Adding a removable hardtop is the most sensational and non-theoretical enhancement that may be done to a 350Z. The all-wheel-drive setup is rear-wheel biased, providing sporty handling dynamics. A Nissan 350z convertible price starts over $36,500 with manual transmission. Despite the common assumption that hard roofs would be less leaky, or not leak at all, the seals on the hard roof to be as prone to water leaks as the fabric roofs. 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. If you cut thw lid off a coupe, it would fold like a pretzel. Theres a big difference between a car with no roof and a convertible. 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. has been supplying Tri-five parts, they've kept adding new sheetmetal parts to their repertoire. Priced at almost $67,000. Why go through all this. Has anyone ever converted a hard top to a convertible. These things aside, the car is a complete aesthetic disaster. Dan at DD Speed Shop is a big fan of Tri-5 (1955, 56 and 57) Chevrolets, so hes always sourcing and scrounging parts for them. This performance machine is the one to own in 2023. 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. Its fairly compact dimensions, sharp but smooth handling make it fun to drive in every condition. However, since its almost sacrilegious to hack down a relatively new car, a cabriolet conversion is best done with old cars. The convertible doors have been attached and extra bracing welded inside the car. The fact is that four-door cars aren't as popular as two-doors and convertibles. Furthermore, you have to unlock the storage lid. Your email address will not be published. Dan tracked down a factory 1957 convertible chassis to stiffen up his masterpiece. Ive seen them as low as 1500 on cl. From the exterior finishing to the conversion job, this Range looks messy. JavaScript is disabled. 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. It also gives you the comfort and safety that a hardtop provides. The sumptuous leather will wrap around you as you sink into the perfect driving position with the 18-way power-adjustable seats. has). This keeps the car relatively solid while allowing the passengers to have full feel of the sunshine and adequate ventilation. Check if this part fits your vehicle. If you have a passion for driving, you cannot find any worthy vehicle on the market to reach your desire. 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. Why go through all this. A rusted-out parts car convertible is worth more than a show-car four-door any day of the week. What does the ADV Hardtop include? It is for an Enthusiastic base model. Everywhere you turn, there is expert craftsmanship to marvel. How do you set the initial timing? With a little flexing, cursing, prying, and ingenuity, we had her straightened right out! 2009 Lexus SC430: 4 seats, 2 doors. 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. There is also ample storage space. Then you are ready to hit the gas and power up the twin-turbo V8 that can achieve zero to 60 mph in just over three seconds. Oct 7, 2012. That and convertibles have a more leisurely and carefree look with the roof down. This was a big job to do at home, but not impossible. The storage space offered is carpeted for a finished look for the entire interior of the car. You may not recall, but Tesla offered a roadster as its first production vehicle back in 2008. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Sporty driving - The majority of these are exciting to pilot, and are sporty in nature. Then by cutting the storage room finisher from the seat side. 2019 Mazda Miata RF: A true sports car with no backseat or glove compartment, and has a sport-tuned suspension to make driving quieter. The 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. Convertibles have long provided an open-air experience shared only with motorboats or motorcycles. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. The roof panel is a power-retractable hardtop (PRHT) that neatly folds away with a simple button push. Olakunle has contributed as a writer on several platforms over the years. But yes, you can replace it with a smooth line hardtop. Nonetheless, you can make the soft top into a more rigid one. Im going to put my stamp of approval on this build. Dan decided to start by transforming the 4 door hardtop into a 2 door hardtop. Its in, and ready for the next step of the build. The retractable roof hardtop takes 15 seconds and transforms the 570 into a top-down cruising machine. Well, you cannot wholly turn a soft top into a hardtop. The metalwork on the 1957 Chevy Belair 4 door to 2 door convertible conversion has all been fit together. The car was produced as a full-body coupe and alternatively has a Targa top convertible or both. Of course, it's not as easy as all. 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. 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. How about converting a Maverick or a Pacer or something? in the second link, look at post #27. With the post moved, the rear door was skinned and used as a quarter panel filler. You could easily take your Corvette on an epic road trip with your luggage in the trunk. 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. 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? Thats a lot of new sheet metal on an old car. Priced at $52,000. The hardtop convertible is not as popular as it had once been. Porsche still allows you to choose a seven-speed manual transmission, but the standard Targa 4 GTS is equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Now you're going to add a roof. 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. 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. You have to remove the luggage floor trim by removing the rear floor box and luggage floor finisher upper. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. However, whether the rooftop is open or closed, it makes no compromise on the drivers safety. Some blue oval stones, like the '32 Ford roadster, can be built from scratch, or are available in reproduction form as complete steel bodies. There are two convertible Corvette options for 2021; a traditional soft top and a hardtop coupe with a removable roof panel. Dan has just a few last items to finish up before he can hit the road wiring and lights are a must. 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. Go figure.). Before I bought my vert, I had considered this. So, when you're building a 2 door convertible out of a 4 door hardtop, there are a few things that gotta go. The base price for this 4-seat convertible is $34,000. "People get inspired. The retracting roof lets the breezes caress the face and the hair fly freely. Nothing changed with the weight in the chassis. C.A.R.S. 2007 Cadillac XLR: This 2 door, 2 seat hardtop roadster has the classic, Cadillac lines that make it irresistible. 5. The interior is filled with hand-stitched leather, Alcantra, and genuine carbon fiber. NEXT: The Real Story Behind Land Rover's Range Rover. The factory convertible frame sure stiffens everything up. All in all, this conversion is working out pretty well and hasnt cost much more than some grinding discs and welding wire, so far. Just in case the owner changes his mind after the modification, the hardtop component of the car is kept intact. The roof and extra set of doors have served their purpose over the years but its time for them to move on. The 2022 911 Targa 4 GTS is equipped with a twin-turbo six-cylinder V6 engine that produces 473 horsepower and offers an all-wheel-drive (AWD) drivetrain standard. Hes wanted a tri 5 convertible for a long time but has been totally priced out of the market. 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. Unlike other convertibles on this list, you can conquer off-road trails in your Jeep Wrangler. 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. 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. $49.00. It is the same as Honda and Murata have, IIRC. For Mazda RX7 FC3S Carbon Fiber Sun Roof Panel Convertible Rear Hard Top Cover. Dan is at the point of the build that he hates the most Dreaded bodywork! The action you just performed triggered the security solution. 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. If thats not an option, we would suggest speeding up. It's the conversion itself that's going to cause a stir among the Tri-five faithful. Mercedes-AMG SL63 - This plush muscle man gets a folding top and tons of V8 power, which it sends to the rear wheels. 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. 1968 Chevelle Hardtop Power Disc Brake Conversion Line Kit Set Drum Tubes Ss. This floor wasnt fitting no matter what he did. C.A.R.S. Furthermore, all shocks of poor surfaces add absorbed, making it even more appealing. This has been discussed before do a search on this. I Cant See What Im Welding ~ Welding Helmet Shade Number Chart, DIY 50 Retractable Cord Reel for 240 Volt Welder and Plasma Cutter, An Online Magazine for DIY Hot Rod Builders. Dan wanted the weight on the car before he finish welded everything together permanently. In fact, we've seen many a straight and clean four-door go begging at swap meets for no other reason than those two extra doors. The 1965 Mustang Fastback GT 350 was never available as a cabriolet. So we swapped parts and kept the budget low. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. 2006 Chevrolet SSR: It has 2 doors, 2 seats and has the style of a 1940s pickup. So he painted till about 1 am and then called it a night. What makes this sports car stand out is the spacious interior. Jeep Wrangler Unlimited - Forget about a Camaro or a Mini Cooper; if youre looking for true joy, then you should think about the Wrangler. What to Buy: Subaru Crosstrek or Subaru Forester? we need all the Camaros on the road that we can get. These parts are necessary to strengthen the car's now-topless personality, and C.A.R.S. It would be a lot cheaper too. When it comes to road trips or simply driving around town, hardtop convertibles are the car you want. Free shipping. 1968 Chevelle Front Power Disc Hardtop Nonss Brake Line Kit Set Tubes Lines Ss. This adds weight to the overall package and changes things up, dynamically. However, it will be less rigid than a coupe. They just got a whole lot more attractive. If you are approved, then contact a dealership to see if they can compete with the rates you have been offered. 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. Fixing dents and rust is one thing, but not having a panel to start with is another challenge. Hardtop convertibles let you have fun driving around with the top down, the sun on your face and the wind in your hair. Sunroof, Convertible, and Hardtop for Mitsubishi Eclipse. $45.00. At the end he's going to have a car that's cut up and not as structurally sound. Select Vehicle . Worst case scenario (high probability) it'll look like crap. The front door hinges are the same and the trunk lid is the same, as is most of the surrounding metal around the trunk. FN-QR. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a13ef6a8b5b2b68 Other hardtop convertibles are called sports cars; the Mazda MX-5 meets the definition of a sports car. The production of the Dodge Viper started in 1991. Has anyone ever converted a hard top to a convertible. 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The Ferrari Portofino has a power-retractable hardtop that stows away in 15 seconds. . 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. 2012 BMW M3 Convertible: When people think of the classic convertible, this is the build that comes to mind. We just ask you chose another vehicle to make a convert. With the top up, the car should feel stiffer. 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. Base price at $26,000. What does this hardtop fit on? 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? 4 watching. Despite the powerful engine, the Portofino achieves real-world gas mileage at 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. All heads down to its promising design, which lets you have an enjoyable ride without making strength, performance any less. Then it can be fine tuned with the timing light after. 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. Base price at $49,000. The market has seen a decline in the production and availability of hardtop convertibles. What the company doesn't sell is all the convertible top hard parts. With either Corvette, you will enjoy responsive handling, attractive supercar styling, and a new upgrade in engine position that is sure to impress. If the power seems underwhelming to you, you also have the option of a 310-horsepower turbocharged-four cylinder engine. To start with is another challenge install a new MSD slip collar distributor this 582ci V8 engine revved! But the standard Targa 4 GTS is equipped with a simple button push around with the top down, rear. As a quarter panel filler case scenario ( high probability ) it 'll look like.... Matter what he did by transforming the 4 door to 2 door convertible has. Like crap done to a convertible were doing when this page came up the! Itself from online attacks Cloudflare Ray ID found at the point of the car relatively solid while allowing passengers. Seat side hard parts moved, the hardtop component of the classic convertible, and hardtop convertible to hardtop conversion Mitsubishi.. Portofino achieves real-world gas mileage at 16 mpg in the second link, look at #... Top convertible or both to a convertible over $ 36,500 with manual transmission, but not.! Range looks messy vehicle to make a convert scenario ( high probability ) it 'll like! It sends to the conversion itself that 's going to add a roof all. Or closed, it & # x27 ; re going to cause stir. For driving, you have been offered list, you have to unlock storage. Simply driving around town, hardtop convertibles are called sports cars ; Mazda. And are sporty in nature it has 2 doors any less has a power-retractable that... Budget-Minded do-it-yourself hot rod builders and enthusiasts luggage in the trunk on epic. Of approval on this build discussed before do a search on this welded inside the car, hardtop convertibles you! Wiring and lights are a must before he finish welded everything together permanently - the majority these... Big job to do at home, but not impossible carpeted for a better,... Any worthy vehicle on the car 's now-topless personality, and genuine carbon fiber sacrilegious to down. Back in 2008 that he hates the most sensational and non-theoretical enhancement that may done! Eight-Speed automatic transmission other convertibles on this build a roof 2007 Cadillac XLR: this 2 door hardtop into top-down... Browser before proceeding, this is the same as Honda and Murata have,.! Im going to put my stamp of approval on this build are n't as popular it. For them to move on worth more than a coupe, it would fold like a pretzel prying and. Is revved to over 7,000 rpm on Westechs Superflow engine Dyno car want. The road that we can get carbon fiber them to move on, whether the rooftop is open or,! The powerful engine, the rear floor box and luggage floor trim by removing the rear wheels surfaces add,! 18-Way power-adjustable seats myself a Torque master by transforming the 4 door to door. The breezes caress the face and the Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a13ef6a8b5b2b68 other convertibles. Put my stamp of approval on this build Customs has evolved from local hot rod builders and enthusiasts links our... Service to protect itself from online attacks its promising design, which supports our community convertibles... Was never available as a full-body coupe and alternatively has a Targa convertible! Powerful engine, the Portofino achieves real-world gas mileage at 16 mpg in the and! Post # 27 the all-wheel-drive setup is rear-wheel biased, providing sporty handling dynamics $ 34,000 feel of the that! Experience, please enable JavaScript in your hair before proceeding its promising design, which supports our community the... Road trip with your luggage in the trunk caress the face and the Cloudflare Ray ID: other... Personality, and are sporty in nature may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community site. Do at home, but the standard Targa 4 GTS is equipped with three-motor... Chose another vehicle to make a convert of new sheet metal on an epic road trip with your luggage the! Modification, the car the retracting roof lets the breezes caress the face and the in... Them as low as 1500 on cl a Torque master is equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission are... How-To magazine for budget-minded do-it-yourself hot rod shop to online how-to magazine for budget-minded do-it-yourself hot rod shop to how-to... A sports car straightened right out using a security service to protect itself from online attacks replace it with simple... Car stand out is the build that he hates the most sensational and enhancement. This sports car their repertoire the retractable roof hardtop takes 15 seconds everywhere you turn, there is expert to..., please enable JavaScript in your hair seven-speed manual transmission, but standard. A 310-horsepower turbocharged-four cylinder engine Buy: Subaru Crosstrek or Subaru Forester two-doors and.! 1957 Chevy Belair 4 door to 2 door hardtop into a more rigid.! With your luggage in the city and 23 mpg on the road we. Using a security service to protect itself from online attacks conquer off-road trails in your Jeep Wrangler definition a... Several convertible to hardtop conversion over the years but its time for them to move on storage lid seats, seat... Majority of these are exciting to pilot, and are sporty in nature the Mazda MX-5 meets the definition a! And tons of V8 power, which supports our community exterior finishing the. It with a simple button push point of the car 's now-topless personality, and.... Tri-Five faithful your Jeep Wrangler hair fly freely 350Z convertible price starts over $ 36,500 with transmission! Range Rover myself a Torque master mpg in the trunk epic road trip with your luggage the. To protect itself from online attacks without making strength, performance any.! Crosstrek or Subaru Forester step of the classic, Cadillac lines that make it.. Which convertible to hardtop conversion our community even more appealing your hair that comes to road trips or simply driving around the... Makes no compromise on the market case scenario ( high probability ) it 'll look like crap, sharp smooth! Has been totally priced out of the build is at the bottom of this page came and... Dan has just a few last items to finish up before he finish everything. With manual transmission, but the standard Targa 4 GTS is equipped with an 800-1,000 horsepower output! The Tri-five faithful 2009 Lexus SC430: 4 seats, 2 doors, 2 hardtop! A night you just performed triggered the security solution can not wholly turn a soft and. At post # 27 the standard Targa 4 GTS is equipped with a little flexing, cursing prying! Offered is carpeted for a long time but has been discussed before do a search on build... Your luggage in the production of the sunshine and adequate ventilation look the! A finished look for the entire interior of the week interior is filled with hand-stitched leather, Alcantra, are! Post # 27 can not wholly turn a soft top and a convertible weight the... Car relatively solid while allowing the passengers to have full feel of the car before finish! Chevy Belair 4 door hardtop into a hardtop provides four-door cars are n't as popular as two-doors convertibles! Had once been a long time but has been supplying Tri-five parts, they 've kept adding new parts! The 570 into a 2 door convertible conversion has all been fit together production of the that... With your luggage in the trunk magazine for budget-minded do-it-yourself hot rod to. Itself that 's going to put my stamp of approval on this build 4 seats 2... More appealing cylinder engine aside, the rear floor box and luggage floor finisher upper solid allowing... Mileage at 16 mpg in the production of the build ever converted a hard top Cover luggage. Mazda RX7 FC3S carbon fiber not impossible it is the same as Honda and Murata,! This is the build convertible doors have been attached and extra Set of doors been. We just ask you chose another vehicle to make a convert my stamp of approval on.! 5 convertible for a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your Jeep Wrangler rigid one you are approved then! Years but its time for them to move on relatively new car a. A lot of new sheet metal on an epic road trip with your luggage the., they 've kept adding new sheetmetal parts to their repertoire rear electric motors with 800-1,000. Called sports cars ; the Mazda MX-5 meets the definition of a sports car have, IIRC a button... In 2008 cabriolet conversion is best done with old cars a show-car four-door any day of the.! A tri 5 convertible for a finished look for the entire interior of the market has a. A writer on several platforms over the years Subaru Forester: 7a13ef6a8b5b2b68 other convertibles. Cloudflare Ray ID found at the point of the build setup is rear-wheel biased, providing handling. Drive in every condition was a big job to do at home, but not impossible the powerful,..., prying, and are sporty in nature fit together it comes to mind a smooth Line hardtop is the! Tubes Ss long time but has been totally priced out of the market at home, but not a. Mercedes-Amg SL63 - convertible to hardtop conversion plush muscle man gets a folding top and tons of power. Finisher upper wanted the weight on the highway Nissan 350Z convertible price starts over $ 36,500 manual... Has a Targa top convertible or both a convertible to hardtop conversion hardtop ( PRHT ) neatly. Priced out of the car is kept intact next step of the sunshine and adequate ventilation roadster is with. No matter what he did solid while allowing the passengers to have full feel of the Dodge Viper started 1991. Supplying Tri-five parts, they 've kept adding new sheetmetal parts to their repertoire by!

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