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Old Jan 22, 2010 | 01:23 PM
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Default 81 convertible conversion

Has anyone converted an 81 Corvette to a convertible, and if so what is involved?

Thanks,
Rex
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Old Jan 22, 2010 | 01:46 PM
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I would love to know more about converting to convert....got a '74 that wants to take it's top off...!
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Old Jan 22, 2010 | 01:46 PM
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.it has been done several times .find a donor car .and a lot of time .have seen some on here that looked like they were factory done .thats the best that i can help you .good luck http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...vette-com.html i found this in the search .

Last edited by terry82; Jan 22, 2010 at 01:57 PM.
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Old Jan 22, 2010 | 01:54 PM
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Originally Posted by MrJlr
...I would love to know more about converting to convert....got a '74 that wants to take it's top off...
Purchase the '74 AIM and take a look at the differences between the two.

You want something like this:




You do not want something like this:




Both of these cars were on ebay.


Last edited by Easy Mike; Jan 22, 2010 at 02:03 PM.
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Old Jan 22, 2010 | 02:46 PM
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when you take the top off ,look at those body lines .
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Old Jan 22, 2010 | 02:47 PM
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1. BIG cohones
2. A Sawzal
3. 74-75 convertible frame and top
4. Aftermarket deck panel for 80-82
5. Deck lid, hinges and hardware
6. 74-5 convertible windows swapped into doors
7. fiberglass skills to graft it all in
8. A repaint

Search "Bye,bye top.......hello vert" for an extensive step-by-step
Good luck - I was VERY close to converting my 81 Coupe until i picked up an 82 project in primer already done with GM parts for a STEAL.

An 80-82 ragtop is one of the best looking C3's IMHO !!!!!!!!!!

Last edited by Fast81; Jan 22, 2010 at 02:48 PM. Reason: typo
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Old Jan 22, 2010 | 04:26 PM
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Where wer you searching for " Bye,Bye top......helloe vert" ?
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Old Jan 22, 2010 | 05:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Colorpaintman
Where wer you searching for " Bye,Bye top......helloe vert" ?
Good luck and Godspeed

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...e-bye-top.html
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Old Jan 24, 2010 | 09:02 PM
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David, here is the link that will take you to a bundle of threads I had on this:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...e-threads.html

This should give you a little more info with pics....


John
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Old Jan 24, 2010 | 11:48 PM
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My '81 convertible... it had a 2 page spread in Corvette Fever back in 1992. (Yikes, HOW long ago???)

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Old Jan 25, 2010 | 06:48 PM
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Default 81 roadster

Originally Posted by Vettebuyer5869
My '81 convertible... it had a 2 page spread in Corvette Fever back in 1992. (Yikes, HOW long ago???)

I did mine in 82. Take a look at Vette may 1992 if available. I also added a 427 tripower.

Bill
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Old Jan 25, 2010 | 06:56 PM
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Got it! Thanks John!
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Old Jan 25, 2010 | 06:59 PM
  #13  
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Nice!!! I will try to find it.

Thanks guys!
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Old Jan 25, 2010 | 07:06 PM
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Originally Posted by terry82
when you take the top off ,look at those body lines .
I gotta say... that gold one looks as clean as a '68 vert.

Amazing how those perfect lines are still there once you clear all the fluff away.

-W
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