Converting an FRC/Z06 to Convertable
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,290
Likes: 1
From: Ca
Converting an FRC/Z06 to Convertable
There has been conversation about this recently. I have seen a kit for the C4 that allows a coupe's top to be lifted off to be a convertable. I've also heard people say that the FRC's top is held on with only 7 bolts and adhesive. It's awsome that people with convertables can now buy the hard top to look like an FRC, but can us FRC/Z06 guys go topless? Has anyone looked into this? I can see how the rear of the hardtop unbolts but not how you would unbolt the top from the top of the windshield :confused: If the top can be unbolted, then modified to come on and off...only a custom Tonneau cover would be needed. Any thoughts or ideas on this subject?
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,711
Likes: 552
From: St. Louis MO
2020 Corvette of the Year (appearance mods)
C2 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
CI 4-5-7-9-10-11 Car Show Winner
CI 2-3-4-5-6-7-9-10-11 Vet
Re: Converting an FRC/Z06 to Convertible
For starters you need the convert lockdown bar at the top of the windshield and also attached to the FRC/Z06 roof. Not to mention weather striping. You also need roof molded into tonaue cover. I forget what else.
Here's my vert with a FRC/Z06 roof added.
[Modified by Black_Magic, 2:30 PM 5/16/2002]
Here's my vert with a FRC/Z06 roof added.
[Modified by Black_Magic, 2:30 PM 5/16/2002]
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 21,404
Likes: 1,011
From: Various places in Southern California.
Re: Converting an FRC/Z06 to Convertable (RCswish)
It can be done, but it's not that easy. There is a fair amount of cutting involved, and then a lot of fabrication work to make the edges of the top and the windshield head look good. All in all, if you want a ragtop, you're almost certainly better off just trading in your FRC or Z06 on a Vert. If you gotta have a true Z06, then this is perhaps your only option, but a modded Vert will probably be the better choice for most folks.
If you're looking to have a removable hardtop, then converting an FRC might be cheaper than, or at least close to, the cost of buying a used Vert and an aftermarket hardtop. Wall Street Al ought to be able to help you with the latter end of that equation.
If you're looking to have a removable hardtop, then converting an FRC might be cheaper than, or at least close to, the cost of buying a used Vert and an aftermarket hardtop. Wall Street Al ought to be able to help you with the latter end of that equation.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,290
Likes: 1
From: Ca
Re: Converting an FRC/Z06 to Convertible (wallstAL)
John Caravaggio will convert it for you, about $10K.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 4,798
Likes: 2
From: Norman Oklahoma
Cruise-In III Veteran
St. Jude Contributor
Re: Converting an FRC/Z06 to Convertible (RCswish)
I've made a '97 coupe a Vert, it was some work but I couldn't see how this would be half as hard.
I'll admit I've pondered making my Z06 a vert but I just can't bring myself to do it.
As far as I know the only problem area would be the windshield header, the rest should be easy.
I'll look into the windshield header thing and see what I can find out..
I'll admit I've pondered making my Z06 a vert but I just can't bring myself to do it.
As far as I know the only problem area would be the windshield header, the rest should be easy.
I'll look into the windshield header thing and see what I can find out..
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 150
Likes: 8
From: Scottsdale AZ
Re: Converting an FRC/Z06 to Convertible (RCswish)
I personally am not refering to making an FRC/Z06 an all out convertable with retracting ragtop and OEM look like Caravaggio does. Just wondering about removing the fixed roof and altering it to come on and off.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,290
Likes: 1
From: Ca
Re: Converting an FRC/Z06 to Convertible (jonstr)
Jonstr,
I noticed the picture where they removed the Fixed roof and only the built in roll bar was remaining. How much work did it take to get to this point? Did the fender have to come off to get the roof off? At this point what was required to put the roof back on? Did they have to cut or destroy anything to get it off?
I noticed the picture where they removed the Fixed roof and only the built in roll bar was remaining. How much work did it take to get to this point? Did the fender have to come off to get the roof off? At this point what was required to put the roof back on? Did they have to cut or destroy anything to get it off?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 6,101
Likes: 44
From: ABQ NM
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Converting an FRC/Z06 to Convertable (RCswish)
Swish, there was a forum member from Tennessee who I believe did what you're talking about - cut the roof off his Torch Red FRC, and could have it on or off as he chose. Workmanship was very impressive. Perhaps he was just being modest, but he downplayed how complicated it was to convert (although trust me, I wouldn't have dreamed of doing it myself in a million years). Unfortunately, I don't recollect his name - I did see his car and speak with him at MidAmerica's funfest, and recollect he was involved in a vet club or some organization down there. I also don't recall seeing him lately on the forum; maybe someone else remembers his name or can help????
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 150
Likes: 8
From: Scottsdale AZ
Re: Converting an FRC/Z06 to Convertible (RCswish)
I noticed the picture where they removed the Fixed roof and only the built in roll bar was remaining. How much work did it take to get to this point? Did the fender have to come off to get the roof off? At this point what was required to put the roof back on? Did they have to cut or destroy anything to get it off?
I asked about the fender removal, and was told that this was for access only and the original fenders were put back on. As far as why they would need to remove the fenders, the only thing other than roof removal I can think of would be the electrical connection for the tonneau release, but that would have only required a fender removal on the left side. Removal may also make installation of tonneau hinges easier.
I can tell you the whole process took about 4 weeks. It took only about a week to a week and a half to send me the disassembly pictures, so the work was done within that time.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,290
Likes: 1
From: Ca
Re: Converting an FRC/Z06 to Convertable (Ilhan)
I think there is a little progress going on in this thread. Does anyone know who this member from Tennessee who did the conversion is?
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,711
Likes: 552
From: St. Louis MO
2020 Corvette of the Year (appearance mods)
C2 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
CI 4-5-7-9-10-11 Car Show Winner
CI 2-3-4-5-6-7-9-10-11 Vet
Re: Converting an FRC/Z06 to Convertable (RCswish)
I believe the member you are talking about is XPORTC5 (Jeff). However his Vette also started out as a VERT and the top came from a donor Z06/FRC. The top you seen is now on my Vert and he has combined a Z06/FRC and a targa top and added to his VERT.
[Modified by Black_Magic, 6:47 AM 5/18/2002]
[Modified by Black_Magic, 6:47 AM 5/18/2002]
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,290
Likes: 1
From: Ca
Re: Converting an FRC/Z06 to Convertable (Black_Magic)
Black_Magic,
How does the top fasten down? Regarding the top of the windshild connection...did you mount to the hardtop the connecting piece that is usually on the ragtop? For the rear section near the trunk...how does that part of the hardtop come off and on? I think your as close as we have now to a method. :cheers: Could you post more pics of the connectivity? Thanks so much...sweet Vette by the way :cool:
How does the top fasten down? Regarding the top of the windshild connection...did you mount to the hardtop the connecting piece that is usually on the ragtop? For the rear section near the trunk...how does that part of the hardtop come off and on? I think your as close as we have now to a method. :cheers: Could you post more pics of the connectivity? Thanks so much...sweet Vette by the way :cool: