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| j3studio | [Semi] Idle Question: How Hard To Convert Coupe To Convertible? | ||
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Elite Guru
 
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How hard is it to convert a shark coupe to a convertible?
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Posted on: 2012/8/29 12:34
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Grace, 2003 50th Anniversary Convertible |
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| Durango_Boy | Re: [Semi] Idle Question: How Hard To Convert Coupe To Convertible? | ||
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Elite Guru
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I've seen a few threads on it so it's a searchable topic on sites like CF and DC. From what I read it's VERY involved.
Not even just the body work required, which is considerable, the frame will need to be strengthened to make up for losing the upper structure of the birdcage. I've never done, never wanted to, and will probably turn down a friend if they ask me to help. I guess I don't even really see the point. The tops already come off and the rear windows can be removable like I did to mine very easily. You'll lose all the storage area when the top is down, and all the safety if the car flips. Even structurally modified...the frame will still twist and flex reducing the handling capabilities. My advice...though not requested, is to buy a convertible if you want a convertible. |
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Posted on: 2012/8/29 12:47
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| TommyT-Bone | Re: [Semi] Idle Question: How Hard To Convert Coupe To Convertible? | ||
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Chair-man of the bored
 
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Just wondering .... Is there a secondary issue? (like corrosion of the birdcage). I seem to remember reading that th expense of conversion didn't justify the cost. What are the structural differences between the coupe and convertible? I imagine structurally there must be additional frame bracing to offset flex from the loss of the coupes structure. |
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Posted on: 2012/8/29 12:52
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| j3studio | Re: [Semi] Idle Question: How Hard To Convert Coupe To Convertible? | ||
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Elite Guru
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Quote:
Thanks for the (extensive) input.  Andy would be shocked (and perhaps appalled  ), but the reason this question is getting asked is that we have long term plans to heavily modify a C3. Since modification means we don't have care about original equipment, the goal is to spend as little as possible on purchasing the car itself: and coupes are cheaper than convertibles. If the conversion will cost more than the difference in price and/or cause real problems, that's obviously not a real savings. |
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Posted on: 2012/8/29 12:54
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Grace, 2003 50th Anniversary Convertible |
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| bogus | Re: [Semi] Idle Question: How Hard To Convert Coupe To Convertible? | ||
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Grand Imperial Pooh-Bah
 
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John - If you ARE going that route, get the SRIII motorsports frame. That sucker WILL support a vert much better than any mods done to the OEM frame.
And you can add things like C4 or C5 suspensions and drivelines. The SRIII includes roll cages and such to reinforce safety. Might not be able to use a top tho... At this point, think wide body and really go to town. I am sure you can find used clips or even a frontally wrecked vert to use as the basis for the body transplant. |
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Posted on: 2012/8/29 18:26
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The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place. - George Bernard Shaw Education is the best tool to overcome irrational fear. - me |
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| Durango_Boy | Re: [Semi] Idle Question: How Hard To Convert Coupe To Convertible? | ||
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Elite Guru
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Anyone got prices on the SRIII frames lately?
I seem to remember the frame costing near $5K. |
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Posted on: 2012/8/29 18:49
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| bogus | Re: [Semi] Idle Question: How Hard To Convert Coupe To Convertible? | ||
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Grand Imperial Pooh-Bah
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yea, so? It's no more expensive than a restored OEM frame... or a new build OEM frame.
If you are going nuts, dude, go all the way or stay home. Figure it this way... the chassis are more like $7k now, but still, the ease they provide for assembly makes them a no brainer for a hot rod. And they have the rigidity of a Banjo Matthews stock car chassis. |
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Posted on: 2012/8/29 20:09
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The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place. - George Bernard Shaw Education is the best tool to overcome irrational fear. - me |
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| BrianCunningham | Re: [Semi] Idle Question: How Hard To Convert Coupe To Convertible? | ||
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Senior Guru
 
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The shop that worked on my Corvette made a C5Z06 'vert a while back.
Can be done. Would have been easier (and cheaper) to put and LS6 into a 'vert. |
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Posted on: 2012/8/29 22:10
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| BillH | Re: [Semi] Idle Question: How Hard To Convert Coupe To Convertible? | ||
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The Stig Moderator
 
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Quote:
Wellllllllllll, I'll only disagree about the dollars. Restoring an OEM frame is about a grand (bare frame). The SRII is $6,800, a $5,800 difference. But, for a restomod it's the best way to go, the best frames in the business. The SRII with brakes & C4 suspension is $13,800. Attach file:  560_Midyear_super_tub_with_Baer_brakes_3.jpg (0.00 KB) |
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Posted on: 2012/8/29 22:53
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| bogus | Re: [Semi] Idle Question: How Hard To Convert Coupe To Convertible? | ||
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Grand Imperial Pooh-Bah
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Quote:
Comparing a C3 structure to a C5 structure is beyond apples and oranges. The only common ground they share is a name. |
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Posted on: 2012/8/30 0:30
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The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place. - George Bernard Shaw Education is the best tool to overcome irrational fear. - me |
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| bogus | Re: [Semi] Idle Question: How Hard To Convert Coupe To Convertible? | ||
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Grand Imperial Pooh-Bah
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Quote:
ok, I stand corrected on the $$. I thought OEM frames were pricier than that. |
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Posted on: 2012/8/30 0:31
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The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place. - George Bernard Shaw Education is the best tool to overcome irrational fear. - me |
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| j3studio | Re: [Semi] Idle Question: How Hard To Convert Coupe To Convertible? | ||
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Elite Guru
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Thanks for all the good information and thoughts, folks!
More things to consider ... |
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Posted on: 2012/8/30 0:40
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Grace, 2003 50th Anniversary Convertible |
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| bogus | Re: [Semi] Idle Question: How Hard To Convert Coupe To Convertible? | ||
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Grand Imperial Pooh-Bah
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John - if you want, I can give you a ring over the weekend. I have done some research on this for other (marginally) interested parties and have a ton to download.
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Posted on: 2012/8/30 1:28
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The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place. - George Bernard Shaw Education is the best tool to overcome irrational fear. - me |
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| BillH | Re: [Semi] Idle Question: How Hard To Convert Coupe To Convertible? | ||
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The Stig Moderator
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Quote:
That's to restore the frame that comes on the car you buy. It's not a real big deal, you either have it sandblasted or dipped (which is much better). Than just have it painted. You can do thet easily for $1k without doing any work yourself. And you can spray the inside of the frame rails before paint for about $60. It's all the pieces that bolt to the frame that takes a lot of time and money dependent on how much work you do yourself. But you can get the suspension on (not counting a rear end rebuild) for $2,500 easily, all parts new or rebuilt, shocks, springs, trailing arms & a-arms. Example - a rusty, rebuildable trailing arm with axle, wheelbearings, parking brakes,etc. comes back brand new for $360.00 |
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Posted on: 2012/8/30 1:44
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Every man dies but not every man lives. |
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| BillH | Re: [Semi] Idle Question: How Hard To Convert Coupe To Convertible? | ||
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The Stig Moderator
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Complete, NEW 69-74 Corvette frame - $4,095
Vette Products of Michigan |
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Posted on: 2012/8/30 14:52
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Every man dies but not every man lives. |
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