81 convertible conversion
Jan 22, 2010 | 01:23 PM
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Richmond Kentucky
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81 convertible conversion
Has anyone converted an 81 Corvette to a convertible, and if so what is involved?
Thanks,
Rex
Jan 22, 2010 | 01:46 PM
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 12,239
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From: Chino CA
I would love to know more about converting to convert....got a '74 that wants to take it's top off...!
Jan 22, 2010 | 01:46 PM
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,663
Likes: 162
From: columbia city in
.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 .
Jan 22, 2010 | 01:54 PM
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Quote:
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 .
Jan 22, 2010 | 02:46 PM
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,663
Likes: 162
From: columbia city in
when you take the top off ,look at those body lines .
Jan 22, 2010 | 02:47 PM
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,412
Likes: 288
From: dayton oh
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
Jan 22, 2010 | 04:26 PM
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 13
Likes: 6
From: Richmond Kentucky
2021 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Where wer you searching for " Bye,Bye top......helloe vert" ?
Jan 22, 2010 | 05:05 PM
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Jan 24, 2010 | 09:02 PM
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 845
Likes: 1
From: Columbus Indiana
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
Jan 24, 2010 | 11:48 PM
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,970
Likes: 6,196
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
My '81 convertible... it had a 2 page spread in Corvette Fever back in 1992. (Yikes, HOW long ago???)
Jan 25, 2010 | 06:48 PM
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: Scottsdale AZ
81 roadster
Quote:
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
Jan 25, 2010 | 06:56 PM
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 13
Likes: 6
From: Richmond Kentucky
2021 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Jan 25, 2010 | 06:59 PM
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 13
Likes: 6
From: Richmond Kentucky
2021 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Nice!!! I will try to find it.
Thanks guys!
Jan 25, 2010 | 07:06 PM
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,343
Likes: 4
From: Anderson SC
Quote:
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