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Topic: t/top to convt.

in Forum: C3 Body

t/top to convt.

Posted: 7/27/08 11:36pm Message 1 of 7
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ROTA, MP - USA
Joined: 5/11/2008
Posts: 59
Vette(s): 82 crossfire
Has any done this on like a 75-80?


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t/top to convt.

Posted: 7/28/08 1:58am Message 2 of 7
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Indianapolis, IN - USA
Joined: 9/3/2006
Posts: 2429
Vette(s): Silver 1974 Convertible - L82 4 speed Low miles (was only 8,900 when I bought it in March 2006) - Now 54K miles. Original owner bought it as an investment for son's college expenses. 2008 Jetstream Blue Convertible
There have been pictures of listings of cars for sale of a couple of 1980-82 "convertibles" posted here, but I don't think this is something that you would want to try.  To do it right, you'd need a donor convertible car and you would need to use most of that car and put it on the newer model.
 
IMHO, you'd be better off to find a nice convertible and modify it.  If you're looking for the styling of the 80-82, the 74 and 75 bodies would be able to take the nose and tail of that style with considerably less effort than a full convesion.



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t/top to convt.

Posted: 7/28/08 5:48am Message 3 of 7
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Horse Cave, KY - USA
Joined: 10/22/2007
Posts: 488
Vette(s): 1968 convertible; 1980 L-82
Technically, any C3 convertible can be converted to a coupe and any coupe can be converted to a convertible with the correct parts since both models were produced on the assembly line during the appropriate model years.  Neither conversion on an existing car would be a quickie.  My advice would be to purchase the assembly instruction manual for the year of your coupe, then purchase the AIM for one of the years convertibles were produced and compare convertible/coupe birdcage and body diagrams.  Knowing the differences between the two will help give you an understanding of what the conversion is going to take.
 
Expect the conversion to be expensive.
 
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6880Mike2008-07-28 05:49:56


t/top to convt.

Posted: 7/28/08 11:04am Message 4 of 7
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baton rouge, LA - USA
Joined: 8/12/2006
Posts: 391
Vette(s): 1981 dark metallic blue, dark doeskin leather interior, mirrored glass T Tops, 330hp/350ci GMPP crate engine, billeted aluminum serpentine system, Dewitts with dual spalls
There are several places that used to do it, but I think you would be better off buying a 74-75 and adding the nose and tail.  There were (2) guys down here that did approximately 80 of them and shipped them to Japan.  I still see them and they are great friends.
 
The cars looked great, but you talk abuot a lot of work and $$$$.  You would need the 75 decklid, a convertible frame and top.  the frame, used is in the neighborhood of $3 - $4K alone, not to mention painting the car, etc. 
 
I thought about doing that to my car and they quoted me $9,000.00 and about 10 months.  I cannot see doing it, as much as I love the drop top!
 
My .02
 
lol gurtz



t/top to convt.

Posted: 7/28/08 7:40pm Message 5 of 7
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ROTA, MP - USA
Joined: 5/11/2008
Posts: 59
Vette(s): 82 crossfire
Thanks for the advise. I will look out for a factory rag top!!


t/top to convt.

Posted: 7/28/08 7:49pm Message 6 of 7
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Klamath Falls, OR - USA
Joined: 2/1/2006
Posts: 1059
Vette(s): 74 coupe 4 speed 350, 54K actual miles, all original; paint, interior, engine, split bumper. #'s match. 2nd owner, no stress cracks.
If you want a good read and some pics, go to C3 at the CF and do a search
"convertible conversion". Geek

Also google C3 convertible conversion.
steves742008-07-29 07:09:43



Steve, Lifetime Member #129

74 coupe 4 speed 350, 54K actual miles,
all original; paint, interior, engine,
split  bumper. #'s match. 2nd owner, no stress cracks.

t/top to convt.

Posted: 7/29/08 7:31am Message 7 of 7
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Horse Cave, KY - USA
Joined: 10/22/2007
Posts: 488
Vette(s): 1968 convertible; 1980 L-82
[QUOTE=fcepguam]...I will look out for a factory rag top!!...[/QUOTE]
 
Now you're talkin'.
 
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