T-top to vert conversion
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
T-top to vert conversion
Ive looked around with no luck finding a thread or much info on this. How hard is it to perform this conversion? I know with most cars you have to brace the body/frame before cutting and chopping but wondering if its the same with the c3 or not? I like the t tops but i love verts. Worth the hassle?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,274
Likes: 4,366
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi a,
The transformation can be done.
It's a lot of work; and money, if you can't do all the work yourself.
Think about selling your car and buying the convertible you want.
Regards,
Alan
The transformation can be done.
It's a lot of work; and money, if you can't do all the work yourself.
Think about selling your car and buying the convertible you want.
Regards,
Alan
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
You don't know what you are in for. Buy a convertible.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...onversion.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...onversion.html
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,977
Likes: 19
From: Canboro Ontario
Got to agree with Al and Paul, it is alot of work and money, even if you can do it youself. Better off selling and finding a convertible you like, even if it cost you a little more than what you sell yours for, you will still save a bundle of money and still be able to drive it, instead of waiting for the transformation, and the empty wallet and nowhere to go.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,560
Likes: 4
From: Arlington texas
Several threads out there on it. I'm in the middle of doing it myself. Can be a royal PIA. I was one of the unlucky ones that didn't get good fitting fiberglass pieces and has made it a nightmare. I could have been driving the car a long time ago had I skipped this. It will be nice to have in the end but is it worth it? At this point I'd say no. Some of the basic parts are really hard to find.
My advise from experience, unless you have alot of time on your hands and just want something different, enjoy your t-tops and drive the car or sell it and buy a convertible. Probably better off selling a decent car for a convertible that need work than to convert one.
It really isn't as expensive as most people think it is. If you shop around for everything it is actually pretty affordable. If you don't know how to work fiberglass now, you better learn.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...nvertible.html
My advise from experience, unless you have alot of time on your hands and just want something different, enjoy your t-tops and drive the car or sell it and buy a convertible. Probably better off selling a decent car for a convertible that need work than to convert one.
It really isn't as expensive as most people think it is. If you shop around for everything it is actually pretty affordable. If you don't know how to work fiberglass now, you better learn.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...nvertible.html
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,416
Likes: 291
From: dayton oh
OR score a project already done off of CList. keep your eyes out, they pop up 4 sale from time-time. Be ready to pull the trigger when you spot one though.
I'm doing an LS install with mine
I'm doing an LS install with mine
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Harder and more involved than you might think if you're hoping for something like this one:.
My advice would be to purchase the assembly instruction manual (AIM) for the year of your coupe if it's 76 and later. Purchase a second AIM for any model year when convertibles were in production.
Compare the factory installations of each, especially the birdcage changes you will be required to make. Thy convertible AIM will list all the parts and part numbers of what you will need for the swap.
Once you know what you will need, you can begin shopping for parts.
No.
My advice would be to purchase the assembly instruction manual (AIM) for the year of your coupe if it's 76 and later. Purchase a second AIM for any model year when convertibles were in production.
Compare the factory installations of each, especially the birdcage changes you will be required to make. Thy convertible AIM will list all the parts and part numbers of what you will need for the swap.
Once you know what you will need, you can begin shopping for parts.
...Worth the hassle?...
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
