converting it to convertible
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,560
Likes: 4
From: Arlington texas
There are several threads on this. Just run a search. You can get your fiberglass at http://www.acivette.com/ .
A soft top frame runs around $1800. used or reproduction. A hard top can be gotten for around $500. You have to do some modifications in the tub for the rag top to fold down.
Everyone has a different idea of what is different on a coupe or convertible as far as supports. I know there are braces under the dash. This is the first I have heard about different doors, but the window glass is different for sure. I have also talked to a company that has done these conversions for years and they swear that there is a brace that has to go from the rear of the doors to the back of the tub under the deck but I haven't seen that one anywhere.
I've seen a few rear decks on ebay at good prices lately but they won't ship them. Some of the parts to finish it out are hard to come by.
You'll notice in some old threads that the chrome is not available for the window but I just saw a month ago that a company has started reproducing that now.
A soft top frame runs around $1800. used or reproduction. A hard top can be gotten for around $500. You have to do some modifications in the tub for the rag top to fold down.
Everyone has a different idea of what is different on a coupe or convertible as far as supports. I know there are braces under the dash. This is the first I have heard about different doors, but the window glass is different for sure. I have also talked to a company that has done these conversions for years and they swear that there is a brace that has to go from the rear of the doors to the back of the tub under the deck but I haven't seen that one anywhere.
I've seen a few rear decks on ebay at good prices lately but they won't ship them. Some of the parts to finish it out are hard to come by.
You'll notice in some old threads that the chrome is not available for the window but I just saw a month ago that a company has started reproducing that now.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Brooklyn ny
thanks
I saw many info on it, they also put a brace across the rear clip right by the tank.
what is the best glass to put the rear clip?
I saw many info on it, they also put a brace across the rear clip right by the tank.
what is the best glass to put the rear clip?
There are several threads on this. Just run a search. You can get your fiberglass at http://www.acivette.com/ .
A soft top frame runs around $1800. used or reproduction. A hard top can be gotten for around $500. You have to do some modifications in the tub for the rag top to fold down.
Everyone has a different idea of what is different on a coupe or convertible as far as supports. I know there are braces under the dash. This is the first I have heard about different doors, but the window glass is different for sure. I have also talked to a company that has done these conversions for years and they swear that there is a brace that has to go from the rear of the doors to the back of the tub under the deck but I haven't seen that one anywhere.
I've seen a few rear decks on ebay at good prices lately but they won't ship them. Some of the parts to finish it out are hard to come by.
You'll notice in some old threads that the chrome is not available for the window but I just saw a month ago that a company has started reproducing that now.
A soft top frame runs around $1800. used or reproduction. A hard top can be gotten for around $500. You have to do some modifications in the tub for the rag top to fold down.
Everyone has a different idea of what is different on a coupe or convertible as far as supports. I know there are braces under the dash. This is the first I have heard about different doors, but the window glass is different for sure. I have also talked to a company that has done these conversions for years and they swear that there is a brace that has to go from the rear of the doors to the back of the tub under the deck but I haven't seen that one anywhere.
I've seen a few rear decks on ebay at good prices lately but they won't ship them. Some of the parts to finish it out are hard to come by.
You'll notice in some old threads that the chrome is not available for the window but I just saw a month ago that a company has started reproducing that now.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,736
Likes: 94
From: I buy all my days at the same place where the girl sells her nights
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
In my search to obtain the convertible cowl bracing it would seem this evolved during the C3 run, particularly that later models may not have included the brace saddle on the trans hump, and may have only had 4 struts. Trying to figure out if the saddle is necessary, and (if not) how the struts would otherwise attach in a '78. Might you be able to shed some light on this, and perhaps share an AIM illustration?
TIA
TIA
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,330
Likes: 13
From: Europe , Luxembourg
Hi
The cowl bracing only started in the later 68 run, hence early 68 convertibles do not have this.
It is not so required.
If you install it, you do need the saddle, otherwise you do not find any steel attachments points on the tunnel.
Just forget about this cowl bracing and concentrate on the other stuff. It is difficult enough.
Rgds. Günther
The cowl bracing only started in the later 68 run, hence early 68 convertibles do not have this.
It is not so required.
If you install it, you do need the saddle, otherwise you do not find any steel attachments points on the tunnel.
Just forget about this cowl bracing and concentrate on the other stuff. It is difficult enough.
Rgds. Günther
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
VCB Before you start sawing and hacking, purchase any of the assembly instruction manuals (AIMs) for 68-75 when convertibles were in production. Take a look at the differences in convertible and coupe construction. Purchase the 80 AIM so you will have an idea of how your car is put together.
The AIMs will show how the rear surround panels are bonded to the underbody.
If you think things through and remove your existing body panels along the factory bonds, you can probably sell your panels to someone who needs them and get a little of your money back.
81 underbody and surround panel bonding areas shown. Your 80 will be similar.
Note fender bonding lines.
The AIMs will show how the rear surround panels are bonded to the underbody.
If you think things through and remove your existing body panels along the factory bonds, you can probably sell your panels to someone who needs them and get a little of your money back.
81 underbody and surround panel bonding areas shown. Your 80 will be similar.
Note fender bonding lines.
Last edited by Easy Mike; Oct 11, 2010 at 12:15 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
Hi
The cowl bracing only started in the later 68 run, hence early 68 convertibles do not have this.
It is not so required.
If you install it, you do need the saddle, otherwise you do not find any steel attachments points on the tunnel.
Just forget about this cowl bracing and concentrate on the other stuff. It is difficult enough.
Rgds. Günther
The cowl bracing only started in the later 68 run, hence early 68 convertibles do not have this.
It is not so required.
If you install it, you do need the saddle, otherwise you do not find any steel attachments points on the tunnel.
Just forget about this cowl bracing and concentrate on the other stuff. It is difficult enough.
Rgds. Günther
and may very well end up redesigning the trans x-member sooner than later. And, thanks Paul for chiming in on my related thread. FWIW, my apologies to the OP for the sidebar. Great thread going here! Almost makes me want to chop my top or do the targa thing myself.
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