2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata PRHT: This 2-seat roadster is fun to drive and catches everyone's eye. 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. Lift the butterfly doors and slip inside, and admire the ample amount of luxurious materials at your fingertips. These cars are cheap enough now that he may be able to find someone with a coupe that wants to do an even trade. Add 10K to the Proceeds 3. Everywhere we went got thumbs up and smiles all the way around. LSA/T56, 1967 Camaro Coupe LS2/T56, Tesla Model3 Can We Just Delete The Entire Topic. This video contains information about timing any small/big block Chevy.283, 305, 327, 350, 400, 396, 427, 454 ect. This is your classic Best laid plans situation. had its turquoise and bare metal roller built from a common and inexpensive '57 four-door sedan. Free shipping. 2013 Chrysler 200 Convertible: Strong V6 engine with plenty of room in the trunk. There is a reason Porsche continually ranks at the top of luxury sports car rankings. They include: According to LendingTree, the simplest method for financing your new hardtop convertible is to compare car prices. Flashes of woods were added on the sides while the roof got replaced. The real win on this 4 door to 2 door conversion was a new set of leaf springs for only $100! This RestoMod Nova is 16-year old Bridget Kavanavens first car built by Detroit Speed and Jet Hot Coatings with a 430hp E-Rod LS3 Engine. Having said that, I'm hunting around trying to find a how-to on converting coupes to ragtops, and I'm gonna do it irregardless of whether you help me or not so since this is the camaro forum we might as well be buds and help each other do our projects, right? They have pictures of 2nd gen camaro convertables. 2019 Mercedes-Benz SLC 300 Roadster: Less expensive than other Mercedes models with a base price of $49,000. Dan sprung for the cheapest wiring harness Amazon offered! 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. This adds weight to the overall package and changes things up, dynamically. 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. Check if this part fits your vehicle. Another win and another step closer to driving this hot rod down the road. Despite the powerful engine, the Portofino achieves real-world gas mileage at 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. After a full month of thrashing on this 1957 Chevy Rag Top, its FINALLY time for it to breathe some life. If there is a sudden hail barrage or a rainstorm, the driver can quickly put the hardtop roof back in place. Why go through all this. Luckily, all the '57 body styles share a 115-inch wheelbase. Priced at almost $67,000. From the exterior finishing to the conversion job, this Range looks messy. Having the rear doors filled and primed will really bring this car together. 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. You know the rule: First miles are BURNOUT MILES! Maybe. via Jalopnik Flashes of woods were added on the sides while the roof got replaced. Below are some of the hardtops released in the 2000s listed on convertiblecarmagazine.com. Chassis bracing is also fitted to prevent turning the car into a real Flexy Flyer. Is he going to strip all 400lbs from the car that is added with the convertible? This Porsche cabriolet was based on the very unique 1961 Karmann hardtop 356 B model. 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. 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. This was done in two sections but the same principles apply to full panel replacement. Dont Be That Guy, Reversing Gears ~ Rescuing Ones Own Derelict 1967 Pontiac GTO, How To Paint a Lace Roof on the Cheap Using Grandmas Curtains, Exploring an Antique Junkyard in the Hills of West Virginia, Engine, Transmission, Chassis Swap Donor Vehicle Look-Up, The Cheapest 57 Chevy Bel Air Convertible $5K Build Cost Breakdown, Tri-Five Chevy 4 Door to 2 Door Conversion ~ Quick, Cheap and Easy, putting floors pans in Tri-Five Chevys from the bottom, 1955 Chevrolet 4 Door to 2 Door Conversion in 4 Minutes, 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible 572 Big Block Build, How This 55 Chevy Bel Air 4-Door to 2-Door Gasser Was Built Under $5K, Mike Finnegans Recipe for 1,000HP with No Turbo, No Blower, No Nitrous, Redneck Repo ~ A 1954 Chevrolet 3100 Wrecker, 1965 Chevy II Nova Surf Wagon RestoMod Build, Engine / Transmission / Chassis Donor Search, Project Cars and Part Donor Cars For Sale. So, when youre building a 2 door convertible out of a 4 door hardtop, there are a few things that gotta go. All you have to do is lower the convertible top at an average position and latch a hardtop in place. This may not be a perfect tutorial, but it has always worked for me. Starting From ScratchOr, at least, re-create one in the owner's image of what he always wanted. Drag Racing 101 ~ Everything You Need to Know! These methods include a pre-approved loan. 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. In a Jeep Wrangler, you can off-road from spacious and supportive cabin seating similar to that found in the Wrangler's automotive cousin, the Chrysler 200. Since then, there have been many manufacturers who have had commercial success with convertibles. Buy Convertible [SIZE=+1] Scott. The Miata is offered in both an automatic transmission and six-speed manual transmission. Performance & security by Cloudflare. It's a great idea. Compounding enthusiasts misery, Vipers production ended a moment after. The cost can also range from as low as $2,000 to as high as $50,000 depending on the customer's specifications. 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 -. Hes a believer in sticking to a brand and style of cars so the build becomes much cheaper! It needs all-wheel drive to ensure the 5,000-pound GT can take a corner. He found a cheap set of driver-quality fenders so he snatched them up and bolted them into place. 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Hardtop. Once the motor was running better, Dan moved on to replacing the front sheet metal. Don't ruin a coupe. I don't think it would be very practical to try to do. Granted, the roofline on a 4 door is different than a 2 door, but you get the point. The convertibles are made completely different in the area the top stows in. 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. Cruising around the block after thrashing for 6 weeks is such a sweet payoff. Rubber button between license plate lights located on the exterior of the car. The motor operating the hardtop roof allows for adjustments while driving up to 25 mph. This keeps the car relatively solid while allowing the passengers to have full feel of the sunshine and adequate ventilation. There is a large 10.3-inch touch screen with an infotainment system that makes the Portofino feel modern. Top 6 Best SBC Water Pump Review and Buying Guide In 2023. These, as well as other great features, have made cabriolets an alluring option to car buyers. If you have a passion for driving, you cannot find any worthy vehicle on the market to reach your desire. Base price at $33,000. "It's been a natural progression of manufacturing more and more parts that restorers have needed," Chauvin says. Convertibles came only in Bel Air trim and carry 1067D or 1067DTX body style codes. 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. This modification job was neatly and carefully done, nonetheless, its a job that shouldnt have been executed, anyway. in the second link, look at post #27. The top speed of the Nissan 350z is 250 KPH. Watch. 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. Porsche offers a gorgeous interior with quad bucket seats, leather upholstery, and authentic carbon fiber accents throughout the cabin. 2007 Lexus SC430: This curvy 4-seat car handles well and has excellent performance. No No No you would just ruin a coupe. Well, you cannot wholly turn a soft top into a hardtop. 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. 69 Camaro convertible 327, TH 350, fully restored, well almost. (The turquoise-painted parts represent what's left of the original donor car, while the bare metal parts represent the C.A.R.S.-supplied replacements.) Was: $134.75. At press time, C.A.R.S. 2019 BMW 4 Series Convertible: All-wheel drive and 4-cylinder engine with a base price of $53,000. Hes wanted a tri 5 convertible for a long time but has been totally priced out of the market. The delivery time of the Hardtop for the 987 is 3 weeks -/+. A proper convertible windshield frame is about $700 plus adding all the chrome/stainless. It has been designed for passionate drivers with a passion. The XJ6 Series III is among the most beautiful cars Jaguar as ever built. Find a complete top- non sunroof preferably, measure, measure again, cut and weld. He should totally do it. Many enthusiasts will agree with this axiom-except for one of our editors, whose fondness for four-door Biscaynes makes us wonder if he hasn't been sniffing too much octane booster! It's the conversion itself that's going to cause a stir among the Tri-five faithful. You might be more interested in looking up the below websites. 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. They want to build one right away.". The storage space offered is carpeted for a finished look for the entire interior of the car. 2014 BMW 428i 4 Series Convertible: The hardtop roof of this 2 door, 4 seat car can completely retract or raise in 20 seconds. Olakunle has contributed as a writer on several platforms over the years. You will find luxury lacking in the Bronco, with the interior better-suited for a rugged lifestyle. Cutting and fitting all the 4 door chrome onto a 2 door convertible trim turned out to be a bigger job than he expected. 1968 Chevelle Convertible Power Disc Brake Conversion Line Kit Set Tubes Ss. Then open the soft top 5th bow and the trunk lid. - YouTube 0:00 / 35:44 1964 Impala Hardtop to Convertible CONVERSION! Such a score, especially in a time where lots of parts (including tri 5 leaf springs) are on backorder! On the other hand, Hardtop convertibles offer the best of both worlds, offering an open-air experience, all-weather protection, a more secure cabin, and the structural integrity of a fixed roof. Base price at $26,000. Here is another saw-carved cabriolet. Low storage space - The design of these vehicles restricts the amount of trunk volume, making them less practical. 2021 Ford Bronco 4-Door (All Trim Levels) For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Which would make it more expensive than to just find a hardtop. The car is a first-generation Porsche Cayenne that was converted into a cabriolet by the Newport Convertible Engineering team. Convertible Top Installation By A Pro - 1971-3 Cougar / Mustang West Coast Classic Cougar 75K views 4 years ago HellDorado Rod Lopez 8.5K views 4 years ago TUBBED TURBO REGAL TAKES DOWN A NITROUS. But, right now, it's less probable than finding a fake Bel Air that's being passed off as the real deal. Dan says that hes shocked how well the car drives considering how far apart this car once was. For shelter, a foldable cloth has been used as a replacement. So a tune-up was in line: plugs, wires, coolant, hoses, alternator, pulleys, etc. No one ever said turning a 4 door hardtop into a 2 door convertible would be easy, but hes making progress every day on this hillbilly convertible. Not all hardtop convertible models are supercars or roadsters. The Ford Bronco is another hardtop convertible on this list that is not a sports car but a purpose-built SUV. 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Hardtop. 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. Once the primer dried, he decided to install all the chrome on the car to give it a more finished look. The Wrangler is outfitted with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that provides plenty of exploration power while also producing impressive fuel economy ratings. Some purists will undoubtedly see such a transformation as the bastardization of a classic. Buy that orphan four-door while you can. 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 next step is to get the car on all 4 wheels and weighted down with a driveline. It's offered in the Grand Touring trim ($35,350) and the Club. The interior throughout the Bronco is spacious, with plenty of head and legroom for all passengers. Will unscrupulous builders try to pass off a re-constructed four-door as the real thing? When it comes to road trips or simply driving around town, hardtop convertibles are the car you want. Rusty but Rare 1976 Chevy K10 Sport Truck Revival! They include: These cars are bound to turn heads and capture a lot of attention due to their sculpted appearance. 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. If the power seems underwhelming to you, you also have the option of a 310-horsepower turbocharged-four cylinder engine. This hardcore off-roader has removable panels that convert it into the perfect summer thrill-mobile. However, in 2012, the fifth-generation of the Viper was released without the Targa top version. A hardtop convertible is a fun, stylish car that is affordable depending on which make and model you are looking for. 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. It's a shame, really, because the four-door represents a great bargain in the vintage Chevy market. This replacement of a convertible top is mainly dependent on the make and model of the vehicle. Not only is it possible, it's been done already-to the rolling shell you see on these pages. However, whether the rooftop is open or closed, it makes no compromise on the drivers safety. But at the cost of weight. Why go through all this. Free shipping. 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. Buy one of the repro bodies if they turn out to be a quality product. Just take a sawsall and add 10,000 dollars to the value of your car. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. 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. 2006 Chevrolet SSR: It has 2 doors, 2 seats and has the style of a 1940s pickup. One of the clearest examples of the chasm between the desirability of a two-door and a four-door can be found with the '57 Chevy. The metalwork on the 1957 Chevy Belair 4 door to 2 door convertible conversion has all been fit together. Apr 26, 2017. 5. There is a LOT of extra bracing, too, in the floor, and in the rear, behind the door openings. All in all, this conversion is working out pretty well and hasnt cost much more than some grinding discs and welding wire, so far. The all-wheel-drive setup is rear-wheel biased, providing sporty handling dynamics. This little rear-wheel-drive Roadster could be better described as a grand touring (GT) car. For that, you'll want to check out the Miata RF. For this shorter list, only the cars priced under $80,000 with four stars from Kelley Blue Book are listed. Simply as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. 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. Furthermore, you have to unlock the storage lid. 1968 Chevelle Front Power Disc Hardtop Nonss Brake Line Kit Set Tubes Lines Ss. 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. Our advice? They do now make a large canvas sunroof. C.A.R.S. Then press the head button to release the lock. NEXT: The Real Story Behind Land Rover's Range Rover. There is very little storage space, but then Ferrari has never been known for their accommodations. The hardtop convertible is not as popular as it had once been. 2009 Lexus SC430: 4 seats, 2 doors. Classic Chevy restoration giant C.A.R.S. Powering this supercar is a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-8 that has been tuned to produce 562 horsepower. I am trying to decide between buying a convertible or just buying a hard top and making a convertible. Its been about 6 weeks since Dan dragged this car out of a classic wrecking yard. 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! (Yes, we know old wagons, which are heavier and slower than a four-door model, are all the rage. These parts are necessary to strengthen the car's now-topless personality, and C.A.R.S. 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. It acts to shield the interior from heat from seeping in. It is delivered in a special wooden crate, size 160x160x60. 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. I never did like the looks of them with the tops up. FN-QR. Inc. built it strictly with replacement parts off its shelves. Dan is at the point of the build that he hates the most Dreaded bodywork! The convertible variant was introduced for the 2019 model year. Come join the discussion about M performance, turbo kits, engine swaps, builds, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more! President Bob Chauvin. Undoubtedly, Nissan 350z has come even better than ever. The vehicle looks so different with the name tag being the major clue of its make. Initially built as a cabriolet, Porsche later made the 356B into a hardtop for an increased appeal and to improve sales. The undersides are much different and heavier. We came across some of these cabriolet conversions, and whereas some look too good to be true, others were simply repulsive. Snap On vs Daytona, Pittsburgh, ESCO, Husky, More. The A-pillars were different as well as where it mounted at the rear of the vehicle. . With the post moved, the rear door was skinned and used as a quarter panel filler.Up next we slash off the roof! Fixing dents and rust is one thing, but not having a panel to start with is another challenge. Four doors are two doors too many. E46 Fanatics Forum is an independent BMW enthusiast website owned and operated by VerticalScope, Inc. Best case scenario is it'll look like a coupe, which you could just BUY. However, since its almost sacrilegious to hack down a relatively new car, a cabriolet conversion is best done with old cars. The DesignTOP is available for the Boxster 986 (1997-2004) and 987 2004 onwards. Below the staring, on the left side, you can see an. The part number for the top piece is 986-563-551-00 (1997-04), 987-563-551-00 (2005-08) and it costs about $17. This floor wasnt fitting no matter what he did. With either Corvette, you will enjoy responsive handling, attractive supercar styling, and a new upgrade in engine position that is sure to impress. It offers a full range of performance better than any other and a whiff of fresh air while driving. The car was in a classic car junkyard for 20 years being parted out. He recently sold a 1956 Chevy, but the buyer didnt want all the parts on the car. Luckily Tri 5 Chevy replacement body panels are readily available and make for a factory repair. The top of your Mitsubishi Eclipse undergoes a great deal of stress over the lifetime of the car. 210.65.88.143 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). The base price for this 4-seat convertible is $34,000. Its fairly compact dimensions, sharp but smooth handling make it fun to drive in every condition. this is my first post here, so I don't mind getting flamed to a pile of ash if that's the MO around here. The factory convertible frame sure stiffens everything up. Sporty driving - The majority of these are exciting to pilot, and are sporty in nature. Up until this point, we have taken a 1957 Chevy Belair 4 door hardtop and transformed it into a 2 door convertible. Dan is hot on the next DD Speed Shop project: a 1957 Chevy Bel Air (soon to be) convertible. Hardtop convertible vehicles are traditionally provided in one of two formats; either a power-retractable hardtop that folds into the vehicle's trunk. Doing this on the cheap meant re-using most of the 4 door sheet metal and only purchasing the essentials. The roof and extra set of doors have served their purpose over the years but its time for them to move on. . In this video, he strips all the trim off of the car and grinds all the welds down flush and applies filler, then brought down with varying sandpaper grits from 40 to 320. The Bronco has a higher profile driver's seat providing a commanding view of the road and terrain around you. Unlike other convertibles on this list, you can conquer off-road trails in your Jeep Wrangler. "Every time we take the car to a show, it's mobbed," Chauvin tells us. The Jeep Wrangler is an iconic SUV with a removable roof panel that technically makes it a convertible. 94-98 used pretty much the same body, but converting yours to a hardtop would be very difficult to say the least. Of course, it's not as easy as all. So we swapped parts and kept the budget low. has). 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. You'll also need couple door glass and frames, quarter windows and back glass. The retracting roof lets the breezes caress the face and the hair fly freely. D. FD3S Mazda Rx7 Sunroof /Moonroof Bracket set. Also, he hopes a proper chassis will help with resale down the road (if he ever decides to sell anything). Shes a little rough around the edges, but Dan says that he feels like a million bucks driving down the road. Unfortunately, some of the parts pulled off were quarter panel patch sections for another 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. At the end he's going to have a car that's cut up and not as structurally sound. Tools Bible is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon properties. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links. But the prospect of a convertible from a four-door brings up some interesting questions. Free shipping. Hence, he finds contributing to HotCars quite interesting a surreal experience. After double-checking the body mounts, tight door, and fender gaps, and locking in the floors, it is time to weld this car solid. What started out as a rotten 4 door hardtop is hitting the road for the first time in years as a 2 door convertible. Nothing changed with the weight in the chassis. 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. In '69, Ford only made 14,746 Convertibles and over 150,639 Hardtops. It is for an Enthusiastic base model. $45.00. The fact is that four-door cars aren't as popular as two-doors and convertibles. The second-generation Tesla Roadster is built to blow the first generation out of the water. 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. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. In turn, this can reduce storage space that could typically be used for other things. So, when you're building a 2 door convertible out of a 4 door hardtop, there are a few things that gotta go. Dan says: I always static time my motors when Ive had the distributor out. How do you find top dead center? 1968 Camaro Convertible. According to cars.com, only seven cars were offering a power-folding hardtop in 2019. Priced under $40,000. 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. Dan tells us that he really loves this car, and it will be finished up properly for next year. The Ferrari Portofino has a power-retractable hardtop that stows away in 15 seconds. Mercedes-AMG SL63 - This plush muscle man gets a folding top and tons of V8 power, which it sends to the rear wheels. You will appreciate the luxury Ferrari has built into the interior. 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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. Audi TT 2000-06 Convertible Soft Top w/ Glass Window Made From Black Canvas (Fits: More than one vehicle) $599.00. With all the lights working, his friend Mur came by to help him set a quick alignment. has a some portions of the eight-piece set available, but the company is still working on the remainder of the parts.
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