C5 Pete

Yes, but it's critical to get the main hoop positioned properly. You'll have either separate the roof from the hoop, or drill out the rivets and install the new roof/hoop in its place.

Probably not a weekend project.

Bill Curlee

WOW!! Excellent work! Superb documentation!

Bill

tandt

Seems like it would have been easier to get it back to stock, sell it and get a real vert.

jb35007

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!

jb35007

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!

tandt

Get the button under the tonneau working for the auto window down feature working and how bad does the transplanted top leak?

jb35007

no to the auto windows and no leaks
the window option would be in the bcm and i didn't feel the need to change the bcm

Vette Boy TN

All I can say is your a hell-of-a-mechanic/restorer! I'd never tackle that job. It looks great and if it doesn't leak. . . unbelievable!
CONGRATS

Markm10431

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.

jb35007

that halo goes from drivers side to passenger side there is no difference in the 3 different models of vette as far as the frame goes.... otherwise the parts wouldn't be interchangeable...

lionelhutz

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.

IRON MAIDEN

Bill Curlee

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

richie1974

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.

Forcedvert

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

caroutisine

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.

jb35007

the convertible is like 50 lbs lighter look it up on wikipedia the camero firebirds etc are uni-body where as the vette's are full frame

ONE BMF

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.

jb35007

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

C5 Pete

What did you use to cut the spot welds?