Vert Conversions
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 27
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From: Thousand Oaks CA
Vert Conversions
Been looking around on here a lot and seen a few old threads about converting '76 and younger to a convertible. They all look great, and the price on the few for sales that I've seen is pretty tempting as compared to a factory vert. There was one up for 10k a couple weeks ago on the site and it really got me interested.
But my question is, how do you address the strength issue? Or do you? I understand these probably aren't going to be high performance track cars, so does the reduced strength or increased twist even matter?
Cost and time aside, am I getting myself into trouble if I'm thinking of buying a later model and doing a conversion myself?
Thanks for any input on this one.
But my question is, how do you address the strength issue? Or do you? I understand these probably aren't going to be high performance track cars, so does the reduced strength or increased twist even matter?
Cost and time aside, am I getting myself into trouble if I'm thinking of buying a later model and doing a conversion myself?
Thanks for any input on this one.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
There is no strength issue to address. Convertibles and coupes used the same frames. Most of the underbody and major factory panels were the same. For some model years, convertibles got dash braces the coupes did not get.
You should not ignore either. The conversion will be expensive and time consuming.
Purchase any assembly instruction manual from any year covertibles were available. Purchase an assembly instruction manual for the model year coupe you intend to convert. Compare the work needed for the convertible with the work done for the coupe.
Honest opinion: if you want a convertible, purchase a convertible.
...Cost and time aside...
...am I getting myself into trouble if I'm thinking of buying a later model and doing a conversion myself?...
Honest opinion: if you want a convertible, purchase a convertible.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,908
Likes: 129
From: Fredericksburg Virginia
I have to agree.
Both coupe and convertible are fairly plentiful if you pick a little different vintage.
And for the same (or less) money than you'd invest in the conversion, you'd have a vehicle with considerably more "value" than the car you'd be left with if you performed the conversion yourself.
Both coupe and convertible are fairly plentiful if you pick a little different vintage.
And for the same (or less) money than you'd invest in the conversion, you'd have a vehicle with considerably more "value" than the car you'd be left with if you performed the conversion yourself.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Thousand Oaks CA
Honest opinion: if you want a convertible, purchase a convertible.
