Can I convert my 2000 hardtop to convertible?

black6stic · 02-15-2005

I'm reconstructing my 2000 coupe. Can I convert my hardtop to convertible? How much work is involved? Is it worth it? Can't I put a manual top on and install quarter window motors and get the necessarty parts to complete it? Hardtop is cool, but itwill be be alot cooler with a drop!!!

Fiat Freak · 02-16-2005

Anything is possible, but you are asking for WAY too much work.

You'll need to put on substantial frame stiffeners (if they'll work sufficiently). You'll need a different back seat, and will lose about 20% of your available trunk space. The windshield frame will have to be replaced (possibly the windshield as well). New quarter panels for the back window areas. New seatbelt retractors and plastic trim around the entire back seat area. Not to mention rewiring the trunk and driver's center console (requiring another large plastic part). Somewhere you'll need to find a 'vert frame complete with sidelights.

Many rag tops use a larger gauge of body (and body support) steel to add stiffness to counteract the loss of rigidity by not having a roof. The '05 incorporates this concept to the tune of an additional 120# worth of heaver gauge metal parts.

Unless you are a Jesse James, you'll be frustrated all the way, and end up with a pile of metal parts...sagging frame...and disappointment all around your shop floor.

You'd be money, time, and frustrations ahead by buying a delapadated rag top and restoring it. Trust me, it is worth the time and effort to do so. I've done it.

found50 · 02-24-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fiat Freak

Anything is possible, but you are asking for WAY too much work..

I agree.

I would never consider converting a hardtop to vert, on a car that can be purchased as a vert. Try calling a shop and asking what they'd charge ($12K +) figure how much work that is. When I was younger I dreamed about converting my first car (78 T-Bird) and found out really quick that it's just not practical. Like Fiat Freak said, get a convertibloe that you can rebuild, I think it will be MUCH easier.

As a side note, VERTS ROCK!!! All my mustangs have been verts and I can't see it any other way. It's closer to flying (like an eagle), than driving. CHICKS DIG IT TOO!!!

02gtkev · 02-26-2005

It is a lot of work, but if you really want to have it done a good place to check into is Newport Coversions in California. they can do some pretty cool stuff to cars. Possibly even a hardtop convertible like the MBZ SLK?

sebastian · 02-27-2005

thats what i think would be awesome, a convertible hardtop...., im with everyone else, nothings immposible for the right price.

Fiat Freak · 02-28-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by found50

As a side note, VERTS ROCK!!! All my mustangs have been verts and I can't see it any other way. It's closer to flying (like an eagle), than driving. CHICKS DIG IT TOO!!!

STOP !! Please do not give out that secret again. In the interest of National Security, do not let anyone know that 'verts are King...........HRUMPH !! How could you?

spazzyfry123 · 03-05-2005

Why don't you just do the Targa conversion? It's like $1,500 or something...gonna cost you a lot less and its close to having the convertible:thumbsup
I personally just went ahead and got the convertible GT...That's the way to go

Jess · 03-05-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by 02gtkev

It is a lot of work, but if you really want to have it done a good place to check into is Newport Coversions in California. they can do some pretty cool stuff to cars. Possibly even a hardtop convertible like the MBZ SLK?

Does anyone know the phone number or website of Newport Conversitions etc..

Jess

Tominator · 03-05-2005

I'll venture a guess it's 800-$$$-$$$$....

Greg_Hager · 03-09-2005

http://www.newportconvertible.com/

They're NO WHERE close to being cheap....check out the cars on their website.

found50 · 03-09-2005

Put this into prespective...
To just replace a top, frame, rear window & headliner is around $4000,JUST TO REPLACE THEM!! You can buy a SN95 droptop project car for that much -- that's 100% drivable right now. And that's just replacment cost, you want to convert?? Times that by 5 at least to do it right,

you might just find a droptop Saleen for that price. And save thousands in performance mods...

You gotta be a teenager, it's cool to dream, but be smart with your money. Sh*t if you had that kind of money & invested that same $20,000 in a mutal fund right now @ 8% annual growth, in 55 years, you'd retire with almost $1.4 Million, that's with no work, hell if you got smart and in 10 years started moving it around a bite, bumped the growth to 10% for the last 45 years, you'd have +$3.1 Million!!! I'm just saying... (compound interest)

It seems you want to "hook up" your car, that's tight, you should, I'm just saying be smart with your money, don't dream about converting a car that can be bought factory with a drop top, it just doesn't make finacial sense.