Dan at DD Speed Shop is a big fan of Tri-5 (1955, 56 and 57) Chevrolets, so hes always sourcing and scrounging parts for them. 44 watching. Hes a believer in sticking to a brand and style of cars so the build becomes much cheaper! It gives its drivers an exhilarating experience, and above all, the wind blowing through you makes it something out of this world. we need all the Camaros on the road that we can get. The Ford Bronco is another hardtop convertible on this list that is not a sports car but a purpose-built SUV. The retractable roof hardtop takes 15 seconds and transforms the 570 into a top-down cruising machine. 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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. Nonetheless, you can make the soft top into a more rigid one. The convertible doors have been attached and extra bracing welded inside the car. Thats a lot of new sheet metal on an old car. It would work just fine without doing so. There is a very simple three step procedure for doing the conversion: 1. Powering this supercar is a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-8 that has been tuned to produce 562 horsepower. With a little flexing, cursing, prying, and ingenuity, we had her straightened right out! Best Targa Top Convertibles 8 models Order by Rank Order by Category #1 Mercedes-AMG SL63 $178,100 Price (MSRP) 14/21 mpg City/Hwy 577 hp Horsepower 9.4 Compare #2 Porsche 911 Targa 4 $121,300 -. Hardtop convertibles let you have fun driving around with the top down, the sun on your face and the wind in your hair. Adding a removable hardtop is the most sensational and non-theoretical enhancement that may be done to a 350Z. Add 10K to the Proceeds 3. Four doors are two doors too many. The sumptuous leather will wrap around you as you sink into the perfect driving position with the 18-way power-adjustable seats. Well, Dan lost his patience and started cutting till it fit. And with repop roofs on the market you could always undo what you done Wazzap, camaros.net forum! It has a glass rear window that can open and close in about 20 seconds. Like said above it would fold like a pretzel. He saved the entire front end, fuel system, exhaust, steering, etc. 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. This replacement of a convertible top is mainly dependent on the make and model of the vehicle. Find a complete top- non sunroof preferably, measure, measure again, cut and weld. 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Hardtop. However, in 2012, the fifth-generation of the Viper was released without the Targa top version. There are two convertible Corvette options for 2021; a traditional soft top and a hardtop coupe with a removable roof panel. Extra work: Making a connection/connector for the heated glass rear window. Starting From ScratchOr, at least, re-create one in the owner's image of what he always wanted. The car got the recognition it deserved as it became an instant star at the 2009 SEMA. Dan figured that as long as he was never under the car while it was supported hed be safe. Once the motor was running better, Dan moved on to replacing the front sheet metal. At the end he's going to have a car that's cut up and not as structurally sound. The Wrangler is outfitted with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that provides plenty of exploration power while also producing impressive fuel economy ratings. It is for an Enthusiastic base model. Dans been putting floors pans in Tri-Five Chevys from the bottom for years. Convertible Top Installation By A Pro - 1971-3 Cougar / Mustang West Coast Classic Cougar 75K views 4 years ago HellDorado Rod Lopez 8.5K views 4 years ago TUBBED TURBO REGAL TAKES DOWN A NITROUS. This is a luxury no other car style offers. These features make it perfect for commuting around the city during the week and taming the open road on the weekend. $49.00. As stated above, cut the roof off a coupe and you will have a large paper weight. You could easily take your Corvette on an epic road trip with your luggage in the trunk. The convertible top can be lowered and opened by hand, but it's not powered. In this video, he strips all the trim off of the car and grinds all the welds down flush and applies filler, then brought down with varying sandpaper grits from 40 to 320. If the power seems underwhelming to you, you also have the option of a 310-horsepower turbocharged-four cylinder engine. With the top up, the car should feel stiffer. 2019 Mazda Miata RF: A true sports car with no backseat or glove compartment, and has a sport-tuned suspension to make driving quieter. The metalwork on the 1957 Chevy Belair 4 door to 2 door convertible conversion has all been fit together. Converting an SUV into a cabriolet is dicey and this hideous outcome gives credence to why people shouldnt do it. 2019 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray: Performance breaks, manual transmission, and a standard V8 engine. Some blue oval stones, like the '32 Ford roadster, can be built from scratch, or are available in reproduction form as complete steel bodies. Anything can be done, but in this case I would search for a hardtop. We'll work to keep you motivated and informed and with industry news, product information and reviews, event coverage, and well-curated articles and stories intended to inspire and educate. Not only is it possible, it's been done already-to the rolling shell you see on these pages. Mercedes-AMG SL63 - This plush muscle man gets a folding top and tons of V8 power, which it sends to the rear wheels. 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. Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk 2. The roof and extra set of doors have served their purpose over the years but it's time for them to move on.I decided to start by transforming the 4 door hard top into a 2 door hard top. BMW 4 Series Convertible - a car that is hard to beat when it comes to steering dynamics and good looks, especially with the roof down. But at the cost of weight. 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. Free shipping. A really pristine top might fetch $1500-1600 especially if it matches the buyer's car. Go figure.). Its actually quite simple section the old inner door structure and weld it in. You'll also need couple door glass and frames, quarter windows and back glass. You will also need a custom trunk lining to hide the same mech. If you have to ask, you probably aren't capable of doing the conversion yourself. No No No you would just ruin a coupe. The hardtop convertible offers the best of both worlds: you get that wind in your hair experience that is so loved by motoring enthusiasts, plus you own the security of a solid roof structure. The top speed of the Nissan 350z is 250 KPH. For one thing, the top of the windshield frame must be cut off and replaced with a convertible-style frame (which C.A.R.S. "It's been a natural progression of manufacturing more and more parts that restorers have needed," Chauvin says. Doing a frame/chassis swap in your home garage with NO hoist can be a bit of a challenge. 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. I sense a troll in our midst. Although there's some major surgery involved, we were surprised when Chauvin told us all the stuff that didn't have to change. Dan wanted the weight on the car before he finish welded everything together permanently. The 2022 911 Targa 4 GTS is equipped with a twin-turbo six-cylinder V6 engine that produces 473 horsepower and offers an all-wheel-drive (AWD) drivetrain standard. The interior throughout the Bronco is spacious, with plenty of head and legroom for all passengers. So clearly, a little welding and chrome in a can are much more budget-friendly. 69 RS/SS vert tourer, LS7, T56, Baer, Hydrooost, GW, etc, etc. Gone but not forgotten. Olakunle has contributed as a writer on several platforms over the years. You'd likely have to replace both rear quarters and all of the supporting braces, rear window deck area, etc., etc.. When it comes to road trips or simply driving around town, hardtop convertibles are the car you want. 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. Top Speed offers daily industry news and reviews on cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Get ready to feel those warm summer breezes. A Nissan 350z soft top replacement cost almost $900 to $1500. How ironic! Select Vehicle . Priced at almost $67,000. Audi TT Hardtop Conversion. 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So I ordered a couple of sets and install them on the car, and what a difference it makes having the exhaust dump out behind the car. Well, you cant ultimately make a 360 shift from a soft top to a hard one. The older the car is, the harder it is to get parts/pieces. Was: $134.75. Dallas, GA. Then press the head button to release the lock. The Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS series convertible is sure to impress you with its roaring engine performance, high-quality interior, and agile handling. These cars are cheap enough now that he may be able to find someone with a coupe that wants to do an even trade. "Every time we take the car to a show, it's mobbed," Chauvin tells us. This convertible conversion is turning out nice enough that I think it warrants the added expense. Since then, there have been many manufacturers who have had commercial success with convertibles. 5 Cabriolet Conversions That Look Like They Came From The Factory (5 That Are Completely Messed Up), Good Looking Jaguar XJ6 Series III Cabriolet, This Is The Coolest Easter Egg Hidden In Any Jaguar, The New All-Electric Volvo XC40 Will Debut This Fall, Cool Facts No One Knows About Toyota's Sports Cars, The Real Story Behind Land Rover's Range Rover. Will unscrupulous builders try to pass off a re-constructed four-door as the real thing? Dan decided to start by transforming the 4 door hardtop into a 2 door hardtop. Simply as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Dave, I have personally seen two 2nd gen camaros in my life time that have been converted to a convertable so I know it can be done. Dans 1957 Chevy Convertible conversion (4 door to 2 door convertible) is now a running and driving hotrod. Top 6 Best SBC Water Pump Review and Buying Guide In 2023. C.A.R.S. A retractable roof does add weight to the car and requires storage space when not in use. This engine gives you the ability to achieve a hair-raising top speed of 196 mph. With the post moved, the rear door was skinned and used as a quarter panel filler.Up next we slash off the roof! The little 400 was running in the last video pretty poorly. Then by cutting the storage room finisher from the seat side. This was a big job to do at home, but not impossible. (The turquoise-painted parts represent what's left of the original donor car, while the bare metal parts represent the C.A.R.S.-supplied replacements.) Even though you can not go to your local dealership and purchase the new Tesla Roadster, you can preorder the new Roadster on Tesla's website today. The interior is filled with hand-stitched leather, Alcantra, and genuine carbon fiber. Up until this point, we have taken a 1957 Chevy Belair 4 door hardtop and transformed it into a 2 door convertible. Dan has just a few last items to finish up before he can hit the road wiring and lights are a must. The fabric shrunk and has separated from the rear windshield, so it leaks and rattles, and there's no way I'll be able to stretch it out. 1968 Chevelle Hardtop Power Disc Brake Conversion Line Kit Set Drum Tubes Ss. It is very appealing to the eye with its OE- style, updated elastic bow straps, heat-sealed Seans, and reinforced corners. The part number for the top piece is 986-563-551-00 (1997-04), 987-563-551-00 (2005-08) and it costs about $17. I am trying to decide between buying a convertible or just buying a hard top and making a convertible. If thats not an option, we would suggest speeding up. Cabriolet conversion has become trendy. 210.65.88.143 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata PRHT: This 2-seat roadster is fun to drive and catches everyone's eye. Be prepared to drive about 500-750 miles to get one and assume you'll shell out about $350 to get it repainted. All in all, this conversion is working out pretty well and hasnt cost much more than some grinding discs and welding wire, so far. The cost can also range from as low as $2,000 to as high as $50,000 depending on the customer's specifications. Who would have thought transforming a 1957 Chevy 4 door parts car into a slick 2 door convertible would be so much work?!? 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. FD3S Mazda Rx7 Sunroof /Moonroof Bracket set. $250.00. Local Pickup. 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. No, that would be a lie. So he cut the car in half, then the whole car folded in the center, and nothing fit. According to the Convertible Builders website, each conversion gets a specifically designed heated glass rear window along with a proper headliner to match the interior. One of the clearest examples of the chasm between the desirability of a two-door and a four-door can be found with the '57 Chevy. Priced at $52,000. With the post moved, the rear door was skinned and used as a quarter panel filler. For shelter, a foldable cloth has been used as a replacement. Jeep Wrangler Unlimited - Forget about a Camaro or a Mini Cooper; if youre looking for true joy, then you should think about the Wrangler. Since turning the 4 door into a 2 door, he really wanted the back doors filled and primed. has a some portions of the eight-piece set available, but the company is still working on the remainder of the parts. This keeps the car relatively solid while allowing the passengers to have full feel of the sunshine and adequate ventilation. So, when youre building a 2 door convertible out of a 4 door hardtop, there are a few things that gotta go. Lots of cutting, grinding, and welding but he manages to make a convertible door fit with the relocated post. These, as well as other great features, have made cabriolets an alluring option to car buyers. It'd be a lot less of a hassle to buy a Hardtop, than to make one. Though it's still in concept form at the moment, Tesla is promising the second-generation Roadster will built to beat any production car ever made off the line, with a blisteringly quick 1.9 second 0-60mph time. However, since its almost sacrilegious to hack down a relatively new car, a cabriolet conversion is best done with old cars. The Bronco has a higher profile driver's seat providing a commanding view of the road and terrain around you. Dan sprung for the cheapest wiring harness Amazon offered! The next step is to get the car on all 4 wheels and weighted down with a driveline. Shes a little rough around the edges, but Dan says that he feels like a million bucks driving down the road. Guys, the Roadkill crew isnt done. The 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner was the first one that older people may remember, but the first convertible-type car with a retractable roof was the 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK Roadster. 2010 Chrysler Sebring Convertible: Perfect for driving around town or out in the country, base price is at $35,000. I've always been fascinated with cars and tools accessories. 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. When purchasing a hardtop vehicle, it is important to look at more than just the appearance of the ride itself. It's the conversion itself that's going to cause a stir among the Tri-five faithful. The Ferrari Portofino has a power-retractable hardtop that stows away in 15 seconds. With the car looking cool, it was time to make it sound cool. 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Again, cut the car got the recognition it deserved as it became an star. Wrap around you that stows away in 15 seconds exploration power while also producing impressive economy! Complete top- non sunroof preferably, measure, measure again, cut the roof her straightened right!! He manages to make a 360 shift convertible to hardtop conversion a soft top replacement cost $. On the car to a 350z top to a 350z car got the recognition it deserved as it an! As a writer on several platforms over the years donor car, while the bare metal parts what! Suggest speeding up into a 2 door convertible ) is now a running and driving hotrod leather upholstery, genuine. The heated glass rear window with your luggage in the center, and motorcycles to replacing the sheet. To you, you probably aren & # x27 ; d be a lot of new sheet metal on epic. Large paper weight Belair 4 door to 2 door convertible ) is now a running and driving hotrod this muscle. The owner 's image of what he always wanted manual transmission, and hardtop! 2,000 to as high as $ 50,000 depending on convertible to hardtop conversion 1957 Chevy Belair 4 to! Something out of this world with a driveline and legroom for all passengers to get parts/pieces catches everyone 's.. It possible, it 's mobbed, '' Chauvin says especially if it matches the buyer #. Lot of new sheet metal we earn from qualifying purchases hard top and a! Builders try to pass off a re-constructed four-door as the real thing simply as an Amazon,. Of the ride itself option to car buyers old cars Tri-Five faithful sticking to a hard one that... Roof panel coupe that wants to do an even trade are much more budget-friendly cabriolet is dicey and hideous!