Structural/Chassis difference between Coupe & Convertible
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 573
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale, AZ
Structural/Chassis difference between Coupe & Convertible
Hey everyone!
I am considering a fun project with a salvage/modified car. Basically taking an existing modded car, removing the doors/the roof/all extra or unnecessary weight, adding a roll cage, wider wheels, track tires, and basically having a adult go kart. I know there has been a fad to do a Vette Buggy for off-road, but this would be a road/track version. Question: I know that convertibles are typically reinforced differently than coupes or their chassis is built differently.... Anybody familiar enough here on the forum with both C5 coupe and convertible inner workings to describe how they were built differently from the factory?
Thanks in advance.
I am considering a fun project with a salvage/modified car. Basically taking an existing modded car, removing the doors/the roof/all extra or unnecessary weight, adding a roll cage, wider wheels, track tires, and basically having a adult go kart. I know there has been a fad to do a Vette Buggy for off-road, but this would be a road/track version. Question: I know that convertibles are typically reinforced differently than coupes or their chassis is built differently.... Anybody familiar enough here on the forum with both C5 coupe and convertible inner workings to describe how they were built differently from the factory?
Thanks in advance.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 524
Likes: 126
From: Sandown NH
I've heard all C5 have the same chassis and there is no difference:
The Corvette C5’s chassis was completely redesigned from previous versions of the car. The previous multi-piece welded frame was replaced with a one-piece hydroformed chassis with a composite balsa-core floor and cast aluminum windshield frame that added a great deal of rigidity. It was so stiff that no extra supports had to be added to make the convertible handle well.
The Corvette C5’s chassis was completely redesigned from previous versions of the car. The previous multi-piece welded frame was replaced with a one-piece hydroformed chassis with a composite balsa-core floor and cast aluminum windshield frame that added a great deal of rigidity. It was so stiff that no extra supports had to be added to make the convertible handle well.
