Convertible conversion project 1970
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
Convertible conversion project 1970
Me and my hot rod buddy have a ‘70 that’s in pretty rough shape, and since it’s a “salvage title” and non-numbers car, we’ kicking around the idea of converting it to a convertible. Has anyone done this? If so, we’d like to learn more about the does and don’ts...
Thanks, ed
Thanks, ed
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
There is likely to be more involved with this project than you might think. My advice would be to purchase the 70 assembly instruction manual (AIM) and compare the structural differences between the coupe and convertible. You'll be spending a lot of time with the birdcage before you move to body modifications.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,729
Likes: 267
From: Austin Texas
Corvette of the Year Winner 2017
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
yes the conversion was well documented on this forum, on another post several years ago.
I have a spare deck lid if interested, let me know. your most difficult will be the spring assembles to locate, good luck.
I have a spare deck lid if interested, let me know. your most difficult will be the spring assembles to locate, good luck.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,874
Likes: 3,551
From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
I’m glad to see I’m not the only crazy person here. Thanks for all the input, and I’ll get back to the ones that have clips for sale. We’re in Arizona, long ways from Florida, but depending on the weight, that sounds interesting. Thanks again!
ed
ed
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,377
Likes: 282
From: Bedford New York
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,950
Likes: 498
From: Chino Hills CA
The hardest part was getting up the nerve to make that first cut with the sawzall. You'll be best off by having a complete rear clip to start with. Just take it one step at a time and really won't be that hard to do. Plus you'll get some of your investment back by selling your t tops, rear window, and storage tray.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
There is so much body work to be done on our ‘70, we’ve been kicking around the idea of just picking up a convertible body and swapping it out.
What are the laws or regulations on this? Keep in mind, we’re not concerned with re-sale value, or originality. Just a couple of retired old hot rodders looking forward to a great drop top C3...
thx, ed
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,399
From: SW Florida.
If you pick up a convertible body with Birdcage and windshield frame,please get one that has a title. Changing the VIN number on the windshield frame is against the law. Tantamount to Grand Theft Auto.in fact, it's not even legal to take the VIN tag off your windshield frame and put it back on to the same windshield frame.now you could take the whole windshield frame out of one car and put it into another, but also there is a 37 on a coupe and a 67 on a convertible in the VIN number.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,950
Likes: 498
From: Chino Hills CA
Everywhere you look, you see hardtops that were cut into convertibles, tri-five Chevy's, 60's T-birds, Full size Detroit Boats, show cars, etc. It would be a big deal to a purist, or someone trying to pass something off to the unsuspecting, but I don't think any cop anywhere would care, nor be able to tell from the vin, nor would someone think it was stolen or illegal in any way. And when you look at these ground scraping, fenderless, piecemeal ratrods running around, I don't think we have a thing to worry about.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,874
Likes: 3,551
From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
Everywhere you look, you see hardtops that were cut into convertibles, tri-five Chevy's, 60's T-birds, Full size Detroit Boats, show cars, etc. It would be a big deal to a purist, or someone trying to pass something off to the unsuspecting, but I don't think any cop anywhere would care, nor be able to tell from the vin, nor would someone think it was stolen or illegal in any way. And when you look at these ground scraping, fenderless, piecemeal ratrods running around, I don't think we have a thing to worry about.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
There seems to be a lot of passion from both sides of this ideology... I would expect nothing less! The question still remains, if the owner of an old car, decides to make a major modification, (like hard/soft top) they should be able to do it legally
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
We need to get the AIM’s. But I’d like to hear from the ones who’ve already been here. Can the “A” pillars and windshield header be modified to accept the convertible clamps? Also, if we replace the rear clip, where should the splice be?
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 4,705
Likes: 983
From: Orlando FL
I say GO for it!