hatchback to convertible
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 10,735
Likes: 5
From: I know when the doggie he piss onna ma leg...
Cruise-In IV Veteran
St. Jude Donor '14
I have a friend who had purchased a brand new Z06 in 2002. Electron Blue. He did not have it but a few days when a bad storm came through. The storm took down a huge oak tree that landed lengthwise on the Z06, totalling it. It had 162 miles on it. He hadn't even put gas in it yet. Fast forward a little, and someone had purchased it and made a convertible out of it. He tracked down my friend and showed it to him. My friend's car took a lot of damage from the tree. The driveway was scarred from the frame hitting it! The windshield frame was damaged too. My friend said the car still didn't look right after that guy worked on it. Glad the op started with a structurally sound car. Makes a huge difference.
Of course this has been a few years past, but the C5 was designed from the outset to be a convertible. This is what made the conversion so simple. I'll bet that car is still alive with no issues.
Of course this has been a few years past, but the C5 was designed from the outset to be a convertible. This is what made the conversion so simple. I'll bet that car is still alive with no issues.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 2,189
Likes: 82
how hard is this? Is it worth it to convert my base 99 to a convertible? You had to chop the top off the base couple and figure out how to fit all the convertible components. How much time did it take? Are the convertible quarter panels, rear bumper all the same from base to convertible. Just the decklid and rear top cover behind the seat the only different mechanical parts? About how many hours did this take?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 2,189
Likes: 82
the only difference is on a coupe where the hatch closes has an extra 2 inches of body before the gutter where the hatch tucks in the gutter area when it closes
so technically you can cut the little extra off with a 3 inch cut off wheel and some good tape then you could mold a little bit of extra gutter for the toneau cover lid
so technically you can cut the little extra off with a 3 inch cut off wheel and some good tape then you could mold a little bit of extra gutter for the toneau cover lid
AMP Racing
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 10,753
Likes: 587
From: Washington TWP NJ
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2017 C5 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12
how hard is this? Is it worth it to convert my base 99 to a convertible? You had to chop the top off the base couple and figure out how to fit all the convertible components. How much time did it take? Are the convertible quarter panels, rear bumper all the same from base to convertible. Just the decklid and rear top cover behind the seat the only different mechanical parts? About how many hours did this take?
AMP Racing
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 10,753
Likes: 587
From: Washington TWP NJ
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2017 C5 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12
As for exterior panels, yes.
the tub/trunk is 2 pieces. The bottom is the same throughout the C5 model line. The top section is unique to the coupe, or the convertible/hardtop. So, you’ll need that, along with the quarters, trunk lid, tonneau lid, and the top with hardware. And, the weather stripping.
the tub/trunk is 2 pieces. The bottom is the same throughout the C5 model line. The top section is unique to the coupe, or the convertible/hardtop. So, you’ll need that, along with the quarters, trunk lid, tonneau lid, and the top with hardware. And, the weather stripping.
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 37
Likes: 2
Wow you really are amazing. I'm proud to know someone like you. I have a 99 convertible black on black. I read about the conversion ebcm and hopefully I can find someone to do it to my car if you're interested please let me know. I'm worried that someday I won't be able to get one and they cost so damn much used and it's still a Gamble. Anyway congratulations I'm proud to know you Dave
