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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.
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!!
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.
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 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!
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.
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?
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.
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
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