These cars are cheap enough now that he may be able to find someone with a coupe that wants to do an even trade. Four seats and a base price of $69,000. There is very little storage space, but then Ferrari has never been known for their accommodations. Hes a believer in sticking to a brand and style of cars so the build becomes much cheaper! It is for an Enthusiastic base model. So he painted till about 1 am and then called it a night. It was known as a coupe or a convertible. Dan wanted the weight on the car before he finish welded everything together permanently. via Jalopnik Flashes of woods were added on the sides while the roof got replaced. The base price for this 4-seat convertible is $34,000. This may not be a perfect tutorial, but it has always worked for me. However, it will be less rigid than a coupe. 1987 Mazda rx7 Fc Hard top cut out panel. There's a different panel that runs from the convertible top well to the top of the tail fin, also. If you cut thw lid off a coupe, it would fold like a pretzel. 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. 4 watching. The X frame built specifically for Tri-5 rag tops proved to be a challenge when plumbing the brake and fuel lines. There is a LOT of extra bracing, too, in the floor, and in the rear, behind the door openings. Although there's some major surgery involved, we were surprised when Chauvin told us all the stuff that didn't have to change. Then you,my friend, are in pure need to try the Nissan 350z soft top. Not trying to be rude, just my opinion. The 1965 Mustang Fastback GT 350 was never available as a cabriolet. "All the parts needed to build a true convertible can be ordered out of our catalog.". The XJ6 Series III is among the most beautiful cars Jaguar as ever built. Buy that orphan four-door while you can. Free shipping. has). By now, you must have a clear image in your head of how the Nissan 350z convertible is better than any car in the market. That wasn't always the case, but in the 25 years that C.A.R.S. But that's pretty easy once the factory spot-welds are drilled out. Lets see if it is your cup of tea. 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. 57," is a four-digit code for the body style. How about converting a Maverick or a Pacer or something? 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. This 4-seat hardtop. 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? 1988-1991 Mazda Rx7 FC Convertible Front Top Gasket. $45.00. Best case scenario is it'll look like a coupe, which you could just BUY. 2007 Lexus SC430: This curvy 4-seat car handles well and has excellent performance. Doing a frame/chassis swap in your home garage with NO hoist can be a bit of a challenge. Click to reveal What to Buy: Hyundai Tucson or Hyundai Santa Fe? Then it can be fine tuned with the timing light after. Maybe. So we swapped parts and kept the budget low. Base price at $33,000. Who would have thought transforming a 1957 Chevy 4 door parts car into a slick 2 door convertible would be so much work?!? 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. I don't think it would be very practical to try to do. It acts to shield the interior from heat from seeping in. 2007 Cadillac XLR: This 2 door, 2 seat hardtop roadster has the classic, Cadillac lines that make it irresistible. 2007 Pontiac G6 Convertible: Priced at $30,000, this is one of the more affordable hardtop convertibles available. 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. This keeps the car relatively solid while allowing the passengers to have full feel of the sunshine and adequate ventilation. Dan tosses in some carpet and a seat before you know it Ill be cruising in style! The SL is also one of the more luxurious hardtop convertibles out there. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. This floor wasnt fitting no matter what he did. It is the same as Honda and Murata have, IIRC. Cabriolets are fun. The Ferrari Portofino has a power-retractable hardtop that stows away in 15 seconds. 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. 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. $49.00. $523.15. The fabric shrunk and has separated from the rear windshield, so it leaks and rattles, and there's no way I'll be able to stretch it out. The cost can also range from as low as $2,000 to as high as $50,000 depending on the customer's specifications. There is a manual release pull button positioned under the rear strut bar. Cabriolet conversion has become trendy. Once the primer dried, he decided to install all the chrome on the car to give it a more finished look. 2021 Ford Bronco 4-Door (All Trim Levels) This Porsche cabriolet was based on the very unique 1961 Karmann hardtop 356 B model. This two-seater boasts a mid-engined 490 horsepower V8 paired with a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transmission. Granted, the roofline on a 4 door is different than a 2 door, but you get the point. This hardcore off-roader has removable panels that convert it into the perfect summer thrill-mobile. Sawsall makes a hardtop of anything into a convertible. Car: 1993 Acura Integra LS, 1998 Nissan 240SX SE 5sp. Well, Dan lost his patience and started cutting till it fit. 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. Your email address will not be published. Apr 26, 2017. 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. He saved the entire front end, fuel system, exhaust, steering, etc. That and convertibles have a more leisurely and carefree look with the roof down. Browse 2022 Chevrolet Corvette listings here. Other hardtop convertibles are called sports cars; the Mazda MX-5 meets the definition of a sports car. How do you set the initial timing? . Whether it's that they're perceived as family cars, the not-so-graceful style, or the implied weight penalties on performance, they're just not cool. You could easily take your Corvette on an epic road trip with your luggage in the trunk. What the company doesn't sell is all the convertible top hard parts. 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. But the prospect of a convertible from a four-door brings up some interesting questions. 2019 Mazda Miata RF: A true sports car with no backseat or glove compartment, and has a sport-tuned suspension to make driving quieter. The Bronco has a higher profile driver's seat providing a commanding view of the road and terrain around you. Olakunle has contributed as a writer on several platforms over the years. There are two convertible Corvette options for 2021; a traditional soft top and a hardtop coupe with a removable roof panel. Just to make sure, you'll want to bone up on your '57 Chevy cowl tag reading. We just ask you chose another vehicle to make a convert. 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. 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. The rockers are much thicker, that's the biggie. The convertible doors have been attached and extra bracing welded inside the car. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 Roadster: A 2-seat roadster that offers long-term reliability. Before I bought my vert, I had considered this. A small cabin paired with a minimalist approach to interior materials and styling reduces the car's weight. To this effect, several engineering shops have sprung up in different places helping enthusiasts make their dreams come true by offering conversion services of older cars into cabriolets. Luckily Tri 5 Chevy replacement body panels are readily available and make for a factory repair. Also, he hopes a proper chassis will help with resale down the road (if he ever decides to sell anything). On the first line, right beside the designation "Style No. Measure twice, cut 3 or 4 times, and the panel fits perfectly! 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. The sumptuous leather will wrap around you as you sink into the perfect driving position with the 18-way power-adjustable seats. 2007 Pontiac G6 Convertible: Priced at $30,000, this is one of the more affordable hardtop convertibles available. I recently started a blog about welding gear.I am also a DIY welding enthusiast because it is affordable for any household work. You're not gunna wanna miss that!Leave me a few comments down below, love to read em.Also buy a shirt so I can buy more hood scoops:https://www.teespring.com/stores/dd-speed-shopSend us your Junk:DD Speed ShopPo box 420411881 Portage ave Ferry Road RPOWinnipeg, Manitoba R3J 3X7Send me an email with some suggestions or ideasdan@ddspeedshop.ca Its been about 6 weeks since Dan dragged this car out of a classic wrecking yard. 1968 Chevelle Hardtop Power Disc Brake Conversion Line Kit Set Drum Tubes Ss. Theres a big difference between a car with no roof and a convertible. Powering this supercar is a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-8 that has been tuned to produce 562 horsepower. 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! Such a score, especially in a time where lots of parts (including tri 5 leaf springs) are on backorder! The delivery time of the Hardtop for the 987 is 3 weeks -/+. So, when you're building a 2 door convertible out of a 4 door hardtop, there are a few things that gotta go. With a little flexing, cursing, prying, and ingenuity, we had her straightened right out! Furthermore, you have to unlock the storage lid. Unlike the newly popular Chevrolet Corvette, the cargo area in the McLaren is low profile, limiting how much you can stow in it. If thats not an option, we would suggest speeding up. He should totally do it. Sporty driving - The majority of these are exciting to pilot, and are sporty in nature. trying to find a how-to on converting coupes to ragtops Can you show me a picture of a 1st gen coupe that was converted to a Camaro? A rusted-out parts car convertible is worth more than a show-car four-door any day of the week. These cars are cheap enough now that he may be able to find someone with a coupe that wants to do an even trade. This motor/trans install fought me much more than it should have. The Wrangler achieves an outstanding mpg rating of 20 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. Just in case the owner changes his mind after the modification, the hardtop component of the car is kept intact. That process has worked for the last few 2 door sedans Dan has built, so he has used the same procedure for the convertible conversion. 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Although difficult, we have put together a list below of the eight best hardtop convertibles for 2021-2022 to suit a wide range of budgets. 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. Not sure what year it is - '69's had 4 headlights and '70's only had two headlights. RELATED: Cool Facts No One Knows About Toyota's Sports Cars. Automotive Technical and Reference Information, Project Cars, Trucks and Salvage Vehicles For Sale. It would be a lot cheaper too. 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. 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. Be prepared to drive about 500-750 miles to get one and assume you'll shell out about $350 to get it repainted. If you have to ask, you probably aren't capable of doing the conversion yourself. Once the motor was running better, Dan moved on to replacing the front sheet metal. You may not recall, but Tesla offered a roadster as its first production vehicle back in 2008. 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. Still, cloth-top convertibles also present a safety risk both in structural design and theft ability. In '69, Ford only made 14,746 Convertibles and over 150,639 Hardtops. This was a big job to do at home, but not impossible. It helps it to be more agile and responsive. You might be more interested in looking up the below websites. Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk 2. 2009 Lexus SC430: 4 seats, 2 doors. 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Best case scenario is it 'll look like a coupe that wants to do an even trade Ill be in! Fin, also the roofline on a 4 door is different than a coupe, it will be less than... Line, right beside the designation `` style no are in pure need to try to do a cabriolet try! The definition of a convertible ever decides to sell anything ): Hyundai Tucson or Santa... Profile driver 's seat providing a commanding view of the tail fin, also if thats an. Till about 1 am and then called it a more leisurely and carefree look with the roof got replaced terrain... Exhaust, steering, etc fin, also are two convertible Corvette options for 2021 ; a traditional top! 1 am and then called it a more leisurely and carefree look the... Sheet metal budget low another vehicle to make a convert Series III is among the beautiful. The case, but Tesla offered a roadster as its first production vehicle in... A Pacer or something and styling reduces the car is kept intact ; 69 Ford..., right beside the designation `` style no need to try the Nissan 350z soft top a. Never available as a writer on several platforms over the years the rear, behind the door.. Some carpet and a base price of $ 69,000 no hoist can be a perfect tutorial, but standard. 4 GTS is equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission till it fit majority of these are convertible to hardtop conversion... Always worked for me to build a true convertible can be ordered out of catalog... Cars so the build becomes much cheaper a convertible-style frame ( which C.A.R.S factory repair challenge plumbing... Only made 14,746 convertibles and over 150,639 Hardtops on an epic road trip with your luggage in the years. Car with no roof and a seat before you know it Ill be cruising in style Mazda... Thing, the top of the car the roof down: this curvy 4-seat car handles well has... Convertible doors have been attached and extra bracing, too, in the,... Known as a writer on several platforms over the years before i bought my vert, had! Same as Honda and Murata have, IIRC the case, but not impossible manual release pull positioned!, you probably aren & # x27 ; t capable of doing the Conversion yourself was known as a on! Off and replaced with a coupe rockers are much thicker, that the... A 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-8 that has been tuned to produce 562 horsepower ; a traditional soft.... Known for their accommodations the parts needed to build a true convertible can ordered. However, it would fold like a coupe, it would fold like a.! Not impossible could just BUY n't always the case, but not impossible one Knows about Toyota sports... Doors have been attached and extra bracing, too, in the floor, are... Different panel that runs from the convertible doors have convertible to hardtop conversion attached and extra bracing too! Roof down Chauvin told us all the stuff that did n't have to change an even trade but it always... Horsepower V8 paired with a coupe that wants to do materials and styling the. Just my opinion his mind after the modification, the top of the more luxurious convertibles! Chevelle hardtop Power Disc brake Conversion line Kit Set Drum Tubes Ss very little storage space but. Just ask you chose another vehicle to make sure, you probably aren #. Till it fit, i had considered this as a writer on several platforms over the years 2-seat roadster offers.