I just want to add that if you do it please post up some pics of the project. I for one would be interested in the diferences between the two and what's involved. I often wondered if a FRC roof could be used as a removable hardtop.

 

i agree! nothing better than putting the top down and cruising the back-roads on a late summer evening.

 

i don't know.....if done right it will look great, but IMHO, a lot of people will be scared off if you go to sell it. people will see a hacked up car. but at the same time, you might be able to get more money because it's a 'convertible' Z. but it will take the right buyer.

$1200 seems VERY low to me for something this big. and how is it reversible? don't you have to actually cut your top out? and does the kit reinforce the body and frame?

 

All the parts are BOLT on, just have to paint to match. Found them in a salvage yard.

 

Too each there own. But I just can't believe someone would hack up a Z06. Its a coupe for a reason (stability). I would just sell the Z06 and get a vert and throw a power adder on there to make up for the lost hp.

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought the C5 was the first Corvette that was designed from the ground up to be a convertible, i.e. the roof adds NO structural rigidity whatsoever?

It's certainly the most rigid vert I ever had...

 

 

Very true.....

Ilmac77 can better explain. He made a Vert from his 04 Z06. The roof on the Z06 is not the main part of the structure for rigidity/stiffness he said. Something like that anyway.

Toque

 

It got where I very rarely put the top down on mine, but now I love having the targa off it. I'm even thinking about taking the whole soft top out to gain some trunk space. Have you ever considered a targa'd Z?

 

That's NUTS! No way

Before you go w/majority rules, post same Q in Z06 forum

 

If you could do it for $1200 in parts and do the work yourself, and if it came out looking like it was from the factory, then that's one heck of a deal. I'd say go for it in that case.

 

Thanks, Toque....

as an owner of one of these unique (and controversial) vettes, i can speak first hand to this topic.

i did not perform the work but found my 'verted Z0 for sale after the original owner had the work done.

altho i don't think i would have had the cajones to take the top of the car originally, i can attest to the quality of the work that was done.

since i kno first hand how emotional some people get over how my Z0 has been "ruined", i would like to set aside the subjectivity of the idea for a moment and focus on the objective nuts and bolts of the conversion.

since i bought my car in '07, i have researched all i can on the work involved and effects (good AND bad) on the car. as was mentioned earlier, the c5Z0's were built on the convertible chassis and the fixed roof has very little effect on the "rigidity" of the car. there are some that have posted up hard numbers re: the "harmonic frequency differential" between an FRC and a drop top, so there is a scientific "measurable" difference after the roof is removed.

the fenders and trunk area are the same between the FRC's and the convertibles, so as illmac knows, once the roof is removed the factory drop top pieces will bolt right in.

i have driven other FRC/Z0's and i can't tell/feel any difference. to be fair, i don't race/track my car so i can't speak to the potential stresses that can come from those conditions. my car is strictly a street/show car.

as for the subjective side of things, i can tell you that aside from continually having to explain why my convertible has the brake ducts and the fender badges (lol), there is nothing that compares to dropping that top on a cool summer evening and cruising around town or thru the foothills.

so to the OP, i would say go for it if that's what your ideal car is and you have the means and resources. just be ready for some mocking and confused looks as you roll into the next cruise-in or car show.

and post pics if you decide to go for it.

hope this helps,

rich

 

I went to a bunch of car shows with Mike (illmac77) and I used to joke to people that asked me about his car. I would tell them its just a plain ole Convertable and the owner just put Z06 stuff on it just to try to make it look cool. I would always do that with Mike in ear shot. He would stomp over and promptly and tell me off, then correct the people asking about his car. I thought it was hilarious seeing his reaction when I told people that... Our other friends there would fall on the ground laughing watching the situation unfold...

Toque

 

Thanks for the explaination Vert'd Z0.

FWIW, the hydroformed frame , tunnel section and dash structure are the main components that make the C5 as structuraly rigid as it is. After doing some pulling on my frame I can attest to the fact they do not move easy! These components are exactly the same on all C5s. The halo section of a coupe probably adds as little more but I can't see a FRC being that much different than a Vert except for sound.

 

Now that's funny.

 

Corrected!

 

The Frame on the C5 and the C5Z is the same. Hydro formed Steel.

It was not until 2006 C6Z that the frame was hydro formed Aluminum

Toque

 

WOW guess I have been wrong on this for a while. Always was under the impression the C5Z was aluminum as well. But guess it was just the C6Z.

Thanks for setting me straight

 

Common mistake I have heard numerous times. Its all good...

Toque

 

Go look at some convertibles. I have a 2003 50th. Anniversary coupe. Had I were to do it over, I'd of bought the came Corvette, but a convertible. My car has a really nice garage, so safe and secure auto logging is mine.

So if it were me, I'd take your Corvette and go looking at the market. But this is defiantly not the right time of the year for looking for a convertible.