T-Top to Conv.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 198
Likes: 0
From: VA BEACH VA
T-Top to Conv.
Hi Guys, I currently have my 4th Vette. I had 2 76's, an 87 Vert and I'm now back to a 75. I'm considering cutting it down to make it into a conv. and I'm looking for advise either pro or con on this project. i know most of the parts are available like the deck lid, conv. top frame etc. but I don't know if the windshield post are the same or not. Is the rear body portion the same in both cars? I can see where the body panels are joined so if I have to cut it it should be pretty straight forward I know there is a steel support piece on the t-top model so do I have to relocate that farther back under the deck? I guess what I'm asking is this do-able or am I better to just sell the one I've got and try to find a good deal on a vert. To tell you the truth, all of the drop tops I've looked at have just been way out of my price range. Thanks for all of your help.
If anyone has tried this conversion and has pictres of before and after or those taken along the way I sure would like to see them, Thanks...
If anyone has tried this conversion and has pictres of before and after or those taken along the way I sure would like to see them, Thanks...
Last edited by RED BARON; Aug 15, 2006 at 08:28 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 872
Likes: 3
From: Cortlandt Manor New York
It would be much cheaper and much smarter to buy a convertible. The amount you would spend to cut and paste together a convertible from a TTop car let alone the work time involved would be prohibitive. Sell the TTop and buy the convertible if you really want one.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 4
From: New Baden Illinois
Sell the T-top and buy the convertible. Many people prefer the T-top to the convertible. I wouldn't tear the car up. Just get a convertible.
Also, doesn't a convertible usually have additional beams to strengthen the frame?
Also, doesn't a convertible usually have additional beams to strengthen the frame?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,227
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta Ga
do a search on some of my recent posts. Its not to bad. hardest part is the little bit of custom moulding you will need to do on the decklid ends. you will need the special decklid made for the conversion. It is avail aftermarket. Partswise you could probalby buy all the pieces for $2000 or less minus the softtop frame.
its pretty much a cut and swap. same windshield frame and no other bracing required.
its pretty much a cut and swap. same windshield frame and no other bracing required.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,345
Likes: 3
It can be done but is expensive. A low mileage lightly rolled '69 BB that was totalled was converted and it ran him over $7000, but it got a convertible rear clip and was done totally by professional bodymen. You cannot tell it is a conversion except by its VIN.
I think you'd be much better off buying a convertible unless the t-top you are starting from is damaged and you have a REALLY strong attachment to the car...
I think you'd be much better off buying a convertible unless the t-top you are starting from is damaged and you have a REALLY strong attachment to the car...
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 198
Likes: 0
From: VA BEACH VA
Thanks for all of the advise. After looking at the replys I think I'll probably just stay with the T-Top since they are in excellent condition. The Forum is really a great place to hear from people with experience and different opinions. Once again, thanks for all of the inputs...
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 1
From: Lafayette Louisiana
Just for discussion, because I think I am still gonna do this.
Justforfun, how quiet is your car now that it is a convertible? All my vettes with t-tops have had so much wind noise over 55mph that the radio is drowned out and forget about talking to a passenger. I drove a friend's 70ish Olds 442 vert one day and was impressed with how quiet (wind noise) it was cruising down the road. Thats another reason I want a convertible.
Justforfun, how quiet is your car now that it is a convertible? All my vettes with t-tops have had so much wind noise over 55mph that the radio is drowned out and forget about talking to a passenger. I drove a friend's 70ish Olds 442 vert one day and was impressed with how quiet (wind noise) it was cruising down the road. Thats another reason I want a convertible.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,227
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta Ga
Originally Posted by kevinator80
Just for discussion, because I think I am still gonna do this.
Justforfun, how quiet is your car now that it is a convertible? All my vettes with t-tops have had so much wind noise over 55mph that the radio is drowned out and forget about talking to a passenger. I drove a friend's 70ish Olds 442 vert one day and was impressed with how quiet (wind noise) it was cruising down the road. Thats another reason I want a convertible.
Justforfun, how quiet is your car now that it is a convertible? All my vettes with t-tops have had so much wind noise over 55mph that the radio is drowned out and forget about talking to a passenger. I drove a friend's 70ish Olds 442 vert one day and was impressed with how quiet (wind noise) it was cruising down the road. Thats another reason I want a convertible.
With car turned off i have it set to "30" to have it at a comfortable level
with car running, but stopped, level is around "42" to be at same level
at 65mph radio is set to "50" to reach same
carrying on conversation not a problem
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 1
From: Lafayette Louisiana
Originally Posted by JustForFun
Not bad at all. Heres a comparison.
With car turned off i have it set to "30" to have it at a comfortable level
with car running, but stopped, level is around "42" to be at same level
at 65mph radio is set to "50" to reach same
carrying on conversation not a problem
With car turned off i have it set to "30" to have it at a comfortable level
with car running, but stopped, level is around "42" to be at same level
at 65mph radio is set to "50" to reach same
carrying on conversation not a problem
With that said, would I be chopping up a 68-73? No! 74-78 isn't my tatste (sorry guys) so I think I will just make my own. Oh yeah, cause I can't afford that 68-73 vert.