[andrewdrexler]

Hello everyone, I am new to the forums and have a question. I have a 65 ruststang coupe whos top is more rust than metal. I am intrested in removing the top and converting it to a convertable (try saying that 5 times fast). I know that there are additional structural braces that were installed in the factory to brace up the frame, but I would like to ask if anyone knows of a conversion kit or a book detailing the process.

[Veronica]

Hello.WelcomeI think that you will find that what you are considering is veeery expensive.A convertible has a different windshield and 'A' pillars.It has different rocker panels.The door windows are different.Everything in the interior behind the front buckets is different.You'll be needing the entire top assembly.There are structural differences in the area of the quarter window regulators.The entire floor pan is different to accomodate that extra bracing that you mentioned.It would be cheaper to sell your car and buy a convertible.Something that you might not have considered would be to buy a coupe with a blown up motor,no tranny,rusted out floor and cowl area,interior missing and has had the front end of the car smashed in a wreck,but has a solid roof and cut that off and weld it onto your car.But to answer your actual question,no,there is no 'kit' for that.The box with the kit in it contains a convertible. Hope that helps.And again,welcome.

[andrewdrexler]

Thanks.. Thought I could get away with a cheaper fix, but I guess it was a case of the cure being more expensive than the problem. Looks like I will be scouring the junk yards locally to find a donor car. Thank you again

[Cracker289]

One of my Mustang catalogs sells the kit for $2500, to turn a coupe into a convertible. They also sell a retractable kit, to turn it into a retractable hard-top convertible. Pretty cool, I don't remember the price. They both come with all the neccesary peices to strengthen the chassis, etc.