Does anyone happen to have any information on this topic? Picked up a project car that was in the middle of the conversion. Looks pretty good. The first problem I see is there are not attachment for the soft top frame. If someone would be so kind as to send me a pic of this area it would be greatly appreciated. It seems pretty clear on C 2s and C4, 5 but haven't found any of C3s. Also, if anyone has information on a door guide pin that convertibles have somewhere in the back door jam I think.

 

Have you bought a copy of the factory Assembly Instruction Manual, AIM?

 

I know of a 82 CE Convertible. They used a rear clip from a 74 convertible. Not certain which frame. And then of course the front clip from the 82 and complete interior from the 82. Looks like a factory 82CE convertible.

 

I think you need to figure out what year the parts to convert are from. The 68, 69 and 70 all had differences in the Door Pin design. I assume that it stayed the same once they got it figured out.

 

This video will show you all you need to know about that door pin/guide area:
The same Youtuber, about the deck lid (he has a few vids on the subject):
Some of the best youtubers to have C3 restoration/repair vids:
The Driveway (that’s his vids above)
TheCorvetteBen (he does a 75convertible in one series)
Problem Solver Garage
C3 Corvette
Rat Farm
VetteSource
CorvetteHop
Motorcycology

 

Wha seems a hundred years ago back in about 1981 I got a wrecked 74 convertible and put an 80 ish front clip and rear clip on it 80 interior but had an 427 painted corporate blue. Painted the car black with red interior. It was a lot of work but worth it. Ran good

 

Hope the OP returns and sees this!?!?!?

 

Sounds like one heck of a project with a lot of sortin & figurin to make it all work. I’m sure you learned a lot and could be of great help if the op ever returns.

 

I’m always amazed when someone does something like that and pulls it off well. The creative part is one thing, but executing it with an eye for the details certainly takes brains, patience and a strong desire to see it through all the way to the completion of the originally desired look/outcome. Some definitely do better than others. We’ve all seen frankenvette’s!

 

The 82 SE I refer to was owned by a friend. He had it brought to Australia. I believe it is now down on the Gold Coast. ( Same general area I guess).
And it is near perfect. You really wouldn't know it wasn't factory if you didn't know it's not possible. Right down to the fading graphics. Paint color, interior, it's an 82 convertible. Didn't make them you say? Well, explain this one!
So, yes it can be done. A 74 rear clip complete with birdcage, with a 80-82 style replacement rear bumper cover. A 82 front clip spliced on with all the dash, interior of a 82. Details like getting the carpet in the rear to match up would be a challenge one would think. The Devil is in the details.

 

Sounds like he is one heck of a good body man and all around good at making things work out. I’m betting he’ll be keeping that one a long time after putting so much energy into it.

 

It's been done before so it's not out of the ordinary.


Here is a Mecham Auction car:

1982 Corvette Convertible

 

Thanks, This is what I have been looking for! it's perfect, I owe you.

 

Is this your car? looks great. I see you don't have the vents, is this something that is not needed? Looks like they started to make my vents in the deck lid? Strange

 

Pics of your project ???!!!!