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C5 Convertible Conversion

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Old Jun 30, 2004 | 06:28 PM
  #1  
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Default C5 Convertible Conversion

Has anyone done a conversion of a C5 coupe to Convertible?
Any advise? Parts and sequence of construction? Pitfalls?
Please e mail: wxlrarch@aol.com
Thanks much.
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Old Jun 30, 2004 | 09:45 PM
  #2  
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Default Re: C5 Convertible Conversion (rocket427)

Also interested as I'll be doing one this month...need help and info from someone who might have done this as I'm committed.
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Old Jul 1, 2004 | 06:18 AM
  #3  
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Default Re: C5 Convertible Conversion (rocket427)

I am also pretty sure I am going to do this real soon. Let me know how it goes. Andy
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Old Jul 1, 2004 | 03:48 PM
  #4  
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Default Re: C5 Convertible Conversion (brrymnvette)

There are a few shops out there that do this professionally. I'd go to one of those before I would attempt it. My first choice would be to trade the car off though. That's just me. Good Luck!!
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Old Jul 1, 2004 | 04:33 PM
  #5  
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Default Re: C5 Convertible Conversion (2KREDVert)

I am thinking about doing my FRC to a convertible, just ordered the service manuals. I think the FRC will be easier than a coupe to convert to a convertible.
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Old Jul 1, 2004 | 05:19 PM
  #6  
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Default Re: C5 Convertible Conversion (rocket427)

Alleypatrat has done this to his `97. If you can IM him you might get some info.

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Old Jul 1, 2004 | 05:32 PM
  #7  
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Default Re: C5 Convertible Conversion (rocket427)

I just finished a '97 coupe to FRC/Targa conversion. Check it out here: http://sdickeyt.photosite.com/BlackCorvette/
The coupe to convertable conversion would be almost identical except easier. Let me know if I can answer any questions. I am a C5 rebuilder and can do these conversions for anyone that is interested.
Shirl
SDRE
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Old Jul 1, 2004 | 05:41 PM
  #8  
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Default Re: C5 Convertible Conversion (rocket427)

Hi
If anyone has done this conversion before; first hand knowledge, would you please email me directly for information exchange?
Thank you very much.
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Old Jul 1, 2004 | 05:42 PM
  #9  
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Default Re: C5 Convertible Conversion (rocket427)

Sorry
Forgot to post the email address:
wxlrarch@aol.com
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Old Jul 1, 2004 | 11:00 PM
  #10  
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Default Re: C5 Convertible Conversion (MrEracer)

I just finished a '97 coupe to FRC/Targa conversion. Check it out here: http://sdickeyt.photosite.com/BlackCorvette/
The coupe to convertable conversion would be almost identical except easier. Let me know if I can answer any questions. I am a C5 rebuilder and can do these conversions for anyone that is interested.
Shirl
SDRE
Nice conversion. The targa top removed looks great on an FRC top!
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Old Jul 1, 2004 | 11:12 PM
  #11  
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Default Re: C5 Convertible Conversion (Vettlldo)

WOW! the FRC with a removable top is TOO cool!!!
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Old Jul 1, 2004 | 11:52 PM
  #12  
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Default Re: C5 Convertible Conversion (rocket427)

A conversion to a coupe would require new rear quarter panels as well as some work done to the rear tub. Not sure if the tub would have to be replaced or not.
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Old Jul 2, 2004 | 08:55 AM
  #13  
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Default Re: C5 Convertible Conversion (PaceThis)

...need help.... I'm committed.
Currently committed or about to be committed?
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Old Jul 2, 2004 | 11:51 AM
  #14  
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Default Re: C5 Convertible Conversion (MrEracer)

I just finished a '97 coupe to FRC/Targa conversion. Check it out here: http://sdickeyt.photosite.com/BlackCorvette/
The coupe to convertable conversion would be almost identical except easier. Let me know if I can answer any questions. I am a C5 rebuilder and can do these conversions for anyone that is interested.
Shirl
SDRE
I've been considering that exact conversion. How much work is involved in that? What would be an estimated cost to have that done?
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Old Jul 2, 2004 | 12:32 PM
  #15  
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Default Re: C5 Convertible Conversion (NV MY C5)

A conversion to a coupe would require new rear quarter panels as well as some work done to the rear tub.
Is there a difference between the rear fenders of Hardtop, Coupe, and Convertable I would think they are the same. Plus having different parts, the assembly part would have to change its floor when making different versions of the vette. I do not see GM doing this at all.

Keith

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Old Jul 2, 2004 | 01:02 PM
  #16  
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Default Re: C5 Convertible Conversion (rocket427)

I remenber seeing something about how to do this you might try doing a search.I saw this just a few weeks ago .

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Old Jul 2, 2004 | 02:16 PM
  #17  
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Default Re: C5 Convertible Conversion (GLENN43)

Seeing all you guys want to do this for big bucks makes me real happy I bought a convertible to begin with!!
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Old Jul 2, 2004 | 03:26 PM
  #18  
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Default Re: C5 Convertible Conversion (kromberg)

I did not change the rear quarters on my FRC conversion, I just recontoured the top to match the coupe quarters... I did not change out the tub either but I still need to do a little work on the water drains. For a Vert conversion, it would be necessary to change the rear quarters to match the top cover and folding mechanism as well as tub modifications. There are a few other issues to deal with like changing to FRC/Vert rear speakers and trim, trunk hinge supports and trunk latch changes for either an FRC or Vert conversion...
As to the cost, call me to discuss the details... It is not my intention to hyjack this thread...
Shirl
SDRE
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Old Jul 2, 2004 | 05:40 PM
  #19  
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Default Re: C5 Convertible Conversion (MrEracer)

Please powst your
I did not change the rear quarters on my FRC conversion, I just recontoured the top to match the coupe quarters... I did not change out the tub either but I still need to do a little work on the water drains. For a Vert conversion, it would be necessary to change the rear quarters to match the top cover and folding mechanism as well as tub modifications. There are a few other issues to deal with like changing to FRC/Vert rear speakers and trim, trunk hinge supports and trunk latch changes for either an FRC or Vert conversion...
As to the cost, call me to discuss the details... It is not my intention to hyjack this thread...
Shirl
SDRE
Please post your number so I can call you.
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Old Jul 2, 2004 | 06:46 PM
  #20  
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Default Re: C5 Convertible Conversion (Tim downs)

hey guys go to caravaggiocorvettes.com they have pictures you would not beleive
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