Gone but not forgotten. What to Buy: Jeep Cherokee or Jeep Grand Cherokee? So naturally, he bought a cheap 4 door hardtop that hell first convert into a 2 door then cut the top off of it! 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. With a little flexing, cursing, prying, and ingenuity, we had her straightened right out! "It's really a new day for classic Chevy enthusiasts who've always wanted a convertible," says C.A.R.S. Your IP: Im going to put my stamp of approval on this build. Buy Convertible [SIZE=+1] Scott. But the prospect of a convertible from a four-door brings up some interesting questions. You will also need a custom trunk lining to hide the same mech. President Bob Chauvin. For shelter, a foldable cloth has been used as a replacement. With a little cutting, welding, and sanding, he applies 3 coats of spray-on chrome, and it ends up looking better than he expected. 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. I recently started a blog about welding gear.I am also a DIY welding enthusiast because it is affordable for any household work. With the post moved, the rear door was skinned and used as a quarter panel filler.Up next we slash off the roof! The Bronco has a higher profile driver's seat providing a commanding view of the road and terrain around you. Dan wanted the weight on the car before he finish welded everything together permanently. Chevy also placed the '57 cowl tags in two different locations. After a full month of thrashing on this 1957 Chevy Rag Top, its FINALLY time for it to breathe some life. Convertibles have long provided an open-air experience shared only with motorboats or motorcycles. Anyone capable of doing such a conversion would not have to ask about it. The hardtop convertible is not as popular as it had once been. These cars are cheap enough now that he may be able to find someone with a coupe that wants to do an even trade. Now, if C.A.R.S. The Whole Topic Is Kind Of Scary. 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. Every time Dan does a 4 door to 2 door conversion, the first question asked is how do you strengthen the new inner quarter panels. A retractable roof does add weight to the car and requires storage space when not in use. Time for a little more panel replacement on the 57 Chevy convertible project. Like said above it would fold like a pretzel. Once the motor was running better, Dan moved on to replacing the front sheet metal. 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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. Dan figured that as long as he was never under the car while it was supported hed be safe. One of these wild things includes a DIY cabriolet conversion. Browse 2022 Chevrolet Corvette listings here. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata PRHT: This 2-seat roadster is fun to drive and catches everyone's eye. It offers a full range of performance better than any other and a whiff of fresh air while driving. The market has seen a decline in the production and availability of hardtop convertibles. It is the same as Honda and Murata have, IIRC. If youre keeping track, Dan has already replaced: front fenders, hood trim and rockets, floors, doors, rockers, lower quarter skins, and the deck lid. Priced at $30,000. Who would have thought transforming a 1957 Chevy 4 door parts car into a slick 2 door convertible would be so much work?!? Its in, and ready for the next step of the build. Hes wanted a tri 5 convertible for a long time but has been totally priced out of the market. The rockers are much thicker, that's the biggie. The production of the Dodge Viper started in 1991. He tells us that it honestly wasnt that bad and says hed buy another one. The Wrangler achieves an outstanding mpg rating of 20 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. "Everything else is available from us." Then you,my friend, are in pure need to try the Nissan 350z soft top. Furthermore, all shocks of poor surfaces add absorbed, making it even more appealing. Your email address will not be published. .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. Just buy a hardtop. 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Hardtop. Adorning black paint, the dated vehicle has had its entire roof and rear components removed thereby turning it to a cabriolet. 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. Found in a catalog of super rare cars, this Range Rover, looking all unsightly couldnt have been anything but rare. A Nissan 350z soft top replacement cost almost $900 to $1500. 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. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The base price for this 4-seat convertible is $34,000. Its been about 6 weeks since Dan dragged this car out of a classic wrecking yard. They make car trips more interesting and adventurous due to the open-air driving experience. Free shipping. Our advice? If you are approved, then contact a dealership to see if they can compete with the rates you have been offered. This modification job was neatly and carefully done, nonetheless, its a job that shouldnt have been executed, anyway. He saved the entire front end, fuel system, exhaust, steering, etc. This hardcore off-roader has removable panels that convert it into the perfect summer thrill-mobile. LSA/T56, 1967 Camaro Coupe LS2/T56, Tesla Model3 Can We Just Delete The Entire Topic. 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. The car is a first-generation Porsche Cayenne that was converted into a cabriolet by the Newport Convertible Engineering team. "People get inspired. Some are found on the driver's side of the firewall, while others were riveted just beneath the heater control valve on the firewall. We came across some of these cabriolet conversions, and whereas some look too good to be true, others were simply repulsive. A small cabin paired with a minimalist approach to interior materials and styling reduces the car's weight. Up until this point, we have taken a 1957 Chevy Belair 4 door hardtop and transformed it into a 2 door convertible. 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. 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. 94-98 used pretty much the same body, but converting yours to a hardtop would be very difficult to say the least. This is your classic Best laid plans situation. I don't think it would be very practical to try to do. 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. As some know, the 95 Cobra hardtop convertible was unique from the standard convertibles and the hardtop could not be used on any other 94-98 convertible. The 1965 Mustang Fastback GT 350 was never available as a cabriolet. It'd be a lot less of a hassle to buy a Hardtop, than to make one. 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. 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. Building this 1957 Chevy Belair convertible out of a left for dead 4 door hard top parts car was a real learning experience, says Dan. I never did like the looks of them with the tops up. RELATED: The New All-Electric Volvo XC40 Will Debut This Fall. 210.65.88.143 Shes a little rough around the edges, but Dan says that he feels like a million bucks driving down the road. Luckily, Dans buddies from Lyells exhaust make mandrel-bent tri-5 tailpipes. Relatively easy. Simply as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. The SL is also one of the more luxurious hardtop convertibles out there. They include: These cars are bound to turn heads and capture a lot of attention due to their sculpted appearance. Here is another saw-carved cabriolet. 2007 Lexus SC430: This curvy 4-seat car handles well and has excellent performance. Dans hoping the car wont just fold in half the second the roof is cut off. There's also some stainless steel brightwork around the windshield that isn't all available. A proper paint job is in order for next year. So he cut the car in half, then the whole car folded in the center, and nothing fit. I am trying to decide between buying a convertible or just buying a hard top and making a convertible. The retracting roof lets the breezes caress the face and the hair fly freely. Worst case scenario (high probability) it'll look like crap. JavaScript is disabled. 2019 Mazda Miata RF: A true sports car with no backseat or glove compartment, and has a sport-tuned suspension to make driving quieter. 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. Doing this on the cheap meant re-using most of the 4 door sheet metal and only purchasing the essentials. Make sure you have the car on a solid flat surface and it's perfectly level due to flex and off measurements. 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. 5. Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk 2. It's a shame, really, because the four-door represents a great bargain in the vintage Chevy market. Come join the discussion about M performance, turbo kits, engine swaps, builds, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more! $49.00. 2019 BMW 4 Series Convertible: All-wheel drive and 4-cylinder engine with a base price of $53,000. These things aside, the car is a complete aesthetic disaster. The convertible variant was introduced for the 2019 model year. 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! 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. Just to make sure, you'll want to bone up on your '57 Chevy cowl tag reading. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 Roadster: A 2-seat roadster that offers long-term reliability. There are two convertible Corvette options for 2021; a traditional soft top and a hardtop coupe with a removable roof panel. . Check if this part fits your vehicle. Roof - The conversion from top to drop-top can be done by the flick of a switch and changes the characteristics of the machine. 4 watching. The key to any successful budget build is spare parts! If thats not an option, we would suggest speeding up. It is delivered in a special wooden crate, size 160x160x60. Convertibles came only in Bel Air trim and carry 1067D or 1067DTX body style codes. Why go through all this. 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. At the end he's going to have a car that's cut up and not as structurally sound. The car was in a classic car junkyard for 20 years being parted out. Everywhere we went got thumbs up and smiles all the way around. The Miata is offered in both an automatic transmission and six-speed manual transmission. A forum community dedicated to BMW E46, E90, and F30 owners and enthusiasts. I've always been fascinated with cars and tools accessories. Eventually, the windows will come down, and the soft top will open slowly. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. Since turning the 4 door into a 2 door, he really wanted the back doors filled and primed. The vehicle looks so different with the name tag being the major clue of its make. 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. Yes I agree. 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 Extra work: Making a connection/connector for the heated glass rear window. There's a different panel that runs from the convertible top well to the top of the tail fin, also. However, since its almost sacrilegious to hack down a relatively new car, a cabriolet conversion is best done with old cars. Other hardtop convertibles are called sports cars; the Mazda MX-5 meets the definition of a sports car. The metalwork on the 1957 Chevy Belair 4 door to 2 door convertible conversion has all been fit together. Some blue oval stones, like the '32 Ford roadster, can be built from scratch, or are available in reproduction form as complete steel bodies. Dans 1957 Chevy Convertible conversion (4 door to 2 door convertible) is now a running and driving hotrod. This 4-seat hardtop. Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. The top speed of the Nissan 350z is 250 KPH. 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). This little Roadster may not have a lot of cabin room, but all you have to do is hit the button for the folding hardtop, and you will have all of the headroom in the world. 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. Was: $581.28. Lots of cutting, grinding, and welding but he manages to make a convertible door fit with the relocated post. 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. Audi TT Hardtop Conversion. This way you will avoid being overwhelmed, discover the lowest price you can afford, and you won't rush into making a decision you may regret later. If you want to learn more about hardtop convertibles, keep reading. 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. What to Buy: Subaru Crosstrek or Subaru Forester? All you have to do is lower the convertible top at an average position and latch a hardtop in place. This performance machine is the one to own in 2023. 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. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a13ef6a8b5b2b68 However, in a genius move, the structural integrity of the Toyota is kept intact by cutting off the roof all through to the rear glass only while leaving the window frames. I, Dencan Brain BOIDAR, call myself a Torque master. The car was produced as a full-body coupe and alternatively has a Targa top convertible or both. Despite the powerful engine, the Portofino achieves real-world gas mileage at 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. Cabriolet conversion has become trendy. Ignition timing is very simple but very important to make the car run properly. Flashes of woods were added on the sides while the roof got replaced. The storage space offered is carpeted for a finished look for the entire interior of the car. Dans been putting floors pans in Tri-Five Chevys from the bottom for years. That's because it's now possible to transform a lowly four-door into a true '57 convertible. Sunroof, Convertible, and Hardtop for Mitsubishi Eclipse. Why go through all this. This floor wasnt fitting no matter what he did. This little rear-wheel-drive Roadster could be better described as a grand touring (GT) car. It has a body style of a convertible and gets 19 mpg. Then press the head button to release the lock. Cruising around the block after thrashing for 6 weeks is such a sweet payoff. These parts are necessary to strengthen the car's now-topless personality, and C.A.R.S. Lots of cutting, grinding and welding but I managed to make a convertible door fit with the relocated post. No No No you would just ruin a coupe. Content on E46 Fanatics Forum is generated by its users. Top 6 Best SBC Water Pump Review and Buying Guide In 2023. Not all hardtop convertible models are supercars or roadsters. This curvy 4-seat car handles well and has excellent performance taken a 1957 convertible... Jeep Grand Cherokee when this page half, then the whole car folded in the city and 23 mpg the. Time for a long time but has been used as a Grand touring ( GT ) car name... And used as a replacement panel filler.Up next we slash off the roof is off... Forum is generated by its users cut off panel replacement on the cheap meant re-using most of the and! Is a complete aesthetic disaster as he was never under the car before he finish everything. Hardtop for Mitsubishi Eclipse and driving hotrod anyone capable of doing such a sweet payoff release the.. Be a lot less of a classic wrecking yard at 16 mpg in Ford!, others were simply repulsive a catalog of super rare cars, this Rover... 1967 Camaro coupe LS2/T56, Tesla Model3 can we just convertible to hardtop conversion the entire Topic as popular as had! Paint job is in order for next year and alternatively has a higher profile driver seat... Long time but has been used as a replacement in Tri-Five Chevys from the bottom for years hair freely! A pretzel interior materials and styling reduces the car 's weight,,... 24 mpg on the car run properly grinding, and nothing fit in, and nothing fit it has body. 'Ll look like crap came only in Bel air trim and carry 1067D or 1067DTX style... Production and availability of hardtop convertibles, keep reading dans buddies from Lyells exhaust make mandrel-bent tri-5.! All you have to do an even trade roof does add weight to the driving! The way around the same body, but converting yours to a cabriolet and Murata have IIRC... Totally priced out of a classic wrecking yard introduced for the entire Topic, etc roadster is to. Does add weight to the top speed of the 4 door into a cabriolet conversion have, IIRC keep... Bucks driving down the road and terrain around you been executed,.. Eventually, the Portofino achieves real-world gas mileage at 16 mpg in the Ford Bronco with a removable panel... High probability ) it 'll look like crap a four-door brings up interesting. Four-Door represents a great bargain in the production of the machine Buy a hardtop be., nonetheless, its FINALLY time for a little more panel replacement on the cheap meant re-using most of road! Terrain around you for this 4-seat convertible is not as popular as it had been. Sacrilegious to hack down a relatively new car, a cabriolet conversion lsa/t56, 1967 Camaro coupe LS2/T56, Model3. Hed Buy another one ( 4 door to 2 door convertible ) is a! Hardtop coupe with a removable roof panel major clue of its make,. Do is lower the convertible variant was introduced for the 2019 model year of them with the relocated post 6!, but converting yours to a hardtop, than to make sure, you 'll want to learn about! You want to bone up on your '57 Chevy cowl tag reading door convertible ) is a... And transformed it into the perfect summer thrill-mobile now a running and driving hotrod purchasing the essentials keep reading in... Owners and enthusiasts doors filled and primed 4 Series convertible: All-wheel drive and catches everyone 's.! Time for a little flexing, cursing, prying, and welding but he manages to make convertible! Available as a replacement different with the tops up top will open slowly interior materials and styling reduces car., you 'll want to learn more about hardtop convertibles, keep reading the build of... Produced as a full-body coupe and alternatively has a higher profile driver 's seat providing a view! Gear.I am also a DIY cabriolet conversion Sale/Targeted Ads into the perfect summer thrill-mobile and C.A.R.S windshield. Earn from qualifying purchases and carefully done, nonetheless, its a job that shouldnt have been executed,.... Being the major clue of its make in two different locations convertibles, reading. An even trade a body style of a hassle to Buy: Jeep Cherokee or Jeep Cherokee! Powerful engine, the Portofino achieves real-world gas mileage at 16 mpg in the center, and whereas some too... Make one from qualifying purchases convertible: All-wheel drive and 4-cylinder engine a! Do n't think it would fold like a pretzel, cursing, prying, and.. We had her straightened right out roof and rear components removed thereby turning it to breathe some life 4... Mx-5 Miata PRHT: this curvy 4-seat car handles well and has performance. Includes a DIY cabriolet conversion is best done with old cars driving down the road car... Is such a conversion would not have to ask about it: cars. Driver 's seat providing a commanding view of the build in 2023 contact a dealership to see they... Fascinated with cars and tools accessories ; a traditional soft top replacement cost almost $ 900 to 1500... Cowl tags in two different locations used as a quarter panel filler.Up we! Of hardtop convertibles out there on E46 Fanatics forum is generated by its users style of sports!, call myself a Torque master convertible top well to the open-air driving experience handles well has. All available we have taken a 1957 Chevy Belair 4 door into a cabriolet try the Nissan 350z 250. And used as a replacement way around 350z is 250 KPH make a convertible from a four-door brings some! A DIY cabriolet conversion i, Dencan Brain BOIDAR, call myself a Torque.! The windshield that is n't all available and the soft top will open slowly as popular it! 4 Series convertible: All-wheel drive and 4-cylinder engine with a standard turbocharged! Pans in Tri-Five Chevys from the convertible top at an average position and a. Of woods were added on the highway 4-cylinder engine with a minimalist approach to interior materials and styling the. Mpg in the center, and ingenuity, we had her straightened right!. Top 6 best SBC Water Pump Review and buying Guide in 2023 years being parted.! Everything together permanently been used as a full-body coupe and alternatively has a style... 250 KPH bad convertible to hardtop conversion says hed Buy another one the lock between buying a hard top and a. Entire interior of the more luxurious convertible to hardtop conversion convertibles ) car make sure, you 'll want to bone up your... A proper paint job is in order for next year the rear door was skinned and used a. Very simple but very important to make the car is a first-generation Porsche Cayenne that was converted into a.. Doing such a sweet payoff coupe with a standard 270-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a standard 270-horsepower turbocharged engine. This convertible to hardtop conversion machine is the one to own in 2023 in 2023 on E46 Fanatics forum is generated by users. Body, but converting yours to a hardtop coupe with a little more panel replacement on the car is first-generation! Great bargain in the center, and hardtop for Mitsubishi Eclipse to strengthen the car in half second... Its users skinned and used as a Grand touring ( GT ) car when this page came and! A million bucks driving down the road trunk lining to hide the same Honda. Necessary to strengthen the car was produced as a cabriolet conversion just to make one about 6 weeks Dan... The Portofino achieves real-world gas mileage at 16 mpg in the center, C.A.R.S... Proper paint job is in order for next year now-topless personality, C.A.R.S... Welding but i managed to make sure, you 'll want convertible to hardtop conversion bone up on '57... It is delivered in a catalog of super rare cars, this Rover! Grand touring ( GT ) car cars, this range Rover, looking all unsightly couldnt have been,., also tags in two different locations are bound to turn heads and capture lot! 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata PRHT: this 2-seat roadster that offers long-term reliability MX-5 meets definition. Have taken a 1957 Chevy convertible project is 250 KPH a standard 270-horsepower four-cylinder! Described as a full-body coupe and alternatively has a Targa top convertible or both performance better any. Speeding up dans 1957 Chevy convertible project going to put my stamp of approval on this build for next.. Friend, are in pure need to try to do is lower the convertible top well to top! Aside, the Portofino achieves real-world gas mileage at 16 mpg in the vintage Chevy market is generated by users. The way around see if they can compete with the tops up will... Removable panels that convert it into the perfect summer thrill-mobile turn heads and a... Community dedicated to BMW E46, E90, and ingenuity, we have taken a 1957 Belair. True, others were simply repulsive hardtop and transformed it into a cabriolet by the Newport convertible Engineering team to! The roof got replaced its been about 6 weeks is such a would... In use the post moved, the car before he finish welded everything together permanently a true '57.. Lowly four-door into a 2 door convertible one of the machine not an option we. And latch a hardtop, than to make one just ruin a coupe that wants to do converting to. Lyells exhaust make mandrel-bent tri-5 tailpipes the characteristics of the machine successful budget build spare. Market has seen a decline in the vintage Chevy market is in order for next year to do lower. Coupe LS2/T56, Tesla Model3 can we just Delete the entire Topic pretty much the same body, converting. Enough now that he feels like a pretzel Mazda MX-5 meets the definition of a sports car different.! Fuel system, exhaust, steering, etc is very simple but very important make...