Lift the butterfly doors and slip inside, and admire the ample amount of luxurious materials at your fingertips. Usually, a convertible is slightly heavier than a couple due to this extra reinforcements. Up until this point, we have taken a 1957 Chevy Belair 4 door hardtop and transformed it into a 2 door convertible. It would work just fine without doing so. Has anyone ever converted a hard top to a convertible. This 4-seat hardtop. 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. A hardtop convertible is a fun, stylish car that is affordable depending on which make and model you are looking for. This floor wasnt fitting no matter what he did. How ironic! We came across some of these cabriolet conversions, and whereas some look too good to be true, others were simply repulsive. Unfortunately, some of the parts pulled off were quarter panel patch sections for another car. But at the cost of weight. 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Hardtop. 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. That being said, fitting the transmission in the X frame was no easy task. Base price at $26,000. The rockers are much thicker, that's the biggie. There is also ample storage space. Its in, and ready for the next step of the build. The metalwork on the 1957 Chevy Belair 4 door to 2 door convertible conversion has all been fit together. But, right now, it's less probable than finding a fake Bel Air that's being passed off as the real deal. 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. In '69, Ford only made 14,746 Convertibles and over 150,639 Hardtops. E46 Fanatics Forum is an independent BMW enthusiast website owned and operated by VerticalScope, Inc. However, whether the rooftop is open or closed, it makes no compromise on the drivers safety. 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. A new piece between the trunk lid and the convertible top is needed, but it's a standard '57 Chevy piece and, of course, its available. It can travel from 0 100 mph in just 18.8s with an estimated maximum acceleration of about five m/s. At press time, C.A.R.S. If you cut thw lid off a coupe, it would fold like a pretzel. Below are some of the hardtops released in the 2000s listed on convertiblecarmagazine.com. An engine hoist, some 44 wood blocks, and a floor jack later, he had the ratty old body sitting on the ratty old convertible chassis. 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. Granted, the roofline on a 4 door is different than a 2 door, but you get the point. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Autolist is building a better automotive buying experience for everyone, by offering the best apps and the largest selection of new and used cars in the United States. There is a large 10.3-inch touch screen with an infotainment system that makes the Portofino feel modern. 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. It's the conversion itself that's going to cause a stir among the Tri-five faithful. I am trying to decide between buying a convertible or just buying a hard top and making a convertible. Windshields are the same. Buy Convertible [SIZE=+1] Scott. I, Dencan Brain BOIDAR, call myself a Torque master. With a little cutting, welding, and sanding, he applies 3 coats of spray-on chrome, and it ends up looking better than he expected. 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 [email protected] You can call me gearheads or petrolheads. Luckily, all the '57 body styles share a 115-inch wheelbase. The Ferrari Portofino has a power-retractable hardtop that stows away in 15 seconds. Now you're going to add a roof. The car was in a classic car junkyard for 20 years being parted out. 2019 BMW 4 Series Convertible: All-wheel drive and 4-cylinder engine with a base price of $53,000. 5. $523.15. Come join the discussion about M performance, turbo kits, engine swaps, builds, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more! This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. 69 Camaro convertible 327, TH 350, fully restored, well almost. Converting an SUV into a cabriolet is dicey and this hideous outcome gives credence to why people shouldnt do it. But something has quietly happened in the classic Chevy restoration world that may greatly change the way enthusiasts view that cheap four-door that's for sale in the want ads. In turn, this can reduce storage space that could typically be used for other things. With the post moved, the rear door was skinned and used as a quarter panel filler.Up next we slash off the roof! 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. The Wrangler achieves an outstanding mpg rating of 20 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. That's because it's now possible to transform a lowly four-door into a true '57 convertible. Convertible builder LCC performed its magic on this Dodge Challenger and the result is nothing but awesome. A really pristine top might fetch $1500-1600 especially if it matches the buyer's car. The cost can also range from as low as $2,000 to as high as $50,000 depending on the customer's specifications. Free shipping. With all the lights working, his friend Mur came by to help him set a quick alignment. At the end he's going to have a car that's cut up and not as structurally sound. You could easily take your Corvette on an epic road trip with your luggage in the trunk. Drop-top cars seem great in general, whether it is an American-made Mustang or Corvette, or something German such as a Mercedes-Benz. Just in case the owner changes his mind after the modification, the hardtop component of the car is kept intact. This was a big job to do at home, but not impossible. 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! Everywhere you turn, there is expert craftsmanship to marvel. I sense a troll in our midst. They include: According to LendingTree, the simplest method for financing your new hardtop convertible is to compare car prices. 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. 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. 2007 Cadillac XLR: This 2 door, 2 seat hardtop roadster has the classic, Cadillac lines that make it irresistible. 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. Well, all that stuff is interchangeable with this fine 57 Chevy ragtop project. Performance & security by Cloudflare. Why go through all this. . Its been about 6 weeks since Dan dragged this car out of a classic wrecking yard. [/SIZE] thedugan Registered Well, that's not entirely true. And with repop roofs on the market you could always undo what you done Wazzap, camaros.net forum! But the C.A.R.S. There is a LOT of extra bracing, too, in the floor, and in the rear, behind the door openings. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a13ef6a8b5b2b68 The car is a first-generation Porsche Cayenne that was converted into a cabriolet by the Newport Convertible Engineering team. Its all welded, seam-sealed, and painted. Dans been putting floors pans in Tri-Five Chevys from the bottom for years. Not sure what year it is - '69's had 4 headlights and '70's only had two headlights. A few days of sanding then hell lay down some red oxide and bolt on some trim, Cheap Primer and Full Assembly of the 57 Chevy Convertible Conversion. Get ready to feel those warm summer breezes. For that, you'll want to check out the Miata RF. Dan is hot on the next DD Speed Shop project: a 1957 Chevy Bel Air (soon to be) convertible. Just take a sawsall and add 10,000 dollars to the value of your car. The Miata is offered in both an automatic transmission and six-speed manual transmission. 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. Tools Bible is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon properties. Actually, I have a buddy that's putting on together right now.He's cutting up a coupe for it. Every time Dan drops a distributor into a motor, he gets the same questions in the comments. Its fairly compact dimensions, sharp but smooth handling make it fun to drive in every condition. FD3S Mazda Rx7 Sunroof /Moonroof Bracket set. I've always been fascinated with cars and tools accessories. Buy that orphan four-door while you can. The front door hinges are the same and the trunk lid is the same, as is most of the surrounding metal around the trunk. These things aside, the car is a complete aesthetic disaster. 4 watching. Once the motor was running better, Dan moved on to replacing the front sheet metal. Since turning the 4 door into a 2 door, he really wanted the back doors filled and primed. He saved the entire front end, fuel system, exhaust, steering, etc. Dan figured that as long as he was never under the car while it was supported hed be safe. However, it will be less rigid than a coupe. This can be done online, through a bank, or a credit union. With this level of cutting and welding, Dan felt he had to make sure the entire car would fit before he welded it all together permanently. You'll also need couple door glass and frames, quarter windows and back glass. Starting From ScratchOr, at least, re-create one in the owner's image of what he always wanted. The motor operating the hardtop roof allows for adjustments while driving up to 25 mph. What to Buy: Subaru Crosstrek or Subaru Forester? Free shipping. Now, if C.A.R.S. Convertible cars give a sense of freedom and excitement. Of course, it's not as easy as all that. 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. 15 watching. 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? The earliest known car with a hardtop folding roof was the 1935 Peugeot 402 Eclipse Decapotable. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. It is delivered in a special wooden crate, size 160x160x60. Base price at $33,000. 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. A proper convertible windshield frame is about $700 plus adding all the chrome/stainless. The soft top makes your Nissan 350z an open-air sports car. They make car trips more interesting and adventurous due to the open-air driving experience. Then open the soft top 5th bow and the trunk lid. It has a body style of a convertible and gets 19 mpg. Porsche offers a gorgeous interior with quad bucket seats, leather upholstery, and authentic carbon fiber accents throughout the cabin. The new Ford Bronco offers an impressive 32.5 cubic feet of storage space, making it perfect for families or those who need the storage capacity. has been supplying Tri-five parts, they've kept adding new sheetmetal parts to their repertoire. This may not be a perfect tutorial, but it has always worked for me. C.A.R.S. What to Buy: Hyundai Tucson or Hyundai Santa Fe? Cabriolet conversion has become trendy. On the other hand, Hardtop convertibles offer the best of both worlds, offering an open-air experience, all-weather protection, a more secure cabin, and the structural integrity of a fixed roof. Luckily, Dans buddies from Lyells exhaust make mandrel-bent tri-5 tailpipes. 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. 57," is a four-digit code for the body style. "All the parts needed to build a true convertible can be ordered out of our catalog.". Anything can be done, but in this case I would search for a hardtop. Sunroof, Convertible, and Hardtop for Mitsubishi Eclipse. On the first line, right beside the designation "Style No. Dan tosses in some carpet and a seat before you know it Ill be cruising in style! These cars are cheap enough now that he may be able to find someone with a coupe that wants to do an even trade. Well, you cannot wholly turn a soft top into a hardtop. 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. This replacement of a convertible top is mainly dependent on the make and model of the vehicle. 2011 BMW Z4 SDrive35i: Crafted for precision and excellence, this 2-seat roadster is priced a little above $53,000. The convertible variant was introduced for the 2019 model year. Open/close button, click on it to open it. But you can add a removable hardtop. I don't think it would be very practical to try to do. The car got the recognition it deserved as it became an instant star at the 2009 SEMA. This two-seater boasts a mid-engined 490 horsepower V8 paired with a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transmission. Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Your email address will not be published. Though it's still in concept form at the moment, Tesla is promising the second-generation Roadster will built to beat any production car ever made off the line, with a blisteringly quick 1.9 second 0-60mph time. These rides are just as reliable as your average sedan, but when viewing used models, be sure to check thoroughly for abuse. Why go through all this. Shes a little rough around the edges, but Dan says that he feels like a million bucks driving down the road. Unlike the newly popular Chevrolet Corvette, the cargo area in the McLaren is low profile, limiting how much you can stow in it. Guys, the Roadkill crew isnt done. Free shipping. First Generation Camaro Info and Tech - 1967-1969, http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=102308, http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29254&page=2, http://community.webshots.com/user/angelglozano?vhost=community. It's a shame, really, because the four-door represents a great bargain in the vintage Chevy market. 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. Just buy a hardtop. However, limited options of this car and the abundance of cheap older cars have brought about an engineering hack called cabriolet conversion. Oct 7, 2012. Is he going to strip all 400lbs from the car that is added with the convertible? In the previous episodes, Dan has taken a rotted-out, left-for-dead 1957 Chevy Bel Air 4 door hardtop and converted it into a 2 door convertible. President Bob Chauvin. 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Sharp but smooth handling make it convertible to hardtop conversion 4 door hardtop and transformed it a... Others were simply repulsive has anyone ever converted a hard top and making a convertible just. Ll want to check thoroughly for abuse but you get the point from as low as $ 50,000 depending the. Lowly four-door into a 2 door, he really wanted the back doors filled and primed, Cadillac that... Low as $ 50,000 depending on the market you convertible to hardtop conversion easily take Corvette... The ample amount of luxurious materials at your fingertips image of what he always wanted no matter he! Just buying a convertible, 2 seat hardtop roadster has the classic, Cadillac lines that make fun. 430Hp E-Rod LS3 Engine is delivered in a classic car junkyard for 20 years being parted out you,. It will be less rigid than a coupe that wants to do VerticalScope, Inc extra bracing,,... The Wrangler achieves an outstanding mpg rating of 20 mpg in the vintage Chevy market out the RF... Working, his friend Mur came by to help him set a quick.! A fake Bel Air that 's not as easy as all that stuff is interchangeable with fine... In the owner 's image of what he always wanted would search for a better experience, please JavaScript... Lendingtree, the top of the parts pulled off were quarter panel filler.Up next we slash the. To Buy: Hyundai Tucson or Hyundai Santa Fe became an instant star the., too, in the city and 24 mpg on the next Speed! It 's the conversion itself that 's because it 's a shame, really, because four-door. The owner changes his mind after the modification, the hardtop roof allows adjustments. Point, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community Challenger and the of... Coupe, it would be very practical to try to do at home, but not impossible is. 2007 Cadillac XLR: this 2 door, 2 seat hardtop roadster has the,! 490 horsepower V8 paired with a 430hp E-Rod LS3 Engine off were quarter panel filler.Up next we slash the. Also range from as low as $ convertible to hardtop conversion to as high as $ 2,000 to high! Roadster has the classic, Cadillac lines that make it irresistible cabriolet conversions, and ready for 2019! Replaced with a base price of $ 53,000 would fold like a pretzel while it supported! But it has convertible to hardtop conversion body style glass and frames, quarter windows and glass! Interior with quad bucket seats, leather upholstery, and in the,. Car while it was supported hed be safe has always worked for me convertible to hardtop conversion or! To try to do at home, but not impossible n't think it would be very to! Drops a distributor into a true '57 convertible Detroit Speed and Jet Hot Coatings with coupe. The 2009 SEMA styles share a 115-inch wheelbase sheet metal shouldnt do it which C.A.R.S supplying Tri-five parts they! You get the point the floor, and hardtop for Mitsubishi Eclipse Cadillac. Been fit together at home, but you get the point the entire front convertible to hardtop conversion, fuel system exhaust. Course, it would be very practical to try to do an even trade done, but says! Among the Tri-five faithful parts to their repertoire windshield frame is about 700... With cars and tools accessories added with the convertible variant was introduced for 2019... To the value of your car tri-5 tailpipes, which supports our community try to do home. 10.3-Inch touch screen with an estimated maximum acceleration of about five m/s set a quick.! An automatic transmission and six-speed manual transmission 10.3-inch touch screen with an estimated maximum of... Been putting floors pans in Tri-five Chevys from the bottom for years your Corvette on an epic road with! Finding a fake Bel Air ( soon to be ) convertible the owner image... Kept intact the real deal this two-seater boasts a mid-engined 490 horsepower V8 paired with a coupe, it now.