'72 Convertible Conversion, no going back now
Racer
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 480
Likes: 42
From: Los Angeles CA
Has anyone used J & D Corvettes conversion kit? In phone conversations with them it is supposedly all the fiberglass pieces I will need. Once I allocate the needed cash, I plan on ordering a kit from them.
I got a top frame off ebay already and my next search is for the door glass for the convertible.
I got a top frame off ebay already and my next search is for the door glass for the convertible.
Last edited by Frank_Nesta; Dec 27, 2016 at 12:22 PM. Reason: spelling
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,950
Likes: 498
From: Chino Hills CA
Before i did my conversion, I checked out the glass parts from J&D and found they were way more expensive than just buying a donor rear clip. That way you also get all the hardware, complete decklid, hinges, springs, and the steel pieces you need for attaching the convertible top frame. However, I spent a good 6 months until I found a complete clip in the right condition and price.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 209
Likes: 41
From: Blue Point NY
its not cheap by any means but finding the used clip seems to be more expensive and alot of them remove the top cover panel which has all the hinges and latches anyway.
I'm thinking about using hydraulics pistons for the top cover so I can eliminate some latches and pieces, hinges aren't too bad price wise and/or I am sure that another year/model could be adapted and used.
I'm thinking about using hydraulics pistons for the top cover so I can eliminate some latches and pieces, hinges aren't too bad price wise and/or I am sure that another year/model could be adapted and used.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,950
Likes: 498
From: Chino Hills CA
its not cheap by any means but finding the used clip seems to be more expensive and alot of them remove the top cover panel which has all the hinges and latches anyway.
I'm thinking about using hydraulics pistons for the top cover so I can eliminate some latches and pieces, hinges aren't too bad price wise and/or I am sure that another year/model could be adapted and used.
I'm thinking about using hydraulics pistons for the top cover so I can eliminate some latches and pieces, hinges aren't too bad price wise and/or I am sure that another year/model could be adapted and used.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 165
Likes: 31
From: space coast florida
I bought a 79 roller that I'm in the process of making into a convertible. My plan is to fab and relocate the fuel tank to the same location as the C-5. The area where the existing tank is will be a trunk like the C-5 convertibles have. I figure I can make a trunk lid and tub from fiberglass that matches the body line.
I've looked at the fuel tanks in my C-5 and they look similar in size. The latest model mustang fuel tank looks like it may also work. Anyone ever do something like this?
I've looked at the fuel tanks in my C-5 and they look similar in size. The latest model mustang fuel tank looks like it may also work. Anyone ever do something like this?
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,601
Likes: 7,048
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
I bought a 79 roller that I'm in the process of making into a convertible. My plan is to fab and relocate the fuel tank to the same location as the C-5. The area where the existing tank is will be a trunk like the C-5 convertibles have. I figure I can make a trunk lid and tub from fiberglass that matches the body line.
I've looked at the fuel tanks in my C-5 and they look similar in size. The latest model mustang fuel tank looks like it may also work. Anyone ever do something like this?
I've looked at the fuel tanks in my C-5 and they look similar in size. The latest model mustang fuel tank looks like it may also work. Anyone ever do something like this?
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,950
Likes: 498
From: Chino Hills CA
Doorgunner did it right, but he put a heck of a lot of work into it. But I think making C5 tanks fit may even be more of a challenge. A squarish tank seems like the best solution. FYI, when I did my conversion, I never intended on getting a soft top, I bought a nice used hard top and figured I use the hard top in the winter and no top the rest of the year. Plus I liked the storage area behind the seats. so much more accessible than when it was a coupe. But then I found a good deal on a soft top and once installed, I hung up the hard top and it just collects dust.
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,601
Likes: 7,048
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
Lowbuck72 has a good point about the shape of the tank. I did not want my tank to be visible when looking at the car from the rear. A rectangular tank holds more gasoline and is about 8"-9" deep/cannot be seen once the exhaust panel is bolted in place. Allow room for mufflers unless you go with side pipes.
Last edited by doorgunner; Mar 27, 2018 at 10:15 AM.
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,222
Likes: 9,359
From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
I just found your thread through a thread RVZIO had posted looking for it. Great job. Hope bringing this up shows other new guys how a desire and patience can solve anything
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,950
Likes: 498
From: Chino Hills CA
I repainted everything from the doors back, but even though the old paint was 10 years old, it didn't fade and can be compounded to bring back the original shine. Still hanging in there...
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,950
Likes: 498
From: Chino Hills CA
Wow, DG, that came out of left field. Did a full tune up a couple months ago, still runs great, take it out for a spin every couple three weeks. Top down of course. Other than replacing a rag joint, haven't had to do anything to it in the past year. I also have a C6 convertible as well, have to take it out every week for a spin to keep the battery charged. Kinda like going back and forth, I can appreciate technology as much as simplicity. Since I also have a Metropolitan convert and a Karmann Ghia convert, sometimes the Corvette has to wait its turn.
