Coupe to Convertible Conversion
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
From: UTICA ILLINOIS
Coupe to Convertible Conversion
Anyone done this? Anybody know of a good shop that can handle this.
I want a convertible. Problem is, I like my 81 (we've been through alot together) the way it is, only wishing it could go "Topless" once and a while.
Not to mention, I love the styling & interior of the Rubber Bumber cars.
How much would this cost, how long would it take, and is it worth it?
I'm suprised that the "Big 3" Vendors don't offer a conversion kit for sale that would include everthing you need, with a little break on cost.
Seems to me, they'd sell alot of them.
:steering:
I want a convertible. Problem is, I like my 81 (we've been through alot together) the way it is, only wishing it could go "Topless" once and a while.
Not to mention, I love the styling & interior of the Rubber Bumber cars.
How much would this cost, how long would it take, and is it worth it?
I'm suprised that the "Big 3" Vendors don't offer a conversion kit for sale that would include everthing you need, with a little break on cost.
Seems to me, they'd sell alot of them.
:steering:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,160
Likes: 0
From: Ajax Ontario
Re: Coupe to Convertible Conversion (CORVETTE CRAIG)
Just my .02....but I think I'd sell what sounds like a real nice '81 and look for a reasonably priced 'vert. I think it's cheaper overall and the car you buy would have value because it really is what it is. I think taking a non vert and making it into one destroys whatever value the car has. Let's face it....most of us have no plans to sell, but we take comfort in knowing our cars are either holding their value or hopefully, appreciating. '74's are probably the most reasonably priced (compared to earlier years and "end of convertible" year of '75) and have no catalytic convertor to deal with and the rubber bumper look you prefer. Good luck with whatever you decide to do. :cheers:
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,411
Likes: 2
From: St. Louis, Missouri
Re: Coupe to Convertible Conversion (CORVETTE CRAIG)
Someone here had a conversion done on a black '80 - '82 and it looked sharp. It would take more than just a kit however as I am sure some significant bodywork is involved, not to mention a donor convertible. If you want a convertible and are willing to forsake your '81 - I too would suggest just trading for a convertible instead.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 2,845
Likes: 2
From: Apex NC
Re: Coupe to Convertible Conversion (CORVETTE CRAIG)
You'll end up pouring lots of cash into this conversion, and in the end you'll have a car that's worth considerably less than it was before the conversion. Keep the '81 and buy a 'vert to keep it company :D
Shannon
Shannon
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 4,844
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From: Pearland TX
St. Jude Contributor
Re: Coupe to Convertible Conversion (CORVETTE CRAIG)
:iagree: with all the above.
Although I did not do the conversion on the '74 that I own it has it's quirks. If you have a really nice vette don't chop it up. The '74 I bought had major frame rot back in the late 80's(Coburg,Ontario vette on one of the Great Lakes), so when the previous owner replaced the frame he converted it with all GM glass. Nice looking vette and you would never know the difference except for the VIN says it is a coupe. Doesn't matter to me as I have this thing seriously hopped up and will be on the drag strip.
Although I did not do the conversion on the '74 that I own it has it's quirks. If you have a really nice vette don't chop it up. The '74 I bought had major frame rot back in the late 80's(Coburg,Ontario vette on one of the Great Lakes), so when the previous owner replaced the frame he converted it with all GM glass. Nice looking vette and you would never know the difference except for the VIN says it is a coupe. Doesn't matter to me as I have this thing seriously hopped up and will be on the drag strip.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,812
Likes: 4
From: Gig Harbor Wa
Re: Coupe to Convertible Conversion (bgrice)
I am going to disagree.
I love the styling of an 80-82 vert. It is going to take several thousand dollars and many many many many hours of work, but if you do it all yourself, you will have an awesome car that you can be proud of.
Your best bet would be to buy a wrecked 74 (because of the price) or any 70-75 convertible with front end damage. Canibalize the parts you need, and cut, chop and swap to your 81. In the end I think you will be happy.
Remember, it is your car and you can do whatever you want to it.
I love the styling of an 80-82 vert. It is going to take several thousand dollars and many many many many hours of work, but if you do it all yourself, you will have an awesome car that you can be proud of.
Your best bet would be to buy a wrecked 74 (because of the price) or any 70-75 convertible with front end damage. Canibalize the parts you need, and cut, chop and swap to your 81. In the end I think you will be happy.
Remember, it is your car and you can do whatever you want to it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,106
Likes: 0
Re: Coupe to Convertible Conversion (70 LS1)
I would go the other direction, instead of transferring parts to the 81 i would find a 74 in not too bad condition and then an 80-82 donor car and put the 80 style bumpers and interior on the 74
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Drifting
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,906
Likes: 0
From: Berlin
Re: Coupe to Convertible Conversion (battsup)
I would go the other direction, instead of transferring parts to the 81 i would find a 74 in not too bad condition and then an 80-82 donor car and put the 80 style bumpers and interior on the 74
I think it would raise the value of the car. Many people like convertibles, and some prefer the 80-82 body... Someone wouldn't have much of a selection if they wanted that.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,106
Likes: 0
Re: Coupe to Convertible Conversion (aharte)
Yes but aharte the reason your car cost so much to build is because the owner went all out with the l88 hood, lt body panels, rims and all the countless mdoification s you have listed on your website. If you can find a 74/75 vert that isnt in bad condition you can replace the front and rear bumpers with new ones from a vendor. I wouldnt change the dash as i like it better than the 78-82 version and then you just put some aftermarket seats in it. So after the initial cost of buying the 74 or 75 vert you will spend about a maximum of $500 on bumpers and about another $700 on seats. So for $1200 plus what you paid for the car you will have a very unique car.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,906
Likes: 0
From: Berlin
Re: Coupe to Convertible Conversion (battsup)
I actually forgot to include the most relevant bit of information about my car :crazy: . It was originally a 74 coupe, so the vert conversion was done, and then the other stuff was added on. Starting with a vert is obviously much cheaper.
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