hatchback to convertible
AMP Racing
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 10,756
Likes: 589
From: Washington TWP NJ
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2017 C5 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12
Probably not a weekend project.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 328
Likes: 12
From: frankfort new york
na i bought it with a blown out back window and to replace the rear window was $800 i got all i needed for the vert for like $1200 so $400 to convert it to what i wanted was well worth it only bad issue i had was not anticipating that the paint wouldn't match as my car was garaged most it's life and only had 40k miles and the car i got the vert from had like 100k miles and alot more sun fade.. but now that i did it i understand i could have done it even cheaper cuz i know exactly what parts i need now!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 328
Likes: 12
From: frankfort new york
it was a weekend project to make it a vert only issue with the frc that i see is getting the roof and windshield together as the vert and hatchback share the exact same windshield frame so it was easy as the roof mounted the same as the targa roof!
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 118
Likes: 8
na i bought it with a blown out back window and to replace the rear window was $800 i got all i needed for the vert for like $1200 so $400 to convert it to what i wanted was well worth it only bad issue i had was not anticipating that the paint wouldn't match as my car was garaged most it's life and only had 40k miles and the car i got the vert from had like 100k miles and alot more sun fade.. but now that i did it i understand i could have done it even cheaper cuz i know exactly what parts i need now!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 328
Likes: 12
From: frankfort new york
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2014
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From: Knoxville TN
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Parrothead
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 48,231
Likes: 289
From: Margaritaville Embassy
St. Jude Donor '08-'09,'13, '14
my concern is that verts have extra stiffening in the frame to compensate for the crossmember you removed. f you ever sell it you need to include an affidavit for the buyer to sign that they are aware of the conversion and take responsibility for any structural fail, however unlikely.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 328
Likes: 12
From: frankfort new york
my concern is that verts have extra stiffening in the frame to compensate for the crossmember you removed. f you ever sell it you need to include an affidavit for the buyer to sign that they are aware of the conversion and take responsibility for any structural fail, however unlikely.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,152
Likes: 890
From: South Western Ontario
Nice job. It really wasn't that hard, you just have to commit to the project. And it appears you got some nice wheels and upgraded brakes on the car too.
I've never heard about there being any difference in the frame structure between models so I can't see how what you did could create any issues. The big claim in all the magazines when the C5 came out was that the frame structure in all models was built to support a convertible from the beginning.
I've never heard about there being any difference in the frame structure between models so I can't see how what you did could create any issues. The big claim in all the magazines when the C5 came out was that the frame structure in all models was built to support a convertible from the beginning.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,785
Likes: 8
From: Sacramento California
I've never heard about there being any difference in the frame structure between models so I can't see how what you did could create any issues. The big claim in all the magazines when the C5 came out was that the frame structure in all models was built to support a convertible from the beginning.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
All C5s have the same HYDRO FORMED FRAME and there’s no need for additional frame stiffening for the vert. A buddy of mine had a FI C5 Vert with 650 RWHP and it never had any handling, body or weird flexing issues. It was just a very fast open topped car. 
Same for the C6.
Funny,,, When the ZO6 first came out, GM didn’t allow the removable top for the ZO6. It was a Fixed Magnesium framed roof panel. Now they have a Vert ZO6.
Cant say for sure why it wasn’t always an option or if anything changed in the C6 structure to allow a C6 Vert. Maybe it had something to do with $$$$$$$$$$ and sales.
BC
Same for the C6.
Funny,,, When the ZO6 first came out, GM didn’t allow the removable top for the ZO6. It was a Fixed Magnesium framed roof panel. Now they have a Vert ZO6.
Cant say for sure why it wasn’t always an option or if anything changed in the C6 structure to allow a C6 Vert. Maybe it had something to do with $$$$$$$$$$ and sales.
BC
1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1
Likes: 1
Great write up. Was thinking about doing this to a 2003 z06 that i am about to purchase. Was going to buy the car for the motor to put in a 59 truck. Needless to say the car is in pretty bad shape since the guy spun it out and it needs all new body panels except passenger door and fender. Seeing this article i am leaning more to fixing the car and making it a convertible.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,764
Likes: 375
From: Central Florida
Now he needs to fit a zo6 top to the vert so it can be either, that would be 
, I've seen pics, for him, after this.... I would think it would be easy. I have a vert I would like to make a removable top Z06. but first I have to get it running right 
, I've seen pics, for him, after this.... I would think it would be easy. I have a vert I would like to make a removable top Z06. but first I have to get it running right
Racer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 376
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis Minnesota
Nice work, but doesn't the convertible weigh more from the factory? I know my '95 Camaro did due to additional frame support on the underside of the car for the convertible. But I also did read the C5 structure was designed to be a convertible from the start.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,686
Likes: 20
From: Florida, Hell's Doorstep
You have some big ***** there my friend, great job. Holy sheet ! As usual there are some douches and negative Nancy boys that will try and find faults with your work or reasoning. Those of which don't/can't even change their own oil and are mechanic posers. This forum has more than its fair share of them! PS - what is that on the trailer in the background and what do you do for a living ? Again great job and you obviously have no fear, and are the only one on this forum to pull this off,,, at home,,, Alone.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 328
Likes: 12
From: frankfort new york
it's a bradley gt kit car that is set up to bolt on a vw beetle frame but i have been looking for a suzuki samurai or equivalent to mount it onto..
as far as living goes i do property maintenance and have been wrenching on the side since i was like 15 so like 26 years.. honestly the only brave thing i did was cut off the roll bar as everything else was straight forward and easy even the spot welds all lined up between convertible and coupe
as far as living goes i do property maintenance and have been wrenching on the side since i was like 15 so like 26 years.. honestly the only brave thing i did was cut off the roll bar as everything else was straight forward and easy even the spot welds all lined up between convertible and coupe