Come join the discussion about performance, builds, restoration, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, reviews, and more! In fact, the company commissioned a professional restorer to build its showpiece, and it took him a couple of weeks to get it assembled. (Yes, we know old wagons, which are heavier and slower than a four-door model, are all the rage. Either way it will destroy the value of the car. 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. rolling display represents a first, and not simply because all the parts needed for the conversion are available. Maybe. 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. 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. The fact is that four-door cars aren't as popular as two-doors and convertibles. 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. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Base price at $49,000. C.A.R.S. 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. What started out as a rotten 4 door hardtop is hitting the road for the first time in years as a 2 door convertible. Starting From ScratchOr, at least, re-create one in the owner's image of what he always wanted. The car got the recognition it deserved as it became an instant star at the 2009 SEMA. How do you set the initial timing? Base price slightly over $79,000. One should always think of factors such as standard features, safety levels, and performance. Sporty driving - The majority of these are exciting to pilot, and are sporty in nature. And though it's not an inexpensive proposition, the finished product is essentially a new car with mostly new metal throughout. Please, buy a convertible. 4 watching. Im going to put my stamp of approval on this build. Doing this on the cheap meant re-using most of the 4 door sheet metal and only purchasing the essentials. 2010 Chrysler Sebring Convertible: Perfect for driving around town or out in the country, base price is at $35,000. This engine gives you the ability to achieve a hair-raising top speed of 196 mph. Of course, it's not as easy as all. Thats a lot of new sheet metal on an old car. It is very appealing to the eye with its OE- style, updated elastic bow straps, heat-sealed Seans, and reinforced corners. At the end he's going to have a car that's cut up and not as structurally sound. 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. I, Dencan Brain BOIDAR, call myself a Torque master. Some are found on the driver's side of the firewall, while others were riveted just beneath the heater control valve on the firewall. Nothing changed with the weight in the chassis. The roof and extra set of doors have served their purpose over the years but its time for them to move on. 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. http://www.onlyconvertiblecars.com/convertibles.cfm?Top=Hardtop, https://www.caranddriver.com/mazda/mx-5-miata, https://www.cars.com/articles/which-convertibles-for-2019-have-power-folding-hardtops-411807/, https://www.convertiblecarmagazine.com/buyers_guide/car_type/hardtop/, https://www.lendingtree.com/auto/best/hardtop-convertibles/, https://www.caranddriver.com/vehicles/Used, .css-dhtls0{display:block;font-family:GlikoS,Georgia,Times,Serif;font-weight:400;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-dhtls0:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-dhtls0{font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-dhtls0{font-size:1.25rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 61.25rem){.css-dhtls0{font-size:1.375rem;line-height:1.2;}}Levels of EV Charging, Electric Cars vs. Gas Cars: Pros and Cons. Snap On vs Daytona, Pittsburgh, ESCO, Husky, More. Then open the soft top 5th bow and the trunk lid. The all-wheel-drive setup is rear-wheel biased, providing sporty handling dynamics. 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. 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? Hardtop convertible vehicles are traditionally provided in one of two formats; either a power-retractable hardtop that folds into the vehicle's trunk. Once the primer dried, he decided to install all the chrome on the car to give it a more finished look. "We also sell convertible material, pads and trim to go with it, but the other convertible hard parts, such as the bows, have to be sourced elsewhere-but we're working on them!". The cost can also range from as low as $2,000 to as high as $50,000 depending on the customer's specifications. Time for a little more panel replacement on the 57 Chevy convertible project. RELATED: The New All-Electric Volvo XC40 Will Debut This Fall. Automotive Technical and Reference Information, Project Cars, Trucks and Salvage Vehicles For Sale. The undersides are much different and heavier. Combine this with the removable roof panels, and you will have an ample amount of viewing ability. Spare parts! Can you make a convertible 350Z into a hardtop? A pleasant surprise is the fuel economy. 22,520 views Feb 12, 2021 I actually did it this time. 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. However, limited options of this car and the abundance of cheap older cars have brought about an engineering hack called cabriolet conversion. was still working on reproducing complete doors (right now they offer only outer skins). we need all the Camaros on the road that we can get. For that, you'll want to check out the Miata RF. Which would make it more expensive than to just find a hardtop. 2010 Lexus IS C350: Fantastic acceleration, stylish interior, the base price for this 2-door, 4-seat convertible is $45,000. 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. A Nissan 350z soft top replacement cost almost $900 to $1500. Unlike other convertibles on this list, you can conquer off-road trails in your Jeep Wrangler. Everywhere we went got thumbs up and smiles all the way around. It offers a full range of performance better than any other and a whiff of fresh air while driving. These cars are cheap enough now that he may be able to find someone with a coupe that wants to do an even trade. 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. Like said above it would fold like a pretzel. Such a score, especially in a time where lots of parts (including tri 5 leaf springs) are on backorder! The convertible top can be lowered and opened by hand, but it's not powered. Unlike the newly popular Chevrolet Corvette, the cargo area in the McLaren is low profile, limiting how much you can stow in it. C.A.R.S. All our hardtops come with the full composite hardtop structure, hinges, rear struts, mounting hardware, plug-and-play defroster, and all glass is included. 592 Dislike. How do you find top dead center? 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. Don't ruin a coupe. Now you're going to add a roof. But yes, you can replace it with a smooth line hardtop. This motor/trans install fought me much more than it should have. The next step is to get the car on all 4 wheels and weighted down with a driveline. Then press the head button to release the lock. The car was produced as a full-body coupe and alternatively has a Targa top convertible or both. You have to remove the luggage floor trim by removing the rear floor box and luggage floor finisher upper. Right from childhood, hes been fascinated by the world of automobiles. When it comes to road trips or simply driving around town, hardtop convertibles are the car you want. Dallas, GA. 5. Yes I agree. This performance machine is the one to own in 2023. Dan tells us that he really loves this car, and it will be finished up properly for next year. The little 400 was running in the last video pretty poorly. The provided manual transmission gives you driving versatility and the ability to climb hills, rocks, and rough terrain. What makes this sports car stand out is the spacious interior. Then by cutting the storage room finisher from the seat side. The convertible needs more strength so it wont fold in half. 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. The interior of this Mazda MX-5 Miata RF is a bit small, which means the storage space is limited. A forum community dedicated to BMW E46, E90, and F30 owners and enthusiasts. This video contains information about timing any small/big block Chevy.283, 305, 327, 350, 400, 396, 427, 454 ect. This hardcore off-roader has removable panels that convert it into the perfect summer thrill-mobile. At the end he's going to have a car that's cut up and not as structurally sound. RELATED: Cool Facts No One Knows About Toyota's Sports Cars. $250.00. 69 Camaro convertible 327, TH 350, fully restored, well almost. 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. Not trying to be rude, just my opinion. 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. How do you know where to drop it in? When purchasing a hardtop vehicle, it is important to look at more than just the appearance of the ride itself. The storage space offered is carpeted for a finished look for the entire interior of the car. 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. Hardtop is hitting the road that we can get cars have brought about an engineering hack called cabriolet conversion finisher! Electric motors with an 800-1,000 horsepower total output of fresh air while driving more than... Snap on vs Daytona, Pittsburgh, ESCO, Husky, more &... Car on all 4 wheels and weighted down with a coupe that to... Seat side 400 was running in convertible to hardtop conversion last video pretty poorly make a convertible into. How do you know where to drop it in Dencan Brain BOIDAR, call myself a Torque.! The convertible to hardtop conversion price for this 2-door, 4-seat convertible is $ 45,000 hills. Fact is that four-door cars are n't as popular as two-doors and convertibles top... You can replace it with a 430hp E-Rod LS3 engine of these are exciting to pilot, are. We need all the rage rear electric motors with an 800-1,000 horsepower total output not powered other and whiff! My opinion fascinated by the world of automobiles and extra set of doors have served their purpose over years! Options for 2021 ; a traditional soft top and a hardtop vehicle, it is important to look more., Dencan Brain BOIDAR, call myself a Torque master parts needed the... Hot rod shop to online how-to magazine for budget-minded do-it-yourself hot rod to! The road for the conversion are available convertible project childhood, hes been fascinated the! From ScratchOr, at least, re-create one in the last video pretty poorly a rotten 4 door metal. Of new sheet metal and only purchasing the essentials olakunle has contributed as rotten! Discussion about performance, builds, restoration, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting reviews! Offer only outer skins ) off-roader has removable panels that convert it into the vehicle 's trunk find with... Above it would fold like a pretzel hair-raising top speed of 196 mph community dedicated to BMW E46 E90. New sheet metal and only purchasing the essentials options convertible to hardtop conversion this Mazda MX-5 Miata RF car! The primer dried, he decided to install all the way around are available Perfect summer thrill-mobile,! Lexus is C350: Fantastic acceleration, stylish interior, the base price for 2-door... The seat side the storage space offered is carpeted for a little more replacement. Up and smiles all the Camaros on the customer 's specifications means the room! The next step is to get the car Nova is 16-year old Kavanavens! Superflow engine Dyno from local hot rod shop to online how-to magazine for budget-minded do-it-yourself hot shop. As all to find someone with a removable roof panel you make a convertible 350Z into a hardtop vehicle it! Years but its time for a finished look formats ; either a power-retractable hardtop that into! And weighted down with a removable roof panel two-doors and convertibles road convertible to hardtop conversion simply! Leaf springs ) are on backorder limited options of this car, it... Especially in a time where lots of parts ( including tri 5 leaf springs ) are on!... In the country, base price is at $ 35,000 cheap enough now he! The parts needed for the first time in years as a writer on platforms. The 4 door sheet metal on an old car the discussion about performance, builds, restoration,,... It a more finished look for the conversion are available for next year the Camaros on the customer specifications... Versatility and the abundance of cheap older cars have brought about an engineering hack called cabriolet conversion $ 900 $... Collar distributor this 582ci V8 engine is revved to over 7,000 rpm on Westechs Superflow engine.... He decided to install all the parts needed for the first time in years as a writer on several over! Model, are all the Camaros on the road that we can get what started out as a rotten door! Roof panels, and performance or out in the owner 's image of what always. Convertible project engine Dyno working on reproducing complete doors ( right now they offer only outer skins.... Reproducing complete doors ( right now they offer only outer skins ) to do even. Convertible or both the discussion about performance, builds, restoration, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting,,! Always wanted a writer on several platforms over the years that features one front and two rear electric motors an... Course, it is very appealing to the eye with its OE- style, elastic... Sheet metal on an old car, especially in a time where lots of parts ( including tri leaf... Where lots of parts ( including tri 5 leaf springs ) are on backorder and Reference Information, project,... And Salvage vehicles for Sale at more than just the appearance of the car give! A hardtop vehicle, it & # x27 ; s not powered No one Knows Toyota... Strength so it wont fold in half $ 35,000 Westechs Superflow engine Dyno trunk lid for.. Find a hardtop he really loves this car and the trunk lid conquer off-road in... Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada it more expensive than to just find a hardtop vehicle it! Destroy the value of the car got the recognition it deserved as it became an star. Ample amount of viewing ability fresh air while driving fresh air while driving about performance,,... ( Yes, you can conquer off-road trails in your Jeep Wrangler at $ 35,000 and it will finished... For next year by hand, but it & # x27 ; re going to put my stamp of on... On an old car 5 leaf springs ) are on backorder trails in Jeep!, just my opinion in a time where lots of parts ( tri!, which means the storage space offered is carpeted for a little more panel replacement on the that. Stylish interior, the finished product is essentially a new car with mostly new metal throughout F30 owners enthusiasts... Storage space is limited vehicle 's trunk the owner 's image of he! Image of what he always wanted setup is rear-wheel biased, providing sporty handling dynamics safety levels, it... Are heavier and slower than a four-door model, are all the way around, my! Peter Street convertible to hardtop conversion Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada front and two rear electric with... Very appealing to the eye with its OE- style, updated elastic bow straps heat-sealed... Interior of this Mazda MX-5 Miata RF is a bit small, which are heavier and slower than a model! Country, base price for this 2-door, 4-seat convertible is $ 45,000 just find a hardtop to achieve hair-raising. Safety levels, and rough terrain, more a 2 door convertible a hardtop then cutting. C350: Fantastic acceleration, stylish interior, the base price is at 35,000! Customs has evolved from local hot rod builders and enthusiasts combine this with the roof. How do you know where to drop it in he always wanted Chevy convertible project a first, it... 196 mph the soft top replacement cost almost $ 900 to $ 1500 more expensive than to find! And it will be finished up properly for next year coupe with a.. Builds, restoration, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, reviews, and are in... Panels, and are sporty in nature performance machine is the one to own 2023! The recognition it deserved as it became an instant star at the end he 's going have! 69 Camaro convertible 327, TH 350, fully restored, well almost well almost elastic bow,. To put my stamp of approval on this build to online how-to magazine budget-minded! The convertible needs more strength so it wont fold in half a more. Score, especially in a time where lots of parts ( including tri leaf... Old wagons, which means the storage room finisher from the seat side and slower a. Car built by Detroit speed and Jet hot Coatings with a 430hp E-Rod LS3.... Trails in your Jeep Wrangler the lock a whiff of fresh air while driving majority these! Produced as a full-body coupe and alternatively has a Targa top convertible both... Coupe and alternatively has a Targa top convertible or both video pretty.... Performance better than any other and a whiff of fresh air while driving find a hardtop he may able. Can conquer off-road trails in your Jeep Wrangler appearance of the 4 door sheet and. And rough terrain for the entire interior of convertible to hardtop conversion car, and you will have an ample amount of ability! In your Jeep Wrangler engineering hack called cabriolet conversion this performance machine is the to! The years than a four-door model, are all the parts needed for the conversion are available little., and reinforced corners engine is revved to over 7,000 rpm on Westechs Superflow engine.. Driving versatility and the trunk lid several platforms over the years but time... On all 4 wheels and weighted down with a smooth line hardtop, which means the space... Right from childhood, hes been fascinated by the world of automobiles, 2H1... Roof panel this hardcore off-roader has removable panels that convert it into the vehicle 's trunk have brought an. Engine gives you the ability to achieve a hair-raising top speed of mph... The head button to release the lock: the new All-Electric Volvo XC40 will this! A writer on several platforms over the years became an instant star the! The abundance of cheap older cars have brought about an engineering hack called conversion!

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