Convertible conversion project 1970
10-09-2018, 05:52 AM
#1
Convertible conversion project 1970
Me and my hot rod buddy have a ‘70 that’s in pretty rough shape, and since it’s a “salvage title” and non-numbers car, we’ kicking around the idea of converting it to a convertible. Has anyone done this? If so, we’d like to learn more about the does and don’ts...
Thanks, ed
Thanks, ed
10-09-2018, 06:27 AM
#2
Team Owner
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There is likely to be more involved with this project than you might think. My advice would be to purchase the 70 assembly instruction manual (AIM) and compare the structural differences between the coupe and convertible. You'll be spending a lot of time with the birdcage before you move to body modifications.
10-09-2018, 09:11 AM
#5
Safety Car
yes the conversion was well documented on this forum, on another post several years ago.
I have a spare deck lid if interested, let me know. your most difficult will be the spring assembles to locate, good luck.
I have a spare deck lid if interested, let me know. your most difficult will be the spring assembles to locate, good luck.
10-09-2018, 09:16 AM
#6
Le Mans Master
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10-09-2018, 10:46 AM
#7
I’m glad to see I’m not the only crazy person here. Thanks for all the input, and I’ll get back to the ones that have clips for sale. We’re in Arizona, long ways from Florida, but depending on the weight, that sounds interesting. Thanks again!
ed
ed
10-09-2018, 10:05 PM
#11
Drifting
The hardest part was getting up the nerve to make that first cut with the sawzall. You'll be best off by having a complete rear clip to start with. Just take it one step at a time and really won't be that hard to do. Plus you'll get some of your investment back by selling your t tops, rear window, and storage tray.
10-13-2018, 06:07 AM
#12
There is so much body work to be done on our ‘70, we’ve been kicking around the idea of just picking up a convertible body and swapping it out.
What are the laws or regulations on this? Keep in mind, we’re not concerned with re-sale value, or originality. Just a couple of retired old hot rodders looking forward to a great drop top C3...
thx, ed
10-13-2018, 07:55 AM
#13
Race Director
If you pick up a convertible body with Birdcage and windshield frame,please get one that has a title. Changing the VIN number on the windshield frame is against the law. Tantamount to Grand Theft Auto.in fact, it's not even legal to take the VIN tag off your windshield frame and put it back on to the same windshield frame.now you could take the whole windshield frame out of one car and put it into another, but also there is a 37 on a coupe and a 67 on a convertible in the VIN number.
10-14-2018, 08:41 PM
#14
Drifting
Everywhere you look, you see hardtops that were cut into convertibles, tri-five Chevy's, 60's T-birds, Full size Detroit Boats, show cars, etc. It would be a big deal to a purist, or someone trying to pass something off to the unsuspecting, but I don't think any cop anywhere would care, nor be able to tell from the vin, nor would someone think it was stolen or illegal in any way. And when you look at these ground scraping, fenderless, piecemeal ratrods running around, I don't think we have a thing to worry about.
10-15-2018, 12:08 AM
#15
Le Mans Master
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Everywhere you look, you see hardtops that were cut into convertibles, tri-five Chevy's, 60's T-birds, Full size Detroit Boats, show cars, etc. It would be a big deal to a purist, or someone trying to pass something off to the unsuspecting, but I don't think any cop anywhere would care, nor be able to tell from the vin, nor would someone think it was stolen or illegal in any way. And when you look at these ground scraping, fenderless, piecemeal ratrods running around, I don't think we have a thing to worry about.
10-15-2018, 04:34 PM
#16
There seems to be a lot of passion from both sides of this ideology... I would expect nothing less! The question still remains, if the owner of an old car, decides to make a major modification, (like hard/soft top) they should be able to do it legally
10-15-2018, 04:49 PM
#17
We need to get the AIM’s. But I’d like to hear from the ones who’ve already been here. Can the “A” pillars and windshield header be modified to accept the convertible clamps? Also, if we replace the rear clip, where should the splice be?
10-15-2018, 05:05 PM
#18
Team Owner
A Sawzall will create anything you want on a fiberglass body.
10-15-2018, 05:39 PM
#19
Safety Car
I say GO for it!