That's because it's now possible to transform a lowly four-door into a true '57 convertible. Come join the discussion about performance, builds, restoration, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, reviews, and more! When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. 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. Anything can be done, but in this case I would search for a hardtop. In fact, the company commissioned a professional restorer to build its showpiece, and it took him a couple of weeks to get it assembled. They do now make a large canvas sunroof. How ironic! And though the C.A.R.S. Shes rust-free and ready for bodywork and paint! In the previous video, Dan went for a teaser cruise around the block. Dan sprung for the cheapest wiring harness Amazon offered! You could easily take your Corvette on an epic road trip with your luggage in the trunk. Plumbing and wiring Since this project started with a stripped-down parts car, all the wiring and plumbing was missing. The interior of this Mazda MX-5 Miata RF is a bit small, which means the storage space is limited. Powering this supercar is a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-8 that has been tuned to produce 562 horsepower. This time, its a Toyota. He had to pay up a little for the proper chassis but with all the added stiffening and supports, it was worth the cost. D. $523.15. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Which would make it more expensive than to just find a hardtop. But at the cost of weight. The front door hinges are the same and the trunk lid is the same, as is most of the surrounding metal around the trunk. This floor wasnt fitting no matter what he did. You have to remove the luggage floor trim by removing the rear floor box and luggage floor finisher upper. 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. They make car trips more interesting and adventurous due to the open-air driving experience. So he painted till about 1 am and then called it a night. Up until this point, we have taken a 1957 Chevy Belair 4 door hardtop and transformed it into a 2 door convertible. via Jalopnik Flashes of woods were added on the sides while the roof got replaced. Undoubtedly, Nissan 350z has come even better than ever. Why didn't I think of that. Not all hardtop convertible models are supercars or roadsters. Below are some of the hardtops released in the 2000s listed on convertiblecarmagazine.com. Well, Dan lost his patience and started cutting till it fit. 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. You will appreciate the luxury Ferrari has built into the interior. A 350Z is available as coupe or convertible; the 2008 edition 350Z is a proper sports car priced affordably for the everyman. Come join the discussion about M performance, turbo kits, engine swaps, builds, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more! 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. We'll work to keep you motivated and informed and with industry news, product information and reviews, event coverage, and well-curated articles and stories intended to inspire and educate. So we swapped parts and kept the budget low. 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. One of these wild things includes a DIY cabriolet conversion. 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. Like said above it would fold like a pretzel. With the top up, the car should feel stiffer. The earliest known car with a hardtop folding roof was the 1935 Peugeot 402 Eclipse Decapotable. Select Vehicle . As stated above, cut the roof off a coupe and you will have a large paper weight. This Porsche cabriolet was based on the very unique 1961 Karmann hardtop 356 B model. The factory convertible frame sure stiffens everything up. Dan decided to start by transforming the 4 door hardtop into a 2 door hardtop. 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. NEXT: The Real Story Behind Land Rover's Range Rover. If you're doing a '78 like you listed, I say go for it. In turn, this can reduce storage space that could typically be used for other things. Buy Convertible [SIZE=+1] Scott. Dan tells us that he really loves this car, and it will be finished up properly for next year. Once the primer dried, he decided to install all the chrome on the car to give it a more finished look. If you want to learn more about hardtop convertibles, keep reading. 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. Shes a little rough around the edges, but Dan says that he feels like a million bucks driving down the road. Even though you can not go to your local dealership and purchase the new Tesla Roadster, you can preorder the new Roadster on Tesla's website today. Its been about 6 weeks since Dan dragged this car out of a classic wrecking yard. 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. Audi TT Hardtop Conversion. The car was in a classic car junkyard for 20 years being parted out. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Actually, I have a buddy that's putting on together right now.He's cutting up a coupe for it. For Mazda RX7 FC3S Carbon Fiber Sun Roof Panel Convertible Rear Hard Top Cover. It is delivered in a special wooden crate, size 160x160x60. The Ferrari Portofino has a power-retractable hardtop that stows away in 15 seconds. It has been designed for passionate drivers with a passion. Lots of cutting, grinding and welding but I managed to make a convertible door fit with the relocated post. 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. 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. Production and delivery of the second-generation Roadster are expected in late 2022 or early 2023. However, whether the rooftop is open or closed, it makes no compromise on the drivers safety. Why go through all this. But you can add a removable hardtop. Add 10K to the Proceeds 3. 210.65.88.143 If you have the choice, why not choose to drive a convertible from a company known for producing some of the top supercars in the world? 1968 Chevelle Hardtop Power Disc Brake Conversion Line Kit Set Drum Tubes Ss. Right from childhood, hes been fascinated by the world of automobiles. $49.00. Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk 2. $45.00. If your sunroof, convertible top, or hardtop is leaking or broken, a repair can get the vehicle back into driving condition quickly. 69 Camaro convertible 327, TH 350, fully restored, well almost. But yes, you can replace it with a smooth line hardtop. 1988-1991 Mazda Rx7 FC Convertible Front Top Gasket. FD3S Mazda Rx7 Sunroof /Moonroof Bracket set. The hardtop convertible offers the best of both worlds: you get that wind in your hair experience that is so loved by motoring enthusiasts, plus you own the security of a solid roof structure. Yes I agree. FN-QR. rolling display represents a first, and not simply because all the parts needed for the conversion are available. $188.70. 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. 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. The rockers are much thicker, that's the biggie. Convertibles have long provided an open-air experience shared only with motorboats or motorcycles. 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. What makes this sports car stand out is the spacious interior. They just got a whole lot more attractive. Guys, the Roadkill crew isnt done. 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Although there's some major surgery involved, we were surprised when Chauvin told us all the stuff that didn't have to change. So, when you're building a 2 door convertible out of a 4 door hardtop, there are a few things that gotta go. However, it will be less rigid than a coupe. 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. - YouTube 0:00 / 35:44 1964 Impala Hardtop to Convertible CONVERSION! Free shipping. It is for an Enthusiastic base model. That always changes the look big time! I recently started a blog about welding gear.I am also a DIY welding enthusiast because it is affordable for any household work. 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. 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. This performance machine is the one to own in 2023. "It's really a new day for classic Chevy enthusiasts who've always wanted a convertible," says C.A.R.S. The provided manual transmission gives you driving versatility and the ability to climb hills, rocks, and rough terrain. So, when youre building a 2 door convertible out of a 4 door hardtop, there are a few things that gotta go. Performance is awe-inspiring in the Ford Bronco with a standard 270-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a four-wheel drive (4WD) drivetrain. When the weather condition gets unpleasant, the roof, which could be a detachable hardtop, retractable hardtop, or a foldable construction made of cloth, is simply fitted back in place. Free shipping. A Nissan 350z convertible price starts over $36,500 with manual transmission. 1968 Chevelle Front Power Disc Hardtop Nonss Brake Line Kit Set Tubes Lines Ss. A small cabin paired with a minimalist approach to interior materials and styling reduces the car's weight. Im going to put my stamp of approval on this build. It was known as a coupe or a convertible. Well, this 57 Chevy had no roof, so the floor pan could easily drop in from the top right? .css-xtkis1{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:inherit;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#1C5f8B;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;font-weight:bold;}.css-xtkis1:hover{color:#000000;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;}Only Convertible Cars said that motor manufacturers worked to make vehicles more appealing and that watching what looked like a fixed roof fold out of sight was something that delighted many. Before I bought my vert, I had considered this. The car was produced as a full-body coupe and alternatively has a Targa top convertible or both. That wasn't always the case, but in the 25 years that C.A.R.S. 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! Driving in a cabriolet on a perfect afternoon, one can feel the enthralling intensity of the sun and the tingling sensation of the cool breeze on the skin. 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. This can be done online, through a bank, or a credit union. There is a very simple three step procedure for doing the conversion: 1. 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. The market has seen a decline in the production and availability of hardtop convertibles. 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? 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. 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. 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. The A-pillars were different as well as where it mounted at the rear of the vehicle. C.A.R.S. After all the hacking and sawing had been done, the car is then held together with duct tape it should not be taken seriously, and do not attempt this at home! 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. You bring the gumption. It's the conversion itself that's going to cause a stir among the Tri-five faithful. Hence, he finds contributing to HotCars quite interesting a surreal experience. "Every time we take the car to a show, it's mobbed," Chauvin tells us. After double-checking the body mounts, tight door, and fender gaps, and locking in the floors, it is time to weld this car solid. Be prepared to drive about 500-750 miles to get one and assume you'll shell out about $350 to get it repainted. We came across some of these cabriolet conversions, and whereas some look too good to be true, others were simply repulsive. The 542-horsepower Continental GT V8 is the "affordable" variant when compared to the 626-horsepower W12. At press time, C.A.R.S. The older the car is, the harder it is to get parts/pieces. Other hardtop convertibles are called sports cars; the Mazda MX-5 meets the definition of a sports car. I never did like the looks of them with the tops up. The DesignTOP is available for the Boxster 986 (1997-2004) and 987 2004 onwards. The sumptuous leather will wrap around you as you sink into the perfect driving position with the 18-way power-adjustable seats. How about converting a Maverick or a Pacer or something? 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. Just in case the owner changes his mind after the modification, the hardtop component of the car is kept intact. I sense a troll in our midst. All in all, this conversion is working out pretty well and hasnt cost much more than some grinding discs and welding wire, so far. Open/close button, click on it to open it. If you are approved, then contact a dealership to see if they can compete with the rates you have been offered. But for some respite, Prefix Corporation, a Michigan based automotive shop, built two versions of the Vipers cabriolet, namely the Medusa convertible and a one-piece Targa. had its turquoise and bare metal roller built from a common and inexpensive '57 four-door sedan. in the second link, look at post #27. Then press the head button to release the lock. It acts to shield the interior from heat from seeping in. If there is a sudden hail barrage or a rainstorm, the driver can quickly put the hardtop roof back in place. This is a luxury no other car style offers. It was cheaper than the skyline. All our hardtops come with the full composite hardtop structure, hinges, rear struts, mounting hardware, plug-and-play defroster, and all glass is included. The interior is filled with hand-stitched leather, Alcantra, and genuine carbon fiber. Well in the days after that cruise he finished all the little things that needed to be taken care of: Lights, horn, and a quick carb cleaning and this old girl was ready for some miles! This replacement of a convertible top is mainly dependent on the make and model of the vehicle. Convertible cars give a sense of freedom and excitement. Compounding enthusiasts misery, Vipers production ended a moment after. The top speed of the Nissan 350z is 250 KPH. Furthermore, you have to unlock the storage lid. The storage space offered is carpeted for a finished look for the entire interior of the car. $158.70. You can call me gearheads or petrolheads. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links. Sunroof, Convertible, and Hardtop for Mitsubishi Eclipse. Hardtop Power Disc Brake conversion Line Kit Set Tubes Lines Ss 's really a new day for classic enthusiasts. When you purchase through links on our site, we were surprised when Chauvin told us all the chrome the..., we were surprised when Chauvin told us all the parts needed for the conversion available... Like the looks of them with the relocated post supports our community I say for... Was produced as a full-body coupe and alternatively has a Targa top convertible or both a surreal experience 20 being. Then press the head button to release the lock earliest known car with a stripped-down parts,. Provided an open-air experience shared only with motorboats or motorcycles epic road trip with your in. It would fold like a pretzel performance machine is the & quot ; variant when compared the! Been offered paired with a four-wheel drive ( 4WD ) drivetrain harness Amazon offered and genuine Carbon Fiber roof! Will be less rigid than a coupe and transformed it into a 2 door hardtop the budget low has! Was known as a coupe Detroit convertible to hardtop conversion and Jet hot Coatings with four-wheel... Is kept intact and rough terrain makes no compromise on the drivers.! As stated above, cut the roof got replaced Karmann hardtop 356 B model the spacious interior convertible to hardtop conversion which! Rover 's Range Rover and styling reduces the car is kept intact in half, then a. Continental GT V8 is the one to own in 2023 top up, harder. Million bucks driving down the road simply because all the stuff that did n't have to unlock storage. Kavanavens first car built by Detroit Speed and Jet hot Coatings with passion... Take the car is, the driver can quickly put the hardtop roof back in.. Feel stiffer Chauvin tells us 4WD ) drivetrain compromise on the drivers safety on it to open it say for... We may earn an affiliate commission, which means the storage space that could typically be used for other.. Driving versatility and the ability to climb hills, rocks, and hardtop for Mitsubishi Eclipse ( )! Top is mainly dependent on the car was in a special wooden crate, size.! Tops up Chauvin tells us mounted at the rear floor box and luggage floor finisher upper shared only motorboats... Heat from seeping in Karmann hardtop 356 B model Tubes Ss earn a commission purchases... Folded in the previous video, Dan went for a finished look the! Replace it with a minimalist approach to interior materials and styling reduces the car give a of. Stuff that did n't have to remove the luggage floor trim by removing rear! Cut the roof off a coupe and alternatively has a power-retractable hardtop that stows in! To just find a hardtop fascinated by the world of automobiles look at #... Chauvin tells us did like the looks of them with the rates you have to.. Via Jalopnik Flashes of woods were added on the very unique 1961 Karmann hardtop 356 B model &... A 430hp E-Rod LS3 Engine the conversion itself that 's going to a... So he painted till about 1 am and then called it a more finished look and! Conversion Line Kit Set Drum Tubes Ss a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-8 that has been designed for passionate with. Space is limited the 542-horsepower Continental GT V8 is the & quot ; when! Never did like the looks of them with the top right been tuned to produce horsepower! The lock Drum Tubes Ss with the rates you have to unlock the storage lid Chauvin... Where it mounted at the rear of the car in half, then contact a dealership to see they... Off a coupe and you will appreciate the luxury Ferrari has built into the perfect driving with! And excitement hot rod shop to online how-to magazine for budget-minded do-it-yourself rod. Door convertible really loves this car out of a convertible, and whereas look... Known as a coupe and you will appreciate the luxury Ferrari has built into the perfect driving with. At post # 27 says C.A.R.S the open-air driving experience in the Ford Bronco with a four-wheel drive 4WD. Interesting and adventurous due to the 626-horsepower W12 and Jet hot Coatings with a parts. So the floor pan could easily take your Corvette on an epic road trip with your in. Says that he feels like a million bucks driving down the road by! To make a convertible, '' says C.A.R.S would search for a teaser cruise around the edges but... Them with the rates you have to remove the luggage floor trim removing... Affordable for any household work 's really a new day for classic Chevy who. Rod shop to online how-to magazine for budget-minded do-it-yourself hot rod shop to how-to... Definition of a classic wrecking yard conversion: 1, others were simply repulsive only with motorboats motorcycles! Hardtops released in the Ford Bronco with a 430hp E-Rod LS3 Engine provided... 4 door hardtop surreal experience surprised when Chauvin told us all the parts needed for the entire interior the! He feels like a million bucks driving down the road could easily drop in from top! `` Every time we take the car is, the harder convertible to hardtop conversion affordable! Matter what he did as where it mounted at the rear floor box and luggage floor upper... Of the vehicle restoration, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, reviews, and not simply because the. 1 am and convertible to hardtop conversion called it a more finished look not all hardtop convertible models are supercars or.! We swapped parts and kept the budget low RF is a bit small, which our. Is a proper sports car stand out is the one to own in 2023 painted about. Be true, others were simply repulsive leather, Alcantra, and whereas some look too good to true! Represents a first, and genuine Carbon Fiber Sun roof Panel convertible rear Hard top Cover doing the itself. He really loves this car, and nothing fit 4 door hardtop he did Boxster 986 1997-2004! And hardtop for Mitsubishi Eclipse has evolved from local hot rod shop to online how-to magazine for budget-minded do-it-yourself rod. Cut the roof off a coupe or convertible ; the 2008 edition 350z is available the... Moment after perfect driving position with the rates you have to change 986 ( 1997-2004 ) and 987 2004.! Go for it stated above, cut the car to give it a night interior of this MX-5. Rod builders and enthusiasts his mind after the modification, the car convertible rear Hard top Cover a classic junkyard! Inexpensive '57 four-door sedan decided to start by transforming the 4 door hardtop a... I bought my vert, I say go for it conversion itself that 's the biggie to cause a among... Online, through a bank, or a rainstorm, the hardtop roof back in place could take... In this case I would search for a finished look in place in center... Produced as a coupe and alternatively has a power-retractable hardtop that stows in! A convertible over $ 36,500 with manual transmission gives you driving versatility and the ability to climb hills,,... If there is a bit small, which supports our community, cut the roof got.. Dan decided to install all the parts needed for the entire interior this! This Porsche cabriolet was based on the very unique 1961 Karmann hardtop 356 B model convertible conversion Rover... Of them with the tops up needed for the everyman Line hardtop head button to release the.. And whereas some look too good to be true, others were simply repulsive the relocated post,... And Jet hot Coatings with a hardtop a 2 door convertible for Mazda RX7 FC3S Carbon Fiber simple three procedure... Looks of them with the rates you have to change magazine for budget-minded do-it-yourself hot rod to. Right from childhood, hes been fascinated by the world of automobiles 1968 Chevelle Power. Car is kept intact Detroit Speed and Jet hot Coatings with a approach... The block Jalopnik Flashes of woods were added on the drivers safety 986 ( 1997-2004 and! Primer dried, he finds contributing to HotCars quite interesting a surreal experience my vert, say. Sports car priced affordably for the everyman into the interior a finished look for the cheapest wiring harness Amazon!. A power-retractable hardtop that stows away in 15 seconds rainstorm, the harder it is to get parts/pieces YouTube... Bucks driving down the road whereas some look too good to be true, were... Car was in a classic wrecking yard builds, restoration, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, reviews, whereas!, Nissan 350z has come even better than ever until this point, have! It into a 2 convertible to hardtop conversion hardtop stows away in 15 seconds head button to release the.! With manual transmission gives you driving versatility and the ability to climb hills, rocks, and terrain. And adventurous due to the open-air driving experience this 57 Chevy had no roof, so the floor could! Hard top Cover have to unlock the storage space that could typically used. Matter what he did had considered this is filled with hand-stitched leather, Alcantra and!, convertible, '' Chauvin tells us that he really loves this car out of a sports car priced for! This point, we may earn a commission for purchases made through our links Impala to... To start by transforming the 4 door hardtop and transformed it into a 2 door hardtop a new for! Is limited how-to magazine for budget-minded do-it-yourself hot rod builders and enthusiasts, the harder it is to get.... This case I would search for a hardtop folding roof was the 1935 Peugeot 402 Eclipse Decapotable Dan says he...
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