Has anyone out there converted their early C3 coupe to a convertible? I think I know what parts are involved except around the windshield header, but do you need to do anything about reinforcing the chassis?

 

No mods to the frame, you'll get used to the cowl shake...lol

 

I will stick my neck out and say that very very few 68 - 75 coupes were converted to verts. If you want a vert, sell the coupe and buy a vert. Conversion would be a real PIA and expensive.

If you have your heart set on a 78 vert, well that's different, you would have to make your own.

 

theres a fellow around Baton Rouge,La. that does late c3's I could try to get his number if he's not a member here

 

1 Fine 69's car.

Check this link out. It should give you some inspiration.

 

That's an awesome link! I guess the major mod he did was to add the rear clip of an vert car. - probably not as easy as the pictures look!

 

I have some pics from a post on this forum awhile back where someone simply cut out the space for the rear deck from a coupe, cut the top and retrofitted in the necessary hardware. Kind of scary looking but he did it. IM me your email address and I'll send you the pics. I would also suggest using the search function to look for his old threads.

I have a 1980 convertible, however, my vette originated from a convertible. I like the uniqueness of the car.

 

I helped some friends modify an 80 into a convertible. The toughest thing is finding the windshield header parts. I don't know about welding stainless, but if you can, or have a contact, the windshield header cover can be made from a t-top header cover. Decklids and soft top frames can be bought on ebay. Al Knoch and others also carry reproduction complete top frames. Most major vette parts suppliers have the rear upper body panel for convertibles. most of what you need interms of decklid hinges and springs are available in repro, or from the larger vette recyclers. Get some cage measurements from an existing vert and cut the cage, t-bar, and rear body panel off. Fit the new panel and decklid with hinges, so you can locate your hinge mount points and latch mount points. Some fabrication may be required here, but again replacement hinge mount reinforcements are available from Paragon and possibly others as are the latch pieces on the body. After all is aligned, bond the new rear panel to the fenders and inner body Prep and paint your body work and decklid. As I recall, coupes already have the holes drilled in the cage where the top bolts in place. For all post 73 c3s, you will have to remove the bumper cover before cutting off the rear body panel. This is much easier than replacing a front clip.

Orville

 

You'll end up with WAY more money in the car than it'll be worth in the end. Keep in mind that the VIN number will indicate that the car started life as a coupe. This will diminish the value of the car if or when you try to sell it.

My vote would be to sell the coupe, take the multiple thousands of dollars that you'd put into the conversion, and apply all the funds to buy a convertible.

 

thanks for the info and links. I just replaced the front clip with a 1 piece non-sheet molded piece from J&D, plus the non-original engine and 5 speed, so the originality of this car is already shot. If I can locate the pieces on ebay reasonably, I will go for it, but I was worried about the flex.

 

It is always cheaper to buy the perfect car than to build it yourself. But for many, building it is half the fun. If all of the throwaway vettes had actually been thrown away, there would be far fewer vettes. And those that were left would be rich guys toys.

Orville

 

The building IS the fun...just look at mine! If you get satisfaction from saying you did it yourself, damn the expense, do it Great satisfaction and pride. If flex is a concern, slap a roll bar into it with rear braces, that will tie it all together and look cool to when the top is dropped. Have it upholstered in matching vinyl, and it will be way cool.

 

I have a back half of a 71 vert that I will sell cheap. No top, the tail panel is gone. Basically you would get the tub and the decklid and hinges/springs. You have to modify the doors to accept the wedges to do this right. Paragon has conversion parts for the doors. I am in Nashville, TN if you are interested.

 

I believe you will need new window glass for the doors.

 

It can be done.

 

what would be approx. cost for this converstion?

 

GM should have built this car.Nice.