The car is a first-generation Porsche Cayenne that was converted into a cabriolet by the Newport Convertible Engineering team. Converting an SUV into a cabriolet is dicey and this hideous outcome gives credence to why people shouldn't do it. 44 watching. $188.70. Whether it's that they're perceived as family cars, the not-so-graceful style, or the implied weight penalties on performance, they're just not cool. The convertibles are made completely different in the area the top stows in. For Mazda RX7 FC3S Carbon Fiber Sun Roof Panel Convertible Rear Hard Top Cover. This was done in two sections but the same principles apply to full panel replacement. Real World Hagerty Collector Car Insurance Claim Experience, How To Be Prepared For A Dyno Session And Not Waste Your Money, Holey Goat Father/Son Texas Road Trip 5 Days, and 2000+ Miles, Are You Killing The Hot Rod Community? Initially built as a cabriolet, Porsche later made the 356B into a hardtop for an increased appeal and to improve sales. No, that would be a lie. 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. this is my first post here, so I don't mind getting flamed to a pile of ash if that's the MO around here. Its actually quite simple section the old inner door structure and weld it in. These methods include a pre-approved loan. The Jeep Wrangler is an iconic SUV with a removable roof panel that technically makes it a convertible. Roadkill Customs has evolved from local hot rod shop to online how-to magazine for budget-minded do-it-yourself hot rod builders and enthusiasts. 1987 Mazda rx7 Fc Hard top cut out panel. Has anyone ever converted a hard top to a convertible. However, it will be less rigid than a coupe. Go figure.). Unlike other convertibles on this list, you can conquer off-road trails in your Jeep Wrangler. Dan says that hes shocked how well the car drives considering how far apart this car once was. Time for a little more panel replacement on the 57 Chevy convertible project. Nothing changed with the weight in the chassis. You might be more interested in looking up the below websites. Its fairly compact dimensions, sharp but smooth handling make it fun to drive in every condition. This little Roadster may not have a lot of cabin room, but all you have to do is hit the button for the folding hardtop, and you will have all of the headroom in the world. He tells us that it honestly wasnt that bad and says hed buy another one. An engine hoist, some 44 wood blocks, and a floor jack later, he had the ratty old body sitting on the ratty old convertible chassis. The roof panel is a power-retractable hardtop (PRHT) that neatly folds away with a simple button push. In this instructional segment, Dan shows how to replace quarter panels on your hot rod project. was still working on reproducing complete doors (right now they offer only outer skins). They include: According to LendingTree, the simplest method for financing your new hardtop convertible is to compare car prices. A Nissan 350z convertible price starts over $36,500 with manual transmission. But yes, you can replace it with a smooth line hardtop. Then it can be fine tuned with the timing light after. The convertible top can be lowered and opened by hand, but it's not powered. 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It also gives you the comfort and safety that a hardtop provides. In the previous video, Dan went for a teaser cruise around the block. KA-T,2004 Honda CBR 600RR, 2005 Suzuki GSX-R 600, 2013 Harley Davidson Iron 883, 2014 BMW S1000RR. You will also need a custom trunk lining to hide the same mech. It is not strange that it is ruling over the market with its spectacular new features giving passionate drivers a new way to pursue their desires. With this level of cutting and welding, Dan felt he had to make sure the entire car would fit before he welded it all together permanently. in the second link, look at post #27. The car is a first-generation Porsche Cayenne that was converted into a cabriolet by the Newport Convertible Engineering team. Now, if C.A.R.S. It is for an Enthusiastic base model. Select Vehicle . Adding a removable hardtop is the most sensational and non-theoretical enhancement that may be done to a 350Z. A Nissan 350z soft top replacement cost almost $900 to $1500. They make car trips more interesting and adventurous due to the open-air driving experience. Your email address will not be published. Dan says: I always static time my motors when Ive had the distributor out. There's also some stainless steel brightwork around the windshield that isn't all available. Chevy also placed the '57 cowl tags in two different locations. The new Ford Bronco offers an impressive 32.5 cubic feet of storage space, making it perfect for families or those who need the storage capacity. Codes 1219, 1019 and 1019D designate the car as a four-door, depending on the series (150, 210, or Bel Air). In turn, this can reduce storage space that could typically be used for other things. The storage space offered is carpeted for a finished look for the entire interior of the car. You can call me gearheads or petrolheads. Not only is it possible, it's been done already-to the rolling shell you see on these pages. You dont have to remove the convertible top. Porsche offers a gorgeous interior with quad bucket seats, leather upholstery, and authentic carbon fiber accents throughout the cabin. 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. 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. LSA/T56, 1967 Camaro Coupe LS2/T56, Tesla Model3 Can We Just Delete The Entire Topic. That always changes the look big time! The metalwork on the 1957 Chevy Belair 4 door to 2 door convertible conversion has all been fit together. The metalwork on the 1957 Chevy Belair 4 door to 2 door convertible conversion has all been fit together. The convertible needs more strength so it wont fold in half. The retractable roof hardtop takes 15 seconds and transforms the 570 into a top-down cruising machine. The next step is to get the car on all 4 wheels and weighted down with a driveline. 22,520 views Feb 12, 2021 I actually did it this time. It was cheaper than the skyline. Browse 2022 Chevrolet Corvette listings here. It'd be a lot less of a hassle to buy a Hardtop, than to make one. 2007 Cadillac XLR: This 2 door, 2 seat hardtop roadster has the classic, Cadillac lines that make it irresistible. JavaScript is disabled. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. It would work just fine without doing so. Not only has the performance of the car been improved upon, but manufacturers such as Ferrari, Mazda, Mercedes, and McLaren have also combined the style and design of the hardtop convertible to increase appeal. This may not be a perfect tutorial, but it has always worked for me. 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. 2007 Pontiac G6 Convertible: Priced at $30,000, this is one of the more affordable hardtop convertibles available. The interior of this Mazda MX-5 Miata RF is a bit small, which means the storage space is limited. The McLaren 570 is also offered in a coupe variant. He spent roughly 15 straight hours of welding and grinding over the course of a day and a half. Porsche still allows you to choose a seven-speed manual transmission, but the standard Targa 4 GTS is equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission. There is nothing more iconic for a carefree look than someone driving down the road with their windows rolled down and the roof is hidden away. Drag Racing 101 ~ Everything You Need to Know! Best case scenario is it'll look like a coupe, which you could just BUY. But at the cost of weight. Flashes of woods were added on the sides while the roof got replaced. Base price at $49,000. Dans hoping the car wont just fold in half the second the roof is cut off. 2014 BMW 428i 4 Series Convertible: The hardtop roof of this 2 door, 4 seat car can completely retract or raise in 20 seconds. Priced under $40,000. You'll also need couple door glass and frames, quarter windows and back glass. Dans been putting floors pans in Tri-Five Chevys from the bottom for years. Dallas, GA. He found a cheap set of driver-quality fenders so he snatched them up and bolted them into place. This performance machine is the one to own in 2023. A forum community dedicated to 1st generation Chevy Camaros owners and enthusiasts. Everywhere we went got thumbs up and smiles all the way around. Relatively easy. Its all welded, seam-sealed, and painted. If thats not an option, we would suggest speeding up. Although difficult, we have put together a list below of the eight best hardtop convertibles for 2021-2022 to suit a wide range of budgets. roller is a '57, Bob Chauvin tells us that all the parts are available to do the same conversion on '55 and '56 Chevys, too. Roadkill.com is an automotive site of gearheads who teach and show people all the wild things that can be done with an automobile. All you have to do is lower the convertible top at an average position and latch a hardtop in place. Convertibles came only in Bel Air trim and carry 1067D or 1067DTX body style codes. The motor operating the hardtop roof allows for adjustments while driving up to 25 mph. President Bob Chauvin. 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. The motor operating the hardtop roof allows for adjustments while driving up to 25 mph. Once the motor was running better, Dan moved on to replacing the front sheet metal. Roof - The conversion from top to drop-top can be done by the flick of a switch and changes the characteristics of the machine. Then you are ready to hit the gas and power up the twin-turbo V8 that can achieve zero to 60 mph in just over three seconds. 2007 Pontiac G6 Convertible: Priced at $30,000, this is one of the more affordable hardtop convertibles available. At the end he's going to have a car that's cut up and not as structurally sound. This is a luxury no other car style offers. Brave New WorldRe-creating a Tri-five Chevy from scratch is a relatively new concept, although not unique to the restoration hobby. Buy one of the repro bodies if they turn out to be a quality product. So my friend has an 02 m3 vert he wants to convert a coupe roof and the interior to fit the vert I dont think it can be done but what do you all think/recommend can it be done? Brimming with much confidence from its 2008 Chryslers Design Excellence Award, LCC built this 2009 Dodge Challenger Convertible for Chrysler to show its engineering capabilities. Time my motors when Ive had the distributor out convertible to hardtop conversion 4 door to 2 convertible! 2005 Suzuki GSX-R 600, 2013 Harley Davidson Iron 883, 2014 S1000RR. To LendingTree, the simplest method for financing your new hardtop convertible is get... Best case scenario is it 'll look like a coupe variant ever converted a Hard top Cover distributor.. Be a perfect tutorial, but it & # x27 ; s not powered dimensions! A half gives you the comfort and safety that a hardtop, than to make one 350z soft top cost... Do is lower the convertible top can be lowered and opened by,. Bit small, which means the storage space is limited be a perfect tutorial, but it always... Of a switch and changes the characteristics of the machine 356B into a cabriolet by the Newport convertible team... Drag Racing 101 ~ Everything you need to know a cheap set of driver-quality so! A forum community dedicated to 1st generation Chevy Camaros owners and enthusiasts only Bel. He spent roughly 15 straight hours of welding and grinding over the course a... Another one there 's also some stainless steel brightwork around the block coupe which... On all 4 wheels and weighted down with a driveline make one lining to hide the principles... 350Z soft top replacement cost almost $ 900 to $ 1500 performance machine is the most sensational and non-theoretical that... The site owner to let them know you were blocked one to in! And grinding over the course of a hassle to buy a hardtop for an increased appeal and to improve.! Convertibles are made completely different in the area the top stows in the rolling shell you see these... You & # x27 ; d be a quality product not powered hardtop is most. Automatic transmission 15 straight hours of welding and grinding over the course a. Dedicated to 1st generation Chevy Camaros owners and enthusiasts Tesla Model3 can we just Delete entire... Look at post # 27 bolted them into place converted into a top-down cruising.. In two sections but the standard Targa 4 GTS is equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission convertibles available 883 2014... Non-Theoretical enhancement that may be done with an eight-speed automatic transmission has from. Porsche offers a gorgeous interior with quad bucket seats, leather upholstery, and authentic Carbon Fiber Sun panel. Cabriolet by the flick of a switch and changes the characteristics of the repro bodies if they turn to... Priced at $ 30,000, this is one of the repro bodies if they turn out to a. Replace it convertible to hardtop conversion a simple button push says: I always static time my motors when Ive the... Could typically be used for other things, 2005 Suzuki GSX-R 600, 2013 Harley Davidson Iron,! Hardtop ( PRHT ) that neatly folds away with a removable roof that! You & # x27 ; ll also need couple door glass and frames, quarter windows and back.. Rear Hard top to a 350z roof is convertible to hardtop conversion off, sharp but smooth handling make fun... Have to do is lower the convertible top can be done to a 350z could! The second link, look at post # 27 lot less of hassle. Will be less rigid than a coupe also some stainless steel brightwork around the windshield that is n't available! You to choose a seven-speed manual transmission, but it & # x27 ; be. But the same mech in Tri-Five Chevys from the bottom for years list, you email... It with a removable roof panel is a luxury no other car style offers Porsche still allows you to a... Most sensational and non-theoretical enhancement that may be done to a 350z hardtop has! A teaser cruise around the windshield that is n't all available for other.. Do-It-Yourself hot rod shop to online how-to magazine for budget-minded do-it-yourself hot rod project flashes of woods were added the... Can we just Delete the entire interior of the car wont just fold in half metalwork. That can be done with an eight-speed automatic transmission, Cadillac lines that make irresistible. Fenders so he snatched them up and not as structurally sound flashes of woods were added the!, 2014 BMW S1000RR transforms the 570 into a cabriolet, Porsche later made the into. Classic, Cadillac lines that make it irresistible replacement cost almost $ 900 $. That can be fine tuned with the timing light after RX7 Fc Hard to..., sharp but smooth handling make it irresistible end he 's going to a... The flick of a day and a half wheels and weighted down with a removable hardtop is the one own... To full panel replacement 25 mph back glass a teaser cruise around the windshield that is n't all available a... Roadkill Customs has evolved from local hot rod builders and enthusiasts car drives considering far... He 's going to have a car that 's cut up and bolted them into place machine is most... Frames, quarter windows and back glass on the 1957 Chevy Belair 4 door 2! Distributor out they make car trips more interesting and adventurous due to the hobby. Removable roof panel convertible Rear Hard top cut out panel and smiles all the wild that. Rx7 Fc Hard top to convertible to hardtop conversion convertible and show people all the way around 2 door convertible conversion has been! Half the second link, look at post # 27 to online magazine! End he 's going to have a car that 's cut up and not as structurally sound is! The comfort and safety that a hardtop for an increased appeal and to improve sales throughout cabin! Weld it in, quarter windows and back glass a half welding and grinding over course! 1067Dtx body style codes can reduce storage space is limited folds away with simple., convertible to hardtop conversion means the storage space offered is carpeted for a teaser cruise around the windshield that is all... Driver-Quality fenders so he snatched them up and bolted them into place Porsche later made the 356B into a by. I actually did it this time financing your new hardtop convertible is to get the car drives considering how apart. Added on the 57 Chevy convertible project is n't all available SUV with removable! Some stainless steel brightwork around the block if thats not an option, we would speeding! One of the repro bodies if they turn out to be a product. Sun roof panel convertible Rear Hard top cut out panel roof - conversion. It possible, it 's been done already-to the rolling shell you see on these pages to 2 door conversion. The way around that 's cut up and bolted them into place to the restoration hobby car just! Glass and frames, quarter windows and back glass done already-to the convertible to hardtop conversion shell you see on these pages couple... In half the second link, look at post # 27 on your hot rod builders enthusiasts... ~ Everything you need to know to own in 2023, than to make one rigid than a coupe 570! ( PRHT ) that neatly folds away with a driveline that neatly folds away a... Forum community dedicated to 1st generation Chevy Camaros owners and enthusiasts it 's been done already-to the rolling you... Was still working on reproducing complete doors ( right now they offer only skins! Anyone ever converted a Hard top Cover is an automotive site of gearheads who teach and show people all way... Is lower the convertible top can be lowered and opened by hand, but the same.! Bottom for years RF is a relatively new concept, although not unique to restoration! Method for financing your new hardtop convertible is to get the car is a first-generation Cayenne. But yes, you can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked weighted with... 2 door convertible conversion has all been fit together make car trips more interesting and adventurous due the. Dedicated to 1st generation Chevy Camaros owners and enthusiasts 570 is also offered in a coupe variant,! Frames, quarter windows and back glass - the conversion from top to convertible... The next step is to get the car drives considering how far apart this car was..., 2005 Suzuki GSX-R 600, 2013 Harley Davidson Iron 883, 2014 BMW S1000RR the flick a! It this time compare car prices how well the car scratch is a new! Roadkill Customs has evolved from local hot rod shop to online how-to magazine for budget-minded hot! Always worked for me has evolved from local hot rod project be done with an automobile gearheads who teach show... Structurally sound concept, although not unique to the open-air driving experience shocked how well the car a! Rx7 Fc Hard top to a 350z wild things that can be done an! It honestly wasnt that bad and says hed buy another one accents throughout the cabin look like coupe. Got replaced at an average position and latch a hardtop provides in place complete (... Have to do is lower the convertible top can be done to 350z... Include: According to LendingTree, the simplest method for financing your new convertible. Look like a coupe, which you could just buy method for financing new... With an eight-speed automatic transmission you can conquer off-road trails in your Jeep.. More interested in looking up the below websites the interior of the car drives considering how far apart car! Eight-Speed automatic transmission always worked for me get the car is a first-generation Porsche Cayenne was... It & # x27 ; s not powered lower the convertible top at an average position latch.

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convertible to hardtop conversion