So after you guys convinced me i was just crying.. and to shut up and continue working on my 75 (which you were totaly right about) .. i found a 75 Vert rear clip in the for sale section... IN NJ!!!. Now, my question is that i have a coupe, can i mate this rear clip to my coupe front?

As i said in my previous post, there is alot of work to be done to the rear clip of my 75... so i figure.. if i am going to do all that work, i sure as hell would rather do it to a vert!!!!

What else needs to be changed?? I guess this would take care of the cross member going across the t-tops before the back window right???

The frame and everything should remain the same right????

- John

 

Excellent!
Great plan. Other than the door glass and minor trim pieces, it should go smoothly. Do you have a complete conv. top (frame and latches) yet?

 

not yet... do i need to change the windshield frame???

I am in the process of contacting the gentleman with the rear clip.

 

No changes to the w/s frame, but you will need the center (cast) latch pad. Don't forget to get the deck lid latch hardware.

 

Gotcha!... i will remember to get them.

Haven't been this stoked about workin on the vette since i put the 50 miles i have on it!!!

-John

 

Buy the '75 assembly instruction manual (AIM) and compare the coupe/convertible installations. The AIM will list all the parts you will need for the conversion from coupe to convertible, list the original part numbers, and show you how it's done.

This type of conversion is not an overnight thing. My advice would be to gather all the parts before starting on the swap.

 

Looks like the guy is about 10-15 minutes away from me.

I will be getting more pictures of the clip tonight. I will post em up to see what you guys think..!

 

Very interesting project. I was thinking of doing one but never did. I seen them and talked to guys who did them. It can be done. I think the key is a donor car for spare parts. G/L & keep the pic's coming

 

Sounds like an interesting project. I would look at what you are getting with the clip. We all know Corvette parts= $$$$ Corvette Convertible parts = More money. The more pieces you have to buy to complete the build can add up quickly.

 

So!!, the guy that has this for sale is a memebr of this forum!! .. has been since 04 i think.

Here are the pics:












So this clip is NO better than the one i have. BUT it IS a great one to:
A. Learn on
B. Do the same work i need to on my coupe clip... except when i am done... i will have a vert?!

So please look at these pics and let me know what you guys think.

I know the clip is in pretty poor shape... i would need to glass in a new 1/4 panel and maybe a rear deck... but i would have to do that to the clip i have now... so let me know what . you guys think. The asking price is on the for sale page... i think in the condition it is a little... high? maybe not for a vert clip?...
-John

 

Sounds to me like you realy want a convertible and although the vert clip needs work you are saying that the one you have now (coupe) needs work also, I'd definately go for it. Being that the clip is as far apart as it is you most probably could repair that right rear 1/4 panel without replacing it, fiberglas is very forgiving stuff to work with and very easy to do over before its finished correctly. The only bad part is that if ya dont have a conv. top or frame for one,,,,they are pricey, Go for it,, have fun learning, and keep us posted on your progress,,,Good Luck, Peace,,, Moosie

 

Unless your existing coupe parts are in bad shape, the rear deck panel should be all the fiberglass you from this clip.

 

Youngster,the job that you are wanting to do IS doable,but a big job.You can do it,tho'.If the rear clip doesn't work out,and that is a good price,and the rear deck is included,then i know a guy in PA(not far from NY)that has a complete rear vert clip for a 75,that's in pretty good shape.Then you would just have to change the shells vs.cutting the car in too,and scabbing together.W/the deck included,you could probably,pick this up for under a grand.Something for you to think about.If you want the guys info.,let me know.Have 2 cars that neeed the attention of some ppg,so.................................. .....................

 

So the one your guy has includes the shell?? .. or no

Isn't the one i am looking at a complete rear vert clip? ... i think he said the deck is included.

Because wouldn't i need to cut the shell either way??
-John

 

I really do not think cutting the car in half is technically correct or easy. It may be simpler to try this method.

Modifying the coupe to a convertible is technically achieveable to do in a "correct" fashion. The reason for this is that the Corvette birdcage starts out as a convertible, and then the coupe structure is added. The birdcage convert structure has flanges that recieve the coupe roof arch and the slip fit joint is then spotwelded about 14 times each side. As an option you can either simply cut the arch off or drill out each spotweld and then putty the holes or weld little caps over them. When you see the assy manual you will see the difference. The first change you must make is to the structure of the birdcage. The soft top frame bolts into this area as well, so you will have to add the welded nut plates where it is put together.

Completing this you now have simple fiberglass cut and paste. The quaters can be left and the read decklid can replace the coupe rear end. To stage simply get a good measurement of the rear of the car forward, and join the parts once you finalize the location of the convert decklid.

Find a C-3 convert to look at before and during the process....

To stage this...

First place body in a good area for working, jackstands level.

Remove coupe fiberglass panel from between the fenders to expose the birdcage and allow you to work.

Remove the coupe arch in a manner you choose, and then maybe use fragments from your vert rear clip to clean up the top of that structure.

Add weldnuts for the conv top folding frame, you may get one later anyway.

Get decklid and fit rear deck, and decklid, once true and correct, glass it in! Work slow, and enjoy the process!

 

Unless you LOVE doing glass work to pass a lot of time & for fun, I'd pass on that busted up crap you showed and pay just a bit more to get a 'good' rear clip. Money and time wise you'd be cheaper in the long run. Since I haven't seen photos of the second clip mentioned, can't advise if it's more worth the effort.
As for changing over to a vert...go for it!! Just get the best clip you can find with EVERYTHING there. It's the little stuff that will drive you crazy and cost you way more than you thought to finish the project. Glenn

 

I was speaking a WHOLE BODY.i may be wrong,but I call them the complete rear clip.I'm speaking birdcage,cockpit,and rear glass,bud.570-376-3421-Gee Auto Sales in PA.
INTERNATIONAL BLUE............holy crap!!!!!He's 22,and this is his first jab at this stuff!!!!! I want to try the above,and been considering it.I have a donor 69 coupe shell that i would like to try this on,and been going nuts here lately buying everything vert that i can get my hands on.You may have mail!!!!!!!!!!

 

that is idealy what i would prefer!!! The whole body, but if the only thing i can find is the rear clip(behind the seats back) i guess that is what i have to work with. If i can pick that rear vert clip up for under a grand that would be ideal!!!

I think i will make a phone call tomorrow to see what the guy in PA is. You said it was a vert body, but then mentioned rear glass... am i wrong here???

I really appreciate all your input here..!
-John

 

glass=fiberglass

 

Talked to Mr.Gee earlier in PA,and he has a real nice firewall back 75 vert body.You may call.A forum member gave me his info.awhile back,and we ended up working a deal,and he delivered a rust free southern 68 L79 vert to me.Very nice guy,and a honest guy.His prices are fair,also.You may wanna check him out.