The piece that really set off the car was the convertible top cover it makes the car and really finishes off the fake convertible. That wasn't always the case, but in the 25 years that C.A.R.S. Car: 1993 Acura Integra LS, 1998 Nissan 240SX SE 5sp. All heads down to its promising design, which lets you have an enjoyable ride without making strength, performance any less. Up to this point, everything has just been tacked into place. Found in a catalog of super rare cars, this Range Rover, looking all unsightly couldnt have been anything but rare. 210.65.88.143 E46 Fanatics Forum is an independent BMW enthusiast website owned and operated by VerticalScope, Inc. The provided manual transmission gives you driving versatility and the ability to climb hills, rocks, and rough terrain. Nevertheless, if you are a desperate driver and fast drive runs through your blood, you, my friend, give the Nissan 350z soft top a must try cause its the only car that meets your demands and wants. 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. Base price at $33,000. Lift the butterfly doors and slip inside, and admire the ample amount of luxurious materials at your fingertips. $250.00. 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! . There's a different panel that runs from the convertible top well to the top of the tail fin, also. Dan says that hes shocked how well the car drives considering how far apart this car once was. Sell Coupe 2. Well, this 57 Chevy had no roof, so the floor pan could easily drop in from the top right? So, when youre building a 2 door convertible out of a 4 door hardtop, there are a few things that gotta go. They have pictures of 2nd gen camaro convertables. So, when you're building a 2 door convertible out of a 4 door hardtop, there are a few things that gotta go. In '69, Ford only made 14,746 Convertibles and over 150,639 Hardtops. Come join the discussion about performance, builds, restoration, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, reviews, and more! 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. How about converting a Maverick or a Pacer or something? . 2019 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray: Performance breaks, manual transmission, and a standard V8 engine. Then it can be fine tuned with the timing light after. This video contains information about timing any small/big block Chevy.283, 305, 327, 350, 400, 396, 427, 454 ect. 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. 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? This motor/trans install fought me much more than it should have. Not trying to be rude, just my opinion. President Bob Chauvin. Usually, a convertible is slightly heavier than a couple due to this extra reinforcements. Static timing is a function of essentially setting the timing by hand with the motor not running. It's offered in the Grand Touring trim ($35,350) and the Club. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Local Pickup. They just got a whole lot more attractive. The top speed of the Nissan 350z is 250 KPH. 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. Was: $134.75. Below the staring, on the left side, you can see an. 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. This Porsche cabriolet was based on the very unique 1961 Karmann hardtop 356 B model. Once the motor was running better, Dan moved on to replacing the front sheet metal. Toyo Open Country mt vs Nitto Trail Grappler, Power Stop Z23 vs Z26: Which Brake pad upgrade is best for you, Best Tuner for 6.0 Powerstroke [Review and Buying Guide]. 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. If you are approved, then contact a dealership to see if they can compete with the rates you have been offered. NEXT: The Real Story Behind Land Rover's Range Rover. Will unscrupulous builders try to pass off a re-constructed four-door as the real thing? Compounding enthusiasts misery, Vipers production ended a moment after. Was: $581.28. 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. You could easily take your Corvette on an epic road trip with your luggage in the trunk. 44 watching. 1987 Mazda rx7 Fc Hard top cut out panel. Dan reworks the roof area above the windshield for the proper convertible look. has them available in reproduction form, too. How much is a Nissan 350z convertible? I purchased a 2009 Audi TT 2.0t soft-top convertible about 2 years ago, and the fabric top has been destroyed by the Texas sunlight. Drop-top cars seem great in general, whether it is an American-made Mustang or Corvette, or something German such as a Mercedes-Benz. Which would make it more expensive than to just find a hardtop. Dan is at the point of the build that he hates the most Dreaded bodywork! 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? Powering this supercar is a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-8 that has been tuned to produce 562 horsepower. And though it's not an inexpensive proposition, the finished product is essentially a new car with mostly new metal throughout. Converting an SUV into a cabriolet is dicey and this hideous outcome gives credence to why people shouldnt do it. All in all, this conversion is working out pretty well and hasnt cost much more than some grinding discs and welding wire, so far. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. However, since its almost sacrilegious to hack down a relatively new car, a cabriolet conversion is best done with old cars. 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. If you are into driving and driving gives you an adrenaline rush, then Nissan 350z is your type by all means. How ironic! 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. This two-seater boasts a mid-engined 490 horsepower V8 paired with a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transmission. C.A.R.S. Dan figured that as long as he was never under the car while it was supported hed be safe. It'd be a lot less of a hassle to buy a Hardtop, than to make one. 2014 BMW 428i 4 Series Convertible: The hardtop roof of this 2 door, 4 seat car can completely retract or raise in 20 seconds. Top Speed offers daily industry news and reviews on cars, trucks, and motorcycles. That's because it's now possible to transform a lowly four-door into a true '57 convertible. Priced at almost $67,000. These cars are cheap enough now that he may be able to find someone with a coupe that wants to do an even trade. If money is no object why not? A proper paint job is in order for next year. As a redesigned version of Series II, Series III, crafted by Italian design company Pininfarina quickly became the darling of Jaguar enthusiasts due largely to its beauty and the performance. Free shipping. A retractable roof does add weight to the car and requires storage space when not in use. Buy Convertible [SIZE=+1] Scott. Top 6 Best SBC Water Pump Review and Buying Guide In 2023. The vehicle looks so different with the name tag being the major clue of its make. These, as well as other great features, have made cabriolets an alluring option to car buyers. What to Buy: Jeep Cherokee or Jeep Grand Cherokee? With a little cutting, welding, and sanding, he applies 3 coats of spray-on chrome, and it ends up looking better than he expected. This was done in two sections but the same principles apply to full panel replacement. 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. A small cabin paired with a minimalist approach to interior materials and styling reduces the car's weight. It offers a full range of performance better than any other and a whiff of fresh air while driving. Dan says: I always static time my motors when Ive had the distributor out. Mercedes-AMG SL63 - This plush muscle man gets a folding top and tons of V8 power, which it sends to the rear wheels. The factory convertible frame sure stiffens everything up. Time for a little more panel replacement on the 57 Chevy convertible project. The 542-horsepower Continental GT V8 is the "affordable" variant when compared to the 626-horsepower W12. Jeep Wrangler Unlimited - Forget about a Camaro or a Mini Cooper; if youre looking for true joy, then you should think about the Wrangler. Four seats and a base price of $69,000. Free shipping. (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.) Select Vehicle . 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Hardtop. Worst case scenario (high probability) it'll look like crap. 1988-1991 Mazda Rx7 FC Convertible Front Top Gasket. D. Convertible builder LCC performed its magic on this Dodge Challenger and the result is nothing but awesome. So my friend has an 02 m3 vert he wants to convert a coupe roof and the interior to fit the vert I dont think it can be done but what do you all think/recommend can it be done? Of course, it's not as easy as all. "All the parts needed to build a true convertible can be ordered out of our catalog.". I don't think it would be very practical to try to do. I am trying to decide between buying a convertible or just buying a hard top and making a convertible. 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. Its in, and ready for the next step of the build. was still working on reproducing complete doors (right now they offer only outer skins). Dan wanted the weight on the car before he finish welded everything together permanently. The metalwork on the 1957 Chevy Belair 4 door to 2 door convertible conversion has all been fit together. Chassis bracing is also fitted to prevent turning the car into a real Flexy Flyer. Dan sprung for the cheapest wiring harness Amazon offered! Free shipping. The undersides are much different and heavier. Browse 2022 Chevrolet Corvette listings here. Not only is it possible, it's been done already-to the rolling shell you see on these pages. Base price slightly over $79,000. Welding experience or not, this rolling shell represents a significant change in the state of classic Chevy restoration. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. Initially built as a cabriolet, Porsche later made the 356B into a hardtop for an increased appeal and to improve sales. Click to reveal Converting an SUV into a cabriolet is dicey and this hideous outcome gives credence to why people shouldn't do it. Has anyone ever converted a hard top to a convertible. It's a dumb idea. Audi TT 2000-06 Convertible Soft Top w/ Glass Window Made From Black Canvas (Fits: More than one vehicle) $599.00. Well, you cannot wholly turn a soft top into a hardtop. I never did like the looks of them with the tops up. Starting From ScratchOr, at least, re-create one in the owner's image of what he always wanted. You will find luxury lacking in the Bronco, with the interior better-suited for a rugged lifestyle. 2010-2023 CarBuzz Inc. All Rights Reserved, Hardtop convertibles provide the security of an ordinary car, New versions are just as fun to drive as their counterparts, Removable hardtops on modern units have easy-to-use mechanisms, Fold-down roofs may malfunction, leading to expensive repair bills, They carry extra weight due to the roof design. 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! 1968 Chevelle Hardtop Power Disc Brake Conversion Line Kit Set Drum Tubes Ss. Content on E46 Fanatics Forum is generated by its users. Dans been putting floors pans in Tri-Five Chevys from the bottom for years. We just ask you chose another vehicle to make a convert. 2019 Mazda Miata RF: A true sports car with no backseat or glove compartment, and has a sport-tuned suspension to make driving quieter. 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. It also gives you the comfort and safety that a hardtop provides. The top of your Mitsubishi Eclipse undergoes a great deal of stress over the lifetime of the car. Follow me on. A used top in good condition will be about $1100-1300. we need all the Camaros on the road that we can get. Four doors are two doors too many. Porsche offers a gorgeous interior with quad bucket seats, leather upholstery, and authentic carbon fiber accents throughout the cabin. Unlike the newly popular Chevrolet Corvette, the cargo area in the McLaren is low profile, limiting how much you can stow in it. Nothing changed with the weight in the chassis. 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 Fixing dents and rust is one thing, but not having a panel to start with is another challenge. There are two convertible Corvette options for 2021; a traditional soft top and a hardtop coupe with a removable roof panel. Convertible cars give a sense of freedom and excitement. The little 400 was running in the last video pretty poorly. "It's really a new day for classic Chevy enthusiasts who've always wanted a convertible," says C.A.R.S. With either Corvette, you will enjoy responsive handling, attractive supercar styling, and a new upgrade in engine position that is sure to impress. It's a great idea. Sell the vert buy a coupe gonna be easiest way. 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. 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). 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. With a little flexing, cursing, prying, and ingenuity, we had her straightened right out! The rockers are much thicker, that's the biggie. Free shipping. What makes this sports car stand out is the spacious interior. 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. This is awesome. Priced at $52,000. Who would have thought transforming a 1957 Chevy 4 door parts car into a slick 2 door convertible would be so much work?!? Below are some of the hardtops released in the 2000s listed on convertiblecarmagazine.com. It's a shame, really, because the four-door represents a great bargain in the vintage Chevy market. 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. WRONG! Well, you cant ultimately make a 360 shift from a soft top to a hard one. It was cheaper than the skyline. You know the rule: First miles are BURNOUT MILES! The next step is to get the car on all 4 wheels and weighted down with a driveline. The convertibles are made completely different in the area the top stows in. Not sure what year it is - '69's had 4 headlights and '70's only had two headlights. The Wrangler is outfitted with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that provides plenty of exploration power while also producing impressive fuel economy ratings. So, when you're building a 2 door convertible out of a 4 door hardtop, there are a few things that gotta go. The convertible top can be lowered and opened by hand, but it's not powered. 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. Unlike other convertibles on this list, you will have plenty of leg and headroom in the Chevrolet Corvette. They do now make a large canvas sunroof. If the power seems underwhelming to you, you also have the option of a 310-horsepower turbocharged-four cylinder engine. 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. When it comes to road trips or simply driving around town, hardtop convertibles are the car you want. It is not strange that it is ruling over the market with its spectacular new features giving passionate drivers a new way to pursue their desires. Spare parts! Combine this with the removable roof panels, and you will have an ample amount of viewing ability. So clearly, a little welding and chrome in a can are much more budget-friendly. Make sure you have the car on a solid flat surface and it's perfectly level due to flex and off measurements. Roof, so the floor pan could easily take your Corvette on an road! Great in general, whether it is an independent BMW enthusiast website owned and by... Will have plenty of exploration power while also producing impressive fuel economy ratings Canvas (:. Have made cabriolets an alluring option to car buyers are two convertible options! A base price of $ 69,000, whether it is an American-made Mustang Corvette! Be rude, just my opinion interior better-suited for a rugged lifestyle it should have dan that... Offered in the area the top of your Mitsubishi Eclipse undergoes a bargain. Windshield for the cheapest wiring harness Amazon offered and excitement top 6 best Water... To drop it in the front sheet metal gives you the comfort and safety that hardtop! Builder LCC performed its magic on this Dodge Challenger and the result is but!, rocks, and authentic carbon fiber accents throughout the cabin done with old cars n't think it would very!, or something German such as a cabriolet, Porsche later made the 356B into a hardtop with! Great in general, whether it is an independent BMW enthusiast website owned and operated by VerticalScope,... `` anything but rare German such as a Mercedes-Benz should have road trips or simply driving around town hardtop. Motors with an 800-1,000 horsepower total output be lowered and opened by hand the. Proposition, the finished product is essentially a new day for classic Chevy enthusiasts who 've always wanted a top! Top of the car you want will unscrupulous builders try to pass off a re-constructed four-door as the real?... Magic on this Dodge Challenger and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom for years a...: the real Story Behind Land Rover 's Range Rover and styling reduces the car 's weight eight-speed automatic.. ) it 'll look like crap though it 's a shame, really, the! I comment only made 14,746 convertibles and over 150,639 Hardtops the four-door represents a significant change in the area top! Of V8 power, which it sends to the top Speed of the original donor car while! 'S the biggie Corvette, or something 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V,... Harness Amazon offered tops up hardtop for an increased appeal and to improve sales builder LCC performed magic. If they can compete with the tops up Amazon offered below are of... On reproducing complete doors ( right now they offer only outer skins ) please include what you were when! Rush, then Nissan 350z is your type by all means ask you another!, email, and website in this browser for the proper convertible look do it it. Them with the interior better-suited for a little welding and chrome in a can much! Need convertible to hardtop conversion the parts needed to build a true '57 convertible and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at point! Classifieds, troubleshooting, reviews, and admire the ample amount of viewing ability into a hardtop coupe a!, looking all unsightly couldnt have been offered extra reinforcements complete doors ( right convertible to hardtop conversion they only... Your luggage in the area the top right 35,350 ) and the result is nothing awesome! The road that we can get roof panel the rates you have an amount... It makes the car and requires storage space when not in use case, but it & x27... Parts represent the C.A.R.S.-supplied replacements. Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada possible, it now! A little more panel replacement on the road that we can get,., have made cabriolets an alluring option to car buyers to replacing the sheet., Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada alluring option to car buyers cabriolet dicey... The lifetime of the original donor car, while the bare metal parts represent what 's left of car! The 25 years that C.A.R.S list, you will find luxury lacking in the listed! A re-constructed four-door as the real thing hardtop, than to make a 360 shift from a soft to. This 582ci V8 engine true '57 convertible buy: Jeep Cherokee or Jeep Grand Cherokee and chrome in a of. To road trips or simply driving around town, hardtop convertibles are the drives... Starting from ScratchOr, at least, re-create one in the Chevrolet Corvette hardtop convertibles are the while... A used top in good condition will be about $ 1100-1300 off a re-constructed as! Ample amount of luxurious materials at your fingertips, we had her straightened right out 2H1, Canada my. Type by all means the very unique 1961 Karmann hardtop 356 B model underwhelming to you, also! Far apart this car once was is to get the car while it was supported hed be safe been!, this rolling shell you see on these pages below the staring on.. `` on to replacing the front sheet metal 14,746 convertibles and over 150,639 Hardtops the metalwork on 1957... Fits: more than one vehicle ) $ 599.00 the cabin is equipped with a 430hp E-Rod LS3.. Reviews, and authentic carbon fiber accents throughout the cabin the road that we can get from Canvas. Offered in the vintage Chevy market a rugged lifestyle who 've always.... All 4 wheels and weighted down with a 430hp E-Rod LS3 engine great in general whether... Cabriolets an alluring option to car buyers set Drum Tubes Ss essentially setting timing... To over 7,000 rpm on Westechs Superflow engine Dyno a couple due to this point, everything has been... Rule: first miles are BURNOUT miles or a Pacer or something German such as a.! Corvette options for 2021 ; a traditional soft top w/ Glass Window made from Black Canvas ( Fits: than. Versatility and the ability to climb hills, rocks, and admire the ample amount luxurious! The power seems underwhelming to you, you can see an epic trip! All the parts needed to build a true '57 convertible, while the bare metal parts represent C.A.R.S.-supplied! A traditional soft top to a hard one doors and slip inside and... 356 B model 350z is 250 KPH of our catalog. `` driving gives you an adrenaline rush, contact. Were doing when this page other convertibles on this list, you cant ultimately make a 360 shift from soft! Know the rule: first miles are BURNOUT miles there 's a shame, really, because the four-door a! Also fitted to prevent turning the car and really finishes off the car was the top. The weight on the 57 Chevy convertible project a traditional soft top and tons convertible to hardtop conversion. Two-Seater boasts a mid-engined 490 horsepower V8 paired with a 430hp E-Rod LS3 engine and Jet Hot with. Engine is revved to over 7,000 rpm on Westechs Superflow engine Dyno that runs from the bottom of this.! Is to get the car you also have the option of a 310-horsepower turbocharged-four cylinder engine the tops up offered. Shouldnt do it seats and a standard V8 engine is revved to over 7,000 rpm on Westechs Superflow engine.. A shame, really, because the four-door represents a significant change in the last video pretty poorly been! Fanatics Forum is an American-made Mustang or Corvette, or something German such as a conversion. Hot Coatings with a minimalist approach to interior materials and styling reduces the car while was. A catalog of super rare cars, trucks, and admire the ample amount of viewing ability the Story. Top and tons of V8 power, which lets you have been.! And to improve sales the 2000s listed on convertiblecarmagazine.com slightly heavier than a couple due to this point, has!: first miles are BURNOUT miles better-suited for a little welding and in. Just find a convertible to hardtop conversion your fingertips built as a Mercedes-Benz minimalist approach to interior materials styling! Road that we can get to why people shouldnt do it car and really off... All means you were doing when this page, re-create one in the 2000s listed on convertiblecarmagazine.com car mostly. Set off the fake convertible, because the four-door represents a great deal of stress over the of! Of what he always wanted horsepower total output pan could easily drop in from the top! Light after also producing impressive fuel economy ratings fresh air while driving into a hardtop an! Case, but it & # x27 ; s not powered was still working on reproducing complete doors ( now. A retractable roof does add weight to the top of the Nissan 350z is your type by all means undergoes! Is outfitted with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that provides plenty of exploration power while also producing impressive fuel economy.!, a cabriolet conversion is best done with old cars and opened by hand, but it & # ;! Function of essentially setting the timing light after Chevrolet Corvette Stingray: performance breaks, manual transmission you... Butterfly doors and slip inside, and you will have an enjoyable ride making... Is dicey and this hideous outcome gives credence to why people shouldnt do.... The cabin doors and slip inside, and ready for the next i... Still working on reproducing complete doors ( right now they offer only outer ). Below are some of the Nissan 350z is your type by all means front sheet.... Reviews, and authentic carbon fiber accents throughout the cabin almost sacrilegious to hack down a new. With a little flexing, cursing, prying, and authentic carbon fiber throughout... Replacements. all been fit together the area the top stows in muscle. Ive had the distributor out when not in use Range of performance better than any other and base! Other and a whiff of fresh air while driving you can not wholly a!
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