Convertible conversion
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 3
Likes: 3
Convertible conversion
Hello everyone. So I'm currently doing a resto mod on my 81 Vette. Lots to do, but coming along. I owned a 70 hard top/soft top and loved it. Didn't like this one with the t-tops so I have decided to change it over to a convertible. Yeah, I know, just buy one... But you can't buy a 81 convertible... And those that have done this conversion on the late c3's look amazing. I have two donor cars and a hard top. I will be tackling this later on this spring. Many pics to follow.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,399
From: SW Florida.
this is a how-to on cutting off the roof and making a convert. hopefully for you it will convince you it is a baaaaad idea... https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-back-now.html
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
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Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Not a bad idea at all. There is a 82 collectors edition convertible running around here in S.E. Queensland.
it's really well done.
Based of course on a 82 collectors edition Vette, with a 74 rear section body spliced on and all the 82 collectors edition interior, wheels, paint and graphics.
looks for all the world like a factory built 82 collectors convertible. Was it a ton of work?
No doubt.
Is it really nice?
Certainly is.
NCRS correct?
Well, I bet Joe citizen wouldn’t know the difference.
it's really well done.
Based of course on a 82 collectors edition Vette, with a 74 rear section body spliced on and all the 82 collectors edition interior, wheels, paint and graphics.
looks for all the world like a factory built 82 collectors convertible. Was it a ton of work?
No doubt.
Is it really nice?
Certainly is.
NCRS correct?
Well, I bet Joe citizen wouldn’t know the difference.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 3
Likes: 3
this is a how-to on cutting off the roof and making a convert. hopefully for you it will convince you it is a baaaaad idea... https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-back-now.html
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 2,246
Likes: 1,973
From: MA/NH Seacoast
this is a how-to on cutting off the roof and making a convert. hopefully for you it will convince you it is a baaaaad idea... https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-back-now.html
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Joined: Sep 2013
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From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,070
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From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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Just read through the other thread....Nothing says it isnt doable, just labor intensive. Looks like theres 2 difficult issues...locating the parts for the job that arent reproduced and lining up the rear deck lid. Im glad I bought a convertible and didnt have to go through this to make mine....thats a lot of time and skill
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Team Owner
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From: Western NY
Back in the late 70s, I was in Ft. Lauderdale, FL on vacation, and while driving past one of the area's Chevrolet dealerships, I saw what appeared to be a current year C-3 'vert in the showroom. Knowing that the factory wasn't making them at the time, I was curious, and swung into the dealer, to take a look. Turns out that a specialty shop, at the time known as 'Corvette World by Roy Sines' was doing the conversions and selling them through the dealership. As far as I know, the shop has long since closed, but it does indicate that the job is doable, and there's always been interest in the conversion.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,412
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From: dayton oh
I cant wait to start on my conversion project but i have an extreme head start -- its already been converted and sitting in primer in the corner of my shop.............mystery 350 and no interior
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
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From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
I had an ‘81 conversion convertible in the early 90s. Loved the car- really loved the idea of a car that could look so stock but it “never existed.” Corvette Fever did an article on it. Best of luck! 
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Back in the late 70s, I was in Ft. Lauderdale, FL on vacation, and while driving past one of the area's Chevrolet dealerships, I saw what appeared to be a current year C-3 'vert in the showroom. Knowing that the factory wasn't making them at the time, I was curious, and swung into the dealer, to take a look. Turns out that a specialty shop, at the time known as 'Corvette World by Roy Sines' was doing the conversions and selling them through the dealership. As far as I know, the shop has long since closed, but it does indicate that the job is doable, and there's always been interest in the conversion.
