive and catches everyone's eye. Eventually, the windows will come down, and the soft top will open slowly. When it comes to road trips or simply driving around town, hardtop convertibles are the car you want. 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! Measure twice, cut 3 or 4 times, and the panel fits perfectly! After a full month of thrashing on this 1957 Chevy Rag Top, its FINALLY time for it to breathe some life. The second-generation Tesla Roadster is built to blow the first generation out of the water. There is a LOT of extra bracing, too, in the floor, and in the rear, behind the door openings. Browse 2022 Chevrolet Corvette listings here. Fixing dents and rust is one thing, but not having a panel to start with is another challenge. What to Buy: Subaru Crosstrek or Subaru Forester? The metalwork on the 1957 Chevy Belair 4 door to 2 door convertible conversion has all been fit together. The car is a first-generation Porsche Cayenne that was converted into a cabriolet by the Newport Convertible Engineering team. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. A pleasant surprise is the fuel economy. There is a reason Porsche continually ranks at the top of luxury sports car rankings. Mercedes-AMG SL63 - This plush muscle man gets a folding top and tons of V8 power, which it sends to the rear wheels. Maybe. Your email address will not be published. $49.00. The Jeep Wrangler is an iconic SUV with a removable roof panel that technically makes it a convertible. Although there's some major surgery involved, we were surprised when Chauvin told us all the stuff that didn't have to change. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. 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. Then you,my friend, are in pure need to try the Nissan 350z soft top. With all the lights working, his friend Mur came by to help him set a quick alignment. The top speed of the Nissan 350z is 250 KPH. For shelter, a foldable cloth has been used as a replacement. Hardtop convertible vehicles are traditionally provided in one of two formats; either a power-retractable hardtop that folds into the vehicle's trunk. The convertibles are made completely different in the area the top stows in. The conversion of this Volkswagen was done by Paris Beetles, a Volkswagen conversion specialist, but the job should be a case study on how not to do a conversion horrendous. When purchasing a hardtop vehicle, it is important to look at more than just the appearance of the ride itself. What to Buy: Jeep Cherokee or Jeep Grand Cherokee? Unlike other convertibles on this list, you can conquer off-road trails in your Jeep Wrangler. Every time Dan drops a distributor into a motor, he gets the same questions in the comments. How ironic! Despite the powerful engine, the Portofino achieves real-world gas mileage at 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. 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. The 542-horsepower Continental GT V8 is the "affordable" variant when compared to the 626-horsepower W12. In '70, the proportion is about the same, but with lower production numbers. Priced at $52,000. Not sure what year it is - '69's had 4 headlights and '70's only had two headlights. All heads down to its promising design, which lets you have an enjoyable ride without making strength, performance any less. The retractable roof hardtop takes 15 seconds and transforms the 570 into a top-down cruising machine. 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. Plumbing and wiring Since this project started with a stripped-down parts car, all the wiring and plumbing was missing. sells the front fenders, inner fenders, front splash pan, and radiator core support-basically everything but the hood. A Job For The ProAlthough converting a four-door to a convertible sounds straightforward, thanks to the availability of all the necessary parts-about 50 altogether-Chauvin advises that it's not a project for the novice restorer. 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. 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). Rusty but Rare 1976 Chevy K10 Sport Truck Revival! The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Chevy also placed the '57 cowl tags in two different locations. Worst case scenario (high probability) it'll look like crap. Free shipping. Starting From ScratchOr, at least, re-create one in the owner's image of what he always wanted. Codes 1219, 1019 and 1019D designate the car as a four-door, depending on the series (150, 210, or Bel Air). Luckily Tri 5 Chevy replacement body panels are readily available and make for a factory repair. 210.65.88.143 And with repop roofs on the market you could always undo what you done Wazzap, camaros.net forum! The following videos and snippets document the complete build of the 1957 4-Door Hard Top To 2-Door Convertible, which is also summarized below. Lots of cutting, grinding, and welding but he manages to make a convertible door fit with the relocated post. This floor wasnt fitting no matter what he did. Convertible to hard top conversion - YouTube 2005 ford mustang convertible top transforms to a hard top 2005 ford mustang convertible top transforms to a hard top. This may not be a perfect tutorial, but it has always worked for me. The Wrangler achieves an outstanding mpg rating of 20 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. 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. Content on E46 Fanatics Forum is generated by its users. Which would make it more expensive than to just find a hardtop. Below are some of the hardtops released in the 2000s listed on convertiblecarmagazine.com. How do you set the initial timing? Dan has just a few last items to finish up before he can hit the road wiring and lights are a must. The car was produced as a full-body coupe and alternatively has a Targa top convertible or both. Buy Convertible [SIZE=+1] Scott. "All you really need is a car with the cowl forward," Chauvin says. There are a ton of models on the market, so we are here to make choosing one a little easier. These features make it perfect for commuting around the city during the week and taming the open road on the weekend. The AFC hardtops even work with Ford's OEM hardtop prep kit. Was: $134.75. Vintage 1980 Yamaha Enticer Snowmobile Revival to Former Glory. Nonetheless, you can make the soft top into a more rigid one. Open/close button, click on it to open it. Since then, there have been many manufacturers who have had commercial success with convertibles. This has been discussed before do a search on this. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Hes wanted a tri 5 convertible for a long time but has been totally priced out of the market. At the end he's going to have a car that's cut up and not as structurally sound. The all-wheel-drive setup is rear-wheel biased, providing sporty handling dynamics. There is also ample storage space. 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. Lets see if it is your cup of tea. The front door hinges are the same and the trunk lid is the same, as is most of the surrounding metal around the trunk. Either way it will destroy the value of the car. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. Static timing is a function of essentially setting the timing by hand with the motor not running. He says Dont even get me started on the exhaust fitment!. A rusted-out parts car convertible is worth more than a show-car four-door any day of the week. Convertible cars give a sense of freedom and excitement. Of course, it's not as easy as all that. This time, its a Toyota. A retractable roof does add weight to the car and requires storage space when not in use. You'll also need couple door glass and frames, quarter windows and back glass. Automotive Technical and Reference Information, Project Cars, Trucks and Salvage Vehicles For Sale. Most of the interior is outfitted in hard plastic, making the inside of this convertible easy to care for and keep clean. They have pictures of 2nd gen camaro convertables. The older the car is, the harder it is to get parts/pieces. The sumptuous leather will wrap around you as you sink into the perfect driving position with the 18-way power-adjustable seats. But the prospect of a convertible from a four-door brings up some interesting questions. The factory convertible frame sure stiffens everything up. The piece that really set off the car was the convertible top cover it makes the car and really finishes off the fake convertible. These cars are cheap enough now that he may be able to find someone with a coupe that wants to do an even trade. Well, you cannot wholly turn a soft top into a hardtop. (Yes, we know old wagons, which are heavier and slower than a four-door model, are all the rage. has been supplying Tri-five parts, they've kept adding new sheetmetal parts to their repertoire. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. The rockers are much thicker, that's the biggie. Well, Dan lost his patience and started cutting till it fit. So clearly, a little welding and chrome in a can are much more budget-friendly. Up to this point, everything has just been tacked into place. But at the cost of weight. This video contains information about timing any small/big block Chevy.283, 305, 327, 350, 400, 396, 427, 454 ect. Inc. built it strictly with replacement parts off its shelves. At press time, C.A.R.S. I don't think it would be very practical to try to do. That always changes the look big time! This is awesome. $523.15. has a some portions of the eight-piece set available, but the company is still working on the remainder of the parts. In '69, Ford only made 14,746 Convertibles and over 150,639 Hardtops. 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. Why go through all this. 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. Follow me on. It has a glass rear window that can open and close in about 20 seconds. If you are approved, then contact a dealership to see if they can compete with the rates you have been offered. 4 watching. This convertible conversion is turning out nice enough that I think it warrants the added expense. 1968 Chevelle Hardtop Power Disc Brake Conversion Line Kit Set Drum Tubes Ss. All you have to do is lower the convertible top in the normal stance and fasten the hardtop in place. LSA/T56, 1967 Camaro Coupe LS2/T56, Tesla Model3 Can We Just Delete The Entire Topic. 1968 Chevelle Front Power Disc Hardtop Nonss Brake Line Kit Set Tubes Lines Ss. 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. 2013 Chrysler 200 Convertible: Strong V6 engine with plenty of room in the trunk. The production of the Dodge Viper started in 1991. You may not recall, but Tesla offered a roadster as its first production vehicle back in 2008. Dans 1957 Chevy Convertible conversion (4 door to 2 door convertible) is now a running and driving hotrod. 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. Come join the discussion about performance, builds, restoration, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, reviews, and more! As some know, the 95 Cobra hardtop convertible was unique from the standard convertibles and the hardtop could not be used on any other 94-98 convertible. With the post moved, the rear door was skinned and used as a quarter panel filler.Up next we slash off the roof! He tells us that it honestly wasnt that bad and says hed buy another one. Drag Racing 101 ~ Everything You Need to Know! That wasn't always the case, but in the 25 years that C.A.R.S. The soft top makes your Nissan 350z an open-air sports car. Just buy a hardtop. Spare parts! You have to remove the luggage floor trim by removing the rear floor box and luggage floor finisher upper. The convertible variant was introduced for the 2019 model year. Add 10K to the Proceeds 3. This two-seater boasts a mid-engined 490 horsepower V8 paired with a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transmission. Base price slightly over $79,000. Select Vehicle . 22,520 views Feb 12, 2021 I actually did it this time. The motor operating the hardtop roof allows for adjustments while driving up to 25 mph. 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When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. D. 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? Actually, I have a buddy that's putting on together right now.He's cutting up a coupe for it. Just in case the owner changes his mind after the modification, the hardtop component of the car is kept intact. 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Some are found on the driver's side of the firewall, while others were riveted just beneath the heater control valve on the firewall. Or a hardtop that detaches as a single piece and must be stored elsewhere, such as a garage. If you have a passion for driving, you cannot find any worthy vehicle on the market to reach your desire. Don't ruin a coupe. Ignition timing is very simple but very important to make the car run properly. 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. But you can add a removable hardtop. Reinforce the under carriage, I would put in a roll bar instead, to reinforce the structure. In addition, if you are going to be using your car . Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. What makes this sports car stand out is the spacious interior. You bring the gumption. Converting an SUV into a cabriolet is dicey and this hideous outcome gives credence to why people shouldnt do it. 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. "We started with floor pans and now we make or sell just about everything to construct a new car.". However, power-retractable hardtops are not widely available and not all of the roof structures in the Mazda Miata MX-5 retracts. 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. What to Buy: Hyundai Tucson or Hyundai Santa Fe? 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. According to cars.com, only seven cars were offering a power-folding hardtop in 2019. After double-checking the body mounts, tight door, and fender gaps, and locking in the floors, it is time to weld this car solid. 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. 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. 1987 Mazda rx7 Fc Hard top cut out panel. 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Hardtop. Come join the discussion about M performance, turbo kits, engine swaps, builds, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more! What the company doesn't sell is all the convertible top hard parts. It was pretty late when Dan decided to start priming the 57 Chevy convertible conversion. Unfortunately, some of the parts pulled off were quarter panel patch sections for another car. Priced at almost $67,000. Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. The factory convertible frame sure stiffens everything up. A really pristine top might fetch $1500-1600 especially if it matches the buyer's car. On the first line, right beside the designation "Style No. There is a large 10.3-inch touch screen with an infotainment system that makes the Portofino feel modern. Why go through all this. Performance & security by Cloudflare. We provide how-to and technical articles, vehicle and build features and examples, plus calculators and lookups that will help you get your ride from dream to driver. Shes rust-free and ready for bodywork and paint! With the post moved, the rear door was skinned and used as a quarter panel filler. As far as knowing if they withstanded the stress of being convertable, you would have to do some serious reinforcing of the frame to be able to handle not having a roof. Dan wanted the weight on the car before he finish welded everything together permanently. Some blue oval stones, like the '32 Ford roadster, can be built from scratch, or are available in reproduction form as complete steel bodies. These, as well as other great features, have made cabriolets an alluring option to car buyers. Relatively easy. 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. Hence, he finds contributing to HotCars quite interesting a surreal experience. However, it will be less rigid than a coupe. 5. Now you're going to add a roof. You'd likely have to replace both rear quarters and all of the supporting braces, rear window deck area, etc., etc.. As stated above, cut the roof off a coupe and you will have a large paper weight. 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. Adding a removable hardtop is the most sensational and non-theoretical enhancement that may be done to a 350Z. You might be more interested in looking up the below websites. had its turquoise and bare metal roller built from a common and inexpensive '57 four-door sedan. The storage space offered is carpeted for a finished look for the entire interior of the car. 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.