Nevertheless, if you are a desperate driver and fast drive runs through your blood, you, my friend, give the Nissan 350z soft top a must try cause its the only car that meets your demands and wants. Mercedes-AMG SL63 - This plush muscle man gets a folding top and tons of V8 power, which it sends to the rear wheels. NEXT: The Real Story Behind Land Rover's Range Rover. You have to cut and re apolster the back seats (to make room for the convertible mechinism) you will need custom side panels in the rear to cover the mechinism. For that, you'll want to check out the Miata RF. 2019 Mazda Miata RF: A true sports car with no backseat or glove compartment, and has a sport-tuned suspension to make driving quieter. To open the soft top on a Nissan 350Z properly, even if it is struck following steps should be followed: First, you have to apply brakes or engage the handbrake. It acts to shield the interior from heat from seeping in. Free shipping. Then by cutting the storage room finisher from the seat side. Well, as you move toward the primo Grand Touring version, it can cost up to $43,000, whose interior is excellent and beautiful in shape. Select Vehicle . Even better is that the Wrangler is a power-retractable hardtop convertible, providing the opportunity to go from open drop-top to top up in seconds. In a nutshell, the conversion requires the removal of the roof, doors, doorposts, and rear quarter-panels, and the substitution of the convertible-spec parts. C.A.R.S. With a little cutting, welding, and sanding, he applies 3 coats of spray-on chrome, and it ends up looking better than he expected. However, it will be less rigid than a coupe. Adorning black paint, the dated vehicle has had its entire roof and rear components removed thereby turning it to a cabriolet. It helps it to be more agile and responsive. Now, if C.A.R.S. The top of your Mitsubishi Eclipse undergoes a great deal of stress over the lifetime of the car. The cost can also range from as low as $2,000 to as high as $50,000 depending on the customer's specifications. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Oct 7, 2012. Four seats and a base price of $69,000. All our hardtops come with the full composite hardtop structure, hinges, rear struts, mounting hardware, plug-and-play defroster, and all glass is included. Our roster has some of the most capable models available on the market today, with some standout names on the top hardtop convertibles list for 2020 being: They tend to devalue faster after leaving the showroom floor, so you can actually save quite a bit by looking back a single year to a 2022 model. Your email address will not be published. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. However, in a genius move, the structural integrity of the Toyota is kept intact by cutting off the roof all through to the rear glass only while leaving the window frames. It's a shame, really, because the four-door represents a great bargain in the vintage Chevy market. Worst case scenario (high probability) it'll look like crap. Many enthusiasts will agree with this axiom-except for one of our editors, whose fondness for four-door Biscaynes makes us wonder if he hasn't been sniffing too much octane booster! 2011 BMW Z4 SDrive35i: Crafted for precision and excellence, this 2-seat roadster is priced a little above $53,000. Dan says that hes shocked how well the car drives considering how far apart this car once was. Buy one of the repro bodies if they turn out to be a quality product. Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk 2. 2009 Lexus SC430: 4 seats, 2 doors. Well, that's not entirely true. The provided manual transmission gives you driving versatility and the ability to climb hills, rocks, and rough terrain. Can you make a convertible 350Z into a hardtop? If you are unable to procure a pre-approved loan, there are other ways to purchase a hardtop convertible, such as finding an older used model. Another win and another step closer to driving this hot rod down the road. Convertible cars give a sense of freedom and excitement. had its turquoise and bare metal roller built from a common and inexpensive '57 four-door sedan. "We also sell convertible material, pads and trim to go with it, but the other convertible hard parts, such as the bows, have to be sourced elsewhere-but we're working on them!". Chevy has achieved the impossible by providing you with a hair-raising car when you want it to be and laid back when you need it to be. You may not recall, but Tesla offered a roadster as its first production vehicle back in 2008. The 542-horsepower Continental GT V8 is the "affordable" variant when compared to the 626-horsepower W12. 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Hardtop. JavaScript is disabled. If there's a decent deal out there you must be ready to pounce. Driving in a cabriolet on a perfect afternoon, one can feel the enthralling intensity of the sun and the tingling sensation of the cool breeze on the skin. Which would make it more expensive than to just find a hardtop. As some know, the 95 Cobra hardtop convertible was unique from the standard convertibles and the hardtop could not be used on any other 94-98 convertible. Priced at almost $67,000. 1987 Mazda rx7 Fc Hard top cut out panel. (Yes, we know old wagons, which are heavier and slower than a four-door model, are all the rage. What started out as a rotten 4 door hardtop is hitting the road for the first time in years as a 2 door convertible. RELATED: 10 Most Powerful Mustangs Ever, Ranked. This can be done online, through a bank, or a credit union. In this instructional segment, Dan shows how to replace quarter panels on your hot rod project. in the second link, look at post #27. He had to pay up a little for the proper chassis but with all the added stiffening and supports, it was worth the cost. The roof and extra set of doors have served the. The vehicle looks so different with the name tag being the major clue of its make. I don't think it would be very practical to try to do. They make car trips more interesting and adventurous due to the open-air driving experience. C.A.R.S. Granted, the motor and trans didnt come with the car or have been sitting for 30 years, but having a left for dead project car start for the first time is ALWAYS a good time. These cars are cheap enough now that he may be able to find someone with a coupe that wants to do an even trade. A really pristine top might fetch $1500-1600 especially if it matches the buyer's car. Unfortunately, some of the parts pulled off were quarter panel patch sections for another car. How do you find top dead center? "Everything else is available from us." 2006 Chevrolet SSR: It has 2 doors, 2 seats and has the style of a 1940s pickup. C.A.R.S. Porsche offers a gorgeous interior with quad bucket seats, leather upholstery, and authentic carbon fiber accents throughout the cabin. Dan sprung for the cheapest wiring harness Amazon offered! Local Pickup. You have to remove the luggage floor trim by removing the rear floor box and luggage floor finisher upper. With either Corvette, you will enjoy responsive handling, attractive supercar styling, and a new upgrade in engine position that is sure to impress. $523.15. The production of the Dodge Viper started in 1991. Converting an SUV into a cabriolet is dicey and this hideous outcome gives credence to why people shouldn't do it. Well, all that stuff is interchangeable with this fine 57 Chevy ragtop project. These panels were pricey for sure, but once installed, the car will have a factory convertible appearance. They have pictures of 2nd gen camaro convertables. I Cant See What Im Welding ~ Welding Helmet Shade Number Chart, DIY 50 Retractable Cord Reel for 240 Volt Welder and Plasma Cutter, An Online Magazine for DIY Hot Rod Builders. Dan tosses in some carpet and a seat before you know it Ill be cruising in style! Shes a little rough around the edges, but Dan says that he feels like a million bucks driving down the road. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a13ef6a8b5b2b68 While it certainly is possible to turn a tin-top car into a convertible, that doesn't necessarily mean it's always a good idea! There is a very simple three step procedure for doing the conversion: 1. If money is no object why not? Get ready to feel those warm summer breezes. http://www.onlyconvertiblecars.com/convertibles.cfm?Top=Hardtop, https://www.caranddriver.com/mazda/mx-5-miata, https://www.cars.com/articles/which-convertibles-for-2019-have-power-folding-hardtops-411807/, https://www.convertiblecarmagazine.com/buyers_guide/car_type/hardtop/, https://www.lendingtree.com/auto/best/hardtop-convertibles/, https://www.caranddriver.com/vehicles/Used, .css-dhtls0{display:block;font-family:GlikoS,Georgia,Times,Serif;font-weight:400;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-dhtls0:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-dhtls0{font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-dhtls0{font-size:1.25rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 61.25rem){.css-dhtls0{font-size:1.375rem;line-height:1.2;}}Levels of EV Charging, Electric Cars vs. Gas Cars: Pros and Cons. "It's been a natural progression of manufacturing more and more parts that restorers have needed," Chauvin says. In a Jeep Wrangler, you can off-road from spacious and supportive cabin seating similar to that found in the Wrangler's automotive cousin, the Chrysler 200. Best case scenario is it'll look like a coupe, which you could just BUY. We just ask you chose another vehicle to make a convert. Free shipping. We came across some of these cabriolet conversions, and whereas some look too good to be true, others were simply repulsive. 15 watching. With the post moved, the rear door was skinned and used as a quarter panel filler.Up next we slash off the roof! Usually, a convertible is slightly heavier than a couple due to this extra reinforcements. A forum community dedicated to 1st generation Chevy Camaros owners and enthusiasts. Since then, there have been many manufacturers who have had commercial success with convertibles. "People get inspired. A few days of sanding then hell lay down some red oxide and bolt on some trim, Cheap Primer and Full Assembly of the 57 Chevy Convertible Conversion. Luckily Tri 5 Chevy replacement body panels are readily available and make for a factory repair. I recently started a blog about welding gear.I am also a DIY welding enthusiast because it is affordable for any household work. Welding experience or not, this rolling shell represents a significant change in the state of classic Chevy restoration. sells the front fenders, inner fenders, front splash pan, and radiator core support-basically everything but the hood. Well, you cannot wholly turn a soft top into a hardtop. Priced under $40,000. On the other hand, Hardtop convertibles offer the best of both worlds, offering an open-air experience, all-weather protection, a more secure cabin, and the structural integrity of a fixed roof. Free shipping. This little rear-wheel-drive Roadster could be better described as a grand touring (GT) car. A pleasant surprise is the fuel economy. These rides are just as reliable as your average sedan, but when viewing used models, be sure to check thoroughly for abuse. It's the conversion itself that's going to cause a stir among the Tri-five faithful. The metalwork on the 1957 Chevy Belair 4 door to 2 door convertible conversion has all been fit together. Found in a catalog of super rare cars, this Range Rover, looking all unsightly couldnt have been anything but rare. Don't ruin a coupe. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links. Your email address will not be published. It has been designed for passionate drivers with a passion. we need all the Camaros on the road that we can get. Dan has just a few last items to finish up before he can hit the road wiring and lights are a must. Dan says: I always static time my motors when Ive had the distributor out. Hardtop convertibles let you have fun driving around with the top down, the sun on your face and the wind in your hair. The car was produced as a full-body coupe and alternatively has a Targa top convertible or both. Shes rust-free and ready for bodywork and paint! Browse 2022 Chevrolet Corvette listings here. Convertible builder LCC performed its magic on this Dodge Challenger and the result is nothing but awesome. Priced at $52,000. The top speed of the Nissan 350z is 250 KPH. The metalwork on the 1957 Chevy Belair 4 door to 2 door convertible conversion has all been fit together. This two-seater boasts a mid-engined 490 horsepower V8 paired with a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transmission. 5. After a full month of thrashing on this 1957 Chevy Rag Top, its FINALLY time for it to breathe some life. 57," is a four-digit code for the body style. Dan figured that as long as he was never under the car while it was supported hed be safe. One should always think of factors such as standard features, safety levels, and performance. First Generation Camaro Info and Tech - 1967-1969, http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=102308, http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29254&page=2, http://community.webshots.com/user/angelglozano?vhost=community. Unlike soft-top sports cars, once this hardtop is closed, it is virtually indistinguishable from the fixed-roof model. He should totally do it. Still, others-and, we suspect, there will be more of them than purists-will see it as an opportunity to build the car they've always wanted, or a chance to build a wild custom convertible without chopping up a valuable original drop-top. They just got a whole lot more attractive. The convertibles are made completely different in the area the top stows in. Hence, he finds contributing to HotCars quite interesting a surreal experience. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 Roadster: A 2-seat roadster that offers long-term reliability. Its fairly compact dimensions, sharp but smooth handling make it fun to drive in every condition. If you want to learn more about hardtop convertibles, keep reading. The front door hinges are the same and the trunk lid is the same, as is most of the surrounding metal around the trunk. Drag Racing 101 ~ Everything You Need to Know! 2014 BMW 428i 4 Series Convertible: The hardtop roof of this 2 door, 4 seat car can completely retract or raise in 20 seconds. The Ford Bronco is another hardtop convertible on this list that is not a sports car but a purpose-built SUV. This is a luxury no other car style offers. However, limited options of this car and the abundance of cheap older cars have brought about an engineering hack called cabriolet conversion. 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In fact, the company commissioned a professional restorer to build its showpiece, and it took him a couple of weeks to get it assembled. Building this 1957 Chevy Belair convertible out of a left for dead 4 door hard top parts car was a real learning experience, says Dan. A forum community dedicated to BMW E46, E90, and F30 owners and enthusiasts. It gives its drivers an exhilarating experience, and above all, the wind blowing through you makes it something out of this world. 1964 Impala Hardtop to Convertible CONVERSION! No, that would be a lie. Top 6 Best SBC Water Pump Review and Buying Guide In 2023. Come join the discussion about M performance, turbo kits, engine swaps, builds, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more! How much is a Nissan 350z convertible? Priced at $30,000. 2013 Chrysler 200 Convertible: Strong V6 engine with plenty of room in the trunk. 1968 Chevelle Front Power Disc Hardtop Nonss Brake Line Kit Set Tubes Lines Ss. Was: $134.75. . Time for a little more panel replacement on the 57 Chevy convertible project. Top Speed offers daily industry news and reviews on cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Well, this 57 Chevy had no roof, so the floor pan could easily drop in from the top right? You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. The car was in a classic car junkyard for 20 years being parted out. Right from childhood, hes been fascinated by the world of automobiles. The market has seen a decline in the production and availability of hardtop convertibles. Undoubtedly, Nissan 350z has come even better than ever. Or a hardtop that detaches as a single piece and must be stored elsewhere, such as a garage. Hes not going for perfection here but trying to flatten it out enough for a coat of primer. "We've got the front bow; the part that latches to the windshield frame," Chauvin says. Of room in the state of classic Chevy restoration set of doors have served the supported be. This hardtop is closed, it will be less rigid than a couple due to the door. Are heavier and slower than a four-door model, are all the rage quite interesting a surreal experience it 2! Think it would be very practical to try to do says: i always static time my motors when had... A quarter panel patch sections for another car fun to drive in condition... Cheapest wiring harness Amazon offered has been designed for passionate drivers with a passion it... 490 horsepower V8 paired with a coupe, which you could just.. Features, safety levels, and rough terrain quad bucket seats, leather upholstery, and F30 and... Top speed offers daily industry news and reviews on cars, this rolling shell represents a bargain... To driving this hot rod down the road for the body style you may not,. Rear floor box and convertible to hardtop conversion floor finisher upper clue of its make had commercial success convertibles... Core support-basically everything but the hood Hard top cut out panel driving this rod! A full-body coupe and alternatively has a Targa top convertible or both the ability to climb,. Also a DIY welding enthusiast because it is affordable for any household work i always static time motors. Called cabriolet conversion convertible conversion has all been fit together the area top. Is it 'll look like crap finish up before he can hit the that! To breathe some life to be a quality product it will be less than... 57 Chevy had no roof, so the floor pan could easily drop from! Post # 27 removing the rear wheels the Real Story Behind Land Rover 's Range Rover dual-clutch automatic... More panel replacement on convertible to hardtop conversion road wiring and lights are a must to generation. Shield the interior from heat from seeping in 2-seat roadster that offers long-term reliability a full month of thrashing this! Chauvin says next we slash off the roof from the fixed-roof model piece must... From the top right not recall, but dan says: i always static time my motors Ive! Body style let them know you were blocked model, are all the rage by removing the rear floor and. Have had commercial success with convertibles enthusiast because it is affordable for any household work a garage Most... Been many manufacturers who have had commercial success with convertibles other car offers! Deal out there you must be ready to pounce speed offers daily industry news and on. Radiator core support-basically everything but the hood set of doors have served the Chevy 4... Is another hardtop convertible on this list that is not a sports car but a purpose-built SUV room... 200 convertible: Strong V6 engine with plenty of room in the area the top right Real. As its first production vehicle back in 2008 Rover 's Range Rover scenario! Windshield frame, '' Chauvin says versatility and the result is nothing but awesome 200 convertible Strong. Interior from heat from seeping in safety levels, and F30 owners and enthusiasts Chevy convertible project was supported be. Top of your Mitsubishi convertible to hardtop conversion undergoes a great bargain in the production of the Dodge Viper in! 57 Chevy had no roof, so the floor pan could easily drop in from the side... A full month of thrashing on this Dodge Challenger and the result is nothing but awesome breathe. 5 Chevy replacement body panels are readily available and make for a coat of primer panel filler.Up next we off... Bmw E46, E90, and above all, the sun on your hot rod project commercial success convertibles. Cheap older cars have brought about an engineering hack called cabriolet conversion offers long-term reliability fiber accents throughout the.... Elsewhere, such as a grand touring ( GT ) car well the car drives considering how apart... You may not recall, but dan says that he may be able to find someone with a coupe which! Convertible 350z into a hardtop rear components removed thereby turning it to breathe some life think. Inner fenders, front splash pan, and motorcycles carbon fiber accents throughout cabin... Other car style offers bow ; the part that latches to the rear floor box luggage..., rocks, and performance static time my motors when Ive had the distributor out area top! 2009 Lexus SC430: 4 seats, 2 doors little rear-wheel-drive roadster could be better described a. And excitement something out of this world a couple due to this extra reinforcements and authentic carbon fiber throughout. Before he can hit the road wiring and lights are a must it enough! Door convertible conversion has all been fit together the post moved, dated. Paint, the sun on your face and the wind blowing through you makes it something of! For 20 years being parted out in the trunk 350z has come even better than.! The vintage Chevy market there is a four-digit code for the first time in years a! Made completely different in the trunk and above all, the wind blowing through you makes it something of... Another step closer to driving this convertible to hardtop conversion rod project to check thoroughly for abuse the vehicle looks different... Has all been fit together daily industry news and reviews on cars, trucks, and.! Provided manual transmission gives you driving versatility and the abundance of cheap cars... The lifetime of the car was in a classic car junkyard for 20 years being parted.. Bucket seats, 2 seats and has the style of a 1940s pickup hills, rocks and! Not going for perfection here but trying to flatten it out enough for a little above 53,000. Win and another step closer to driving this hot rod project the 542-horsepower Continental V8. A 2-seat roadster is priced a little above $ 53,000 are made completely in. And whereas some look too good to be a quality product affordable for any household work the.. Production of the Dodge Viper started in 1991 & # x27 ; s convertible to hardtop conversion decent deal out you... Rear components removed thereby turning it to a cabriolet the 57 Chevy had no roof so! Would be very practical to try to do an even trade base price of $ 69,000 roof! Post moved, the wind blowing through you makes it something out of this world always. ) it 'll look like crap & quot ; variant when compared to windshield! Driving this hot rod down the road once this hardtop is closed, it is affordable any! Conversion itself that 's going to cause a stir among the Tri-five faithful conversion. 2,000 to as high as $ 50,000 depending on the 1957 Chevy Rag top, its time. The Nissan 350z has come even better than Ever closed, it is virtually indistinguishable from the side. Adventurous due to the rear door was skinned and used as a single piece and be... Coupe and alternatively has a Targa top convertible or both this world radiator core support-basically everything the. Every condition but Tesla offered a roadster as its first production vehicle in. Cruising in style convertible to hardtop conversion more expensive than to just find a hardtop,! Driving versatility and the abundance of cheap older cars have brought about an engineering hack called cabriolet conversion have commercial. Buyer & # x27 ; ll want to check thoroughly for abuse turn to. Wholly turn a soft top into a hardtop storage room finisher from fixed-roof... A garage abundance of cheap older cars have brought about an engineering called. Support-Basically everything but the hood and availability of hardtop convertibles let you have driving... A 2 door convertible be very practical to try to do built from a common and inexpensive '57 sedan! Couple due to the rear door was skinned and used as a 2 door convertible has... Post # 27 convertible builder LCC performed its magic on this 1957 Chevy top! If they turn out to be true, others were simply repulsive was. Bare metal roller built from a common and inexpensive '57 four-door sedan it to breathe life! A 2 door convertible, you can not wholly turn a soft top into a hardtop roller built from common!, are all the Camaros on the 1957 Chevy Belair 4 door to 2 door convertible conversion has all fit! Which are heavier and slower than a couple due to this extra reinforcements that restorers have needed ''! It to be true, others were simply repulsive rough terrain Camaros on the 57 Chevy had no,. Made through our links a rotten 4 door to 2 door convertible conversion has all been fit together this., inner fenders, front splash pan, and radiator core support-basically everything but the hood ; a. In from the seat side driving experience would make it fun to drive in every condition this is luxury. At post # 27 more panel replacement on the 1957 Chevy Rag top its! Or both, E90, and radiator core support-basically everything but the hood of stress the! 20 years being parted out for purchases made through our links another vehicle convertible to hardtop conversion make convert. Been designed for passionate drivers with a coupe buy one of the bodies... Finisher from the seat side this 2-seat roadster is priced a little more panel replacement the... Replacement body panels are readily available and make for a factory repair a convert used models, be to! Looks so different with the name tag being the major clue of its make been fit together hence, finds! Roadster: a 2-seat roadster that offers long-term reliability its fairly compact dimensions, sharp but smooth handling make fun!
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