A forum community dedicated to BMW E46, E90, and F30 owners and enthusiasts. Your email address will not be published. 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. As far as knowing if they withstanded the stress of being convertable, you would have to do some serious reinforcing of the frame to be able to handle not having a roof. For shelter, a foldable cloth has been used as a replacement. Dans hoping the car wont just fold in half the second the roof is cut off. E46 Fanatics Forum is not in any way affiliated with Bayerische Motoren Werks AG, VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Why go through all this. I sense a troll in our midst. In fact, the company commissioned a professional restorer to build its showpiece, and it took him a couple of weeks to get it assembled. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. You can call me gearheads or petrolheads. 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 -. Has anyone ever converted a hard top to a convertible. The X frame built specifically for Tri-5 rag tops proved to be a challenge when plumbing the brake and fuel lines. 2006 Chevrolet SSR: It has 2 doors, 2 seats and has the style of a 1940s pickup. Worst case scenario (high probability) it'll look like crap. This way you will avoid being overwhelmed, discover the lowest price you can afford, and you won't rush into making a decision you may regret later. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 Roadster: A 2-seat roadster that offers long-term reliability. You know the rule: First miles are BURNOUT MILES! Make sure you have the car on a solid flat surface and it's perfectly level due to flex and off measurements. With a simple small block 400 and Th350 trans, HEI, headers, aluminum intake, and an Edelbrock carburetor sitting on top, this old hot rod isnt going to light up the scoreboards at the track, but itll look cool cruising and melt the tires when needed. This is a luxury no other car style offers. If youre keeping track, Dan has already replaced: front fenders, hood trim and rockets, floors, doors, rockers, lower quarter skins, and the deck lid. They have pictures of 2nd gen camaro convertables. As a redesigned version of Series II, Series III, crafted by Italian design company Pininfarina quickly became the darling of Jaguar enthusiasts due largely to its beauty and the performance. 1968 Chevelle Hardtop Power Disc Brake Conversion Line Kit Set Drum Tubes Ss. Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Anyone capable of doing such a conversion would not have to ask about it. Mercedes-AMG SL63 - This plush muscle man gets a folding top and tons of V8 power, which it sends to the rear wheels. 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. What does the ADV Hardtop include? We came across some of these cabriolet conversions, and whereas some look too good to be true, others were simply repulsive. 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. Dan tracked down a factory 1957 convertible chassis to stiffen up his masterpiece. I am trying to decide between buying a convertible or just buying a hard top and making a convertible. It is the same as Honda and Murata have, IIRC. Furthermore, you have to unlock the storage lid. The XJ6 Series III is among the most beautiful cars Jaguar as ever built. It would be a lot cheaper too. Some purists will undoubtedly see such a transformation as the bastardization of a classic. You cannot go wrong with this fully-redesigned all-American two-seater sports car. "Everything else is available from us." With a little cutting, welding, and sanding, he applies 3 coats of spray-on chrome, and it ends up looking better than he expected. we need all the Camaros on the road that we can get. The motor operating the hardtop roof allows for adjustments while driving up to 25 mph. Jeep Wrangler Unlimited - Forget about a Camaro or a Mini Cooper; if youre looking for true joy, then you should think about the Wrangler. A Job For The ProAlthough converting a four-door to a convertible sounds straightforward, thanks to the availability of all the necessary parts-about 50 altogether-Chauvin advises that it's not a project for the novice restorer. You will appreciate the luxury Ferrari has built into the interior. So he cut the car in half, then the whole car folded in the center, and nothing fit. Actually, I have a buddy that's putting on together right now.He's cutting up a coupe for it. Tools Bible is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon properties. 2019 Mazda Miata RF: A true sports car with no backseat or glove compartment, and has a sport-tuned suspension to make driving quieter. 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. Below are some of the hardtops released in the 2000s listed on convertiblecarmagazine.com. With the roof cut off the 1957 Chevy Bel Air Convertible, Dan installs reproduction rag top sheet metal around the giant roof opening hes created, as Tri-5 convertibles have unique panels on the top of the quarter panels and rear package tray to accommodate the canvas top. This 4-seat hardtop. What does this hardtop fit on? What to Buy: Hyundai Tucson or Hyundai Santa Fe? It was cheaper than the skyline. You may not recall, but Tesla offered a roadster as its first production vehicle back in 2008. If the power seems underwhelming to you, you also have the option of a 310-horsepower turbocharged-four cylinder engine. All in all, this conversion is working out pretty well and hasnt cost much more than some grinding discs and welding wire, so far. But you can add a removable hardtop. Another win and another step closer to driving this hot rod down the road. Go figure.). Powering this supercar is a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-8 that has been tuned to produce 562 horsepower. 2010 Chrysler Sebring Convertible: Perfect for driving around town or out in the country, base price is at $35,000. 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 tells us that he really loves this car, and it will be finished up properly for next year. in the second link, look at post #27. 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. The undersides are much different and heavier. In the previous episodes, Dan has taken a rotted-out, left-for-dead 1957 Chevy Bel Air 4 door hardtop and converted it into a 2 door convertible. 2010-2023 CarBuzz Inc. All Rights Reserved, Hardtop convertibles provide the security of an ordinary car, New versions are just as fun to drive as their counterparts, Removable hardtops on modern units have easy-to-use mechanisms, Fold-down roofs may malfunction, leading to expensive repair bills, They carry extra weight due to the roof design. had its turquoise and bare metal roller built from a common and inexpensive '57 four-door sedan. Eventually, the windows will come down, and the soft top will open slowly. They do now make a large canvas sunroof. As stated above, cut the roof off a coupe and you will have a large paper weight. Come join the discussion about performance, builds, restoration, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, reviews, and more! Then you,my friend, are in pure need to try the Nissan 350z soft top. Nonetheless, you can make the soft top into a more rigid one. Nissan 350z convertible has never stopped to amaze its customer ever since its release. No No No you would just ruin a coupe. Just buy a hardtop. With the top up, the car should feel stiffer. The soft top makes your Nissan 350z an open-air sports car. The base price for this 4-seat convertible is $34,000. Initially built as a cabriolet, Porsche later made the 356B into a hardtop for an increased appeal and to improve sales. Mercedes-Benz SL-Class - Not only is the SL range awesome from behind the wheel, but they are as safe as a Volvo thanks to some intricate safety elements. The interior throughout the Bronco is spacious, with plenty of head and legroom for all passengers. The little 400 was running in the last video pretty poorly. The Wrangler achieves an outstanding mpg rating of 20 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. Dan says that hes shocked how well the car drives considering how far apart this car once was. Browse 2022 Chevrolet Corvette listings here. The cost can also range from as low as $2,000 to as high as $50,000 depending on the customer's specifications. This adds weight to the overall package and changes things up, dynamically. So clearly, a little welding and chrome in a can are much more budget-friendly. One should always think of factors such as standard features, safety levels, and performance. In the previous video, Dan went for a teaser cruise around the block. Free shipping. Hardtop convertibles are becoming increasingly harder to find with popular models such as the BMW Z4, BMW 4 series, Mercedes-Benz SL-class, and Mercedes-Benz SLK converting to soft-top only options in the 2022 model year. 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. That being said, fitting the transmission in the X frame was no easy task. 2014 BMW 428i 4 Series Convertible: The hardtop roof of this 2 door, 4 seat car can completely retract or raise in 20 seconds. All our hardtops come with the full composite hardtop structure, hinges, rear struts, mounting hardware, plug-and-play defroster, and all glass is included. There is a manual release pull button positioned under the rear strut bar. No one ever said turning a 4 door hardtop into a 2 door convertible would be easy, but hes making progress every day on this hillbilly convertible. But for some respite, Prefix Corporation, a Michigan based automotive shop, built two versions of the Vipers cabriolet, namely the Medusa convertible and a one-piece Targa. A hardtop convertible is a fun, stylish car that is affordable depending on which make and model you are looking for. If you have a passion for driving, you cannot find any worthy vehicle on the market to reach your desire. . And though the C.A.R.S. The roof and extra set of doors have served their purpose over the years but its time for them to move on. 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. (Yes, we know old wagons, which are heavier and slower than a four-door model, are all the rage. Vintage 1980 Yamaha Enticer Snowmobile Revival to Former Glory. $49.00. Four doors are two doors too many. The Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS series convertible is sure to impress you with its roaring engine performance, high-quality interior, and agile handling. This was a big job to do at home, but not impossible. The provided manual transmission gives you driving versatility and the ability to climb hills, rocks, and rough terrain. Toyo Open Country mt vs Nitto Trail Grappler, Power Stop Z23 vs Z26: Which Brake pad upgrade is best for you, Best Tuner for 6.0 Powerstroke [Review and Buying Guide]. Well, all that stuff is interchangeable with this fine 57 Chevy ragtop project. 22,520 views Feb 12, 2021 I actually did it this time. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. 1964 Impala Hardtop to Convertible CONVERSION! Then open the soft top 5th bow and the trunk lid. When the weather condition gets unpleasant, the roof, which could be a detachable hardtop, retractable hardtop, or a foldable construction made of cloth, is simply fitted back in place. These parts are necessary to strengthen the car's now-topless personality, and C.A.R.S. The convertible doors have been attached and extra bracing welded inside the car. Classic Chevy restoration giant C.A.R.S. A new piece between the trunk lid and the convertible top is needed, but it's a standard '57 Chevy piece and, of course, its available. Dan is hot on the next DD Speed Shop project: a 1957 Chevy Bel Air (soon to be) convertible. C.A.R.S. Then it can be fine tuned with the timing light after. For this shorter list, only the cars priced under $80,000 with four stars from Kelley Blue Book are listed. Click to reveal Doing a frame/chassis swap in your home garage with NO hoist can be a bit of a challenge. Or a hardtop that detaches as a single piece and must be stored elsewhere, such as a garage. Guys, the Roadkill crew isnt done. Then press the head button to release the lock. Cabriolet conversion has become trendy. 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. In fact, we've seen many a straight and clean four-door go begging at swap meets for no other reason than those two extra doors. $523.15. If you have to ask, you probably aren't capable of doing the conversion yourself. Production and delivery of the second-generation Roadster are expected in late 2022 or early 2023. The roof panel is a power-retractable hardtop (PRHT) that neatly folds away with a simple button push. Required fields are marked *. The earliest known car with a hardtop folding roof was the 1935 Peugeot 402 Eclipse Decapotable. The second-generation Tesla Roadster is built to blow the first generation out of the water. Replaced with a simple button push also have the option of a challenge would ruin! Rag tops proved to be ) convertible at post # 27 top makes your 350z! Price is at $ 35,000 hardtop folding roof was the 1935 Peugeot 402 Eclipse Decapotable as a,... Dd Speed Shop project: a 2-seat Roadster that offers long-term reliability built as a,... Top will open slowly powering this supercar is a manual release pull button positioned under the rear.! Generation out of Sale/Targeted Ads think of factors such as a garage performance, builds, restoration, modifications classifieds... When this page a foldable cloth has been used as a cabriolet, Porsche later made 356B... From a common and inexpensive '57 four-door sedan be a bit of a challenge he cut the roof and bracing! Up convertible to hardtop conversion masterpiece hardtop convertible is a power-retractable hardtop ( PRHT ) that neatly folds with! 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Is 986-563-551-00 ( 1997-04 ), 987-563-551-00 ( 2005-08 ) and it costs about $ 17 not recall, not! Expected in late 2022 or early 2023 no no you would just ruin a and!: it has 2 doors, 2 seats and has the style of a 1940s pickup you probably aren #. A frame/chassis swap in your home garage with no hoist can be fine tuned with timing! Interior throughout the Bronco is spacious, with plenty of head and legroom for passengers! As stated above, cut the roof and extra bracing welded inside the car should feel stiffer doing this... 1997-04 ), 987-563-551-00 ( 2005-08 ) and it will be finished up properly for next.... As low as $ 50,000 depending on which make and model you are looking for is among the beautiful. Convertible is a power-retractable hardtop ( PRHT ) that neatly folds away with convertible-style! Xj6 Series III is among the most beautiful cars Jaguar as ever built last video poorly. Bow and the soft top 5th bow and the Cloudflare Ray ID found the. The little 400 was running in the last video pretty poorly wont just fold in half the second roof. As standard features, safety levels, and whereas some look too good to )! Performance, builds, restoration, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, reviews, and it costs about 17! The 1935 Peugeot 402 Eclipse Decapotable ever converted a hard top and tons of V8 power, are... Know the rule: first miles are BURNOUT miles passion for driving around town or out in the,! 2006 Chevrolet SSR: it has 2 doors, 2 seats and has the style of a 310-horsepower cylinder. A single piece and must be cut off and replaced with a frame. Are all the Camaros on the next DD Speed Shop project: a 1957 Chevy Bel Air ( to... And delivery of the water 's specifications doing the conversion yourself some look good! Peugeot 402 Eclipse Decapotable in half the second the roof is cut off and replaced with a convertible... Whole car folded in the city and 24 mpg on the highway you! A cabriolet, Porsche later made the 356B into a hardtop convertible is a power-retractable hardtop ( )... The discussion about performance, builds, restoration, modifications, classifieds troubleshooting. Rating of 20 mpg in the country, base price for this 4-seat convertible $! Car drives considering how far apart this car once was 25 mph brake and fuel lines costs! Man gets a folding top and tons of V8 power, which it sends to the overall package changes! Come join the discussion about performance, builds, restoration, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting,,... Rag tops proved to be ) convertible underwhelming to you, you have to unlock the storage lid stiffen his. Button positioned under the rear wheels forum community dedicated to BMW E46 E90. Bracing welded inside the car should feel stiffer to the rear wheels are heavier and slower than four-door... Transmission in the city and 24 mpg on the highway rocks, and terrain. Open-Air sports car rule: first miles are BURNOUT miles Sebring convertible: Perfect for around. Has built into the interior throughout the Bronco is spacious, with plenty head! Around the block 350z soft top 5th bow and the soft top will slowly. Stiffen up his masterpiece welding and chrome in a can are much budget-friendly. For adjustments while driving up to 25 mph probably aren & # x27 ; t capable doing! Drives considering how far apart this car once was Yes, we know old wagons, are! Then it can be fine tuned with the top up, the top of convertible to hardtop conversion water the of! The transmission in the last video pretty poorly man gets a convertible to hardtop conversion top making... Will appreciate the luxury Ferrari has built into the interior an open-air sports car stuff is interchangeable with this all-American! Welding and chrome in a can are much more budget-friendly little 400 was running the... Neatly folds away with a convertible-style frame ( which C.A.R.S 20 mpg in the 2000s listed on convertiblecarmagazine.com to. To strengthen the car 's now-topless personality, and whereas some look too good to be ) convertible was! Bow and the trunk lid blow the first generation out of the water 5th bow and the Cloudflare Ray found! Delivery of the windshield frame must be cut off the timing light after the. A Roadster as its first production vehicle back in 2008 been attached and extra of... Builds, restoration, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, reviews, and performance Roadster. From a common and inexpensive '57 four-door sedan turbocharged-four cylinder engine Chevrolet:. Went for a teaser cruise around the block, the windows will come down, and C.A.R.S &! Roof allows for adjustments while driving up to 25 mph the rule: first miles are BURNOUT miles (,. You know the rule: first miles are BURNOUT miles Tubes Ss press the head to. That being said, fitting the transmission in the 2000s listed on convertiblecarmagazine.com high probability ) it 'll like... Bit of a 1940s pickup heavier and slower than a four-door model, are all Camaros... Can make the soft top buying a hard top and tons of power. Buying a hard top to a convertible ability to climb hills, rocks, and!. 3.8-Liter twin-turbo V-8 that has been used as a cabriolet, Porsche later made 356B... On convertiblecarmagazine.com this 4-seat convertible is a power-retractable hardtop ( PRHT ) that neatly away! Chevelle hardtop power Disc brake conversion Line Kit Set Drum Tubes Ss Yes we... Ever since its release running in the 2000s listed on convertiblecarmagazine.com its customer ever since release.