1980-1982 Convertible Conversion

[vmrod]

Wow!!! I am almost tempted to do that! I want a 4-speed so so bad! And I also want the body style of a 80-82, so so bad! ...and I also would like to be legally cat free so so bad!! I could even do an engine swap! WAAAAAHHHH!!!!

I hope it goes to a good home!

 

[Corvette Craig]

Chris - I like your thinking.

5 problems.
Payments: my car, her car, kids college, pool and finally the house.
Not to mention the regular everyday cash crunches.
My Vettes payed for, and it needs to stay that way, at least until the house is payed off in 4 years. Maybe then I'll look into the conversion, who knows.
Funny how life works - one year everythings roses (cash wise)
next year - broke???
That's O.K. though, the overall financial plan (strapped now - better off later) will eventually come into it's own.
Your friends car sounds great, and the trip to Florida sounds even better right now, It's getting colder and colder everyday in the midwest, and I sure could use some of that famous
FLORIDA SUNSHINE:cool

 

[topless82vette]

corvette craig

the conversion can be done for around 1700 if you do the work yourself, a 74-75 vert upper rear deck costs 600.00 you can buy a declid for about a 100.00 and a hardtop for around 400.00 and minor odd stuff to finish it for about 500.00, everything is on your car to mount a soft top as well as the hinged decklid, I did a a rear clip replacement on mine and a upper deck replacement in my opinion is the easiest way to do it, if you have alot of patience you can do it on your own

 

[80convertible]

I love having the late C3 body as a vert. Because my car is titled as a 73, I am emission exempt. I know of several vettes shops that said they can make this conversion at an affordable price. A local hotrod shop owner made his 73 into a vert by custom fabbing the rear clip. Don't know what he charges.

Anyway, I just love this thread. I do hope to many people decide to creat a lot model vert. I like my car being unique.

Jim

 

[Vette 76]

Vert. conversion

To convert a C3 coupe into a convertible is not too difficult but takes a great deal of patience and attention to detail. I am just completing the metal and fiberglass work having done this to a 72 coupe. I had a 68 rear vert. clip that I used and spent most of a year researching and gathering correct parts and tools so that I could make the conversion seamless. I have always wanted a BB vert. early C3. I just finished a total restoration of a 76 (back to stock) so I wanted to rebuild my 72 the way I have always wanted. It will have a 500hp 468 (block date j-10-72, but not original to car) large tires and wheels and a roll bar. I am using 78 seats because they are quite abit more comfortable than the 72s but am keeping most of the old 72 parts. It will be triple black. I am rather slow but sure having fun! Vette 76

 

[KANE]

This is the question I have-
What makes the rear clip of the convertibles stronger?

Now, I am just assuming that there are differences between the coupe and convertable in the structural integrety department. Maybe a few differences, but couldn't you just add frame butresses in the right places?

Is it worth it- really, to use a convertable clip- or is it because most of the parts are already there (like deck lid, etc)?

I have a coupe and mine doesn't leak at the T-top seals (water just comes in onto the carpet from wiskers on the door seals), so its not like I want any more water issues from say a BAD convertible conversion. Besides, I like the T-tops and the big glass in the back.

I am interested in what make the clip better on the 'vert.

 

[Vette 76]

Vert conversion

The coupe rear clip is of course stronger than the vert. However, After cutting the top off and making some minor strength modifications you can have the same stress tolerance as an original vert. I used the 68 rear clip because it had the correct rear view mirror mount and rag top latch mouldings and had all the correct vert hardware ( springs decklid, clips etc.) It also is necessary to use a brace above the #4 body mount inside the clip to attach the decklid springs properly. I also had a 75 vert rear clip. To answer your question, beginning 70-75 there is a door alignment pin that anchors the door to the pillar post when closed. Also there is a small gusset brace behing the rag top holes in the pillar post that attaches to the rear inner clip. These parts were not on the 68-9. I used them from the 75 vert clip to give added strength. I am adding a 1 5/8" chrome moly roll bar that will attach there also with small hoops over and behind each seat. I will also attach at the base near the # 3 body mounts. On your coupe, If you remove the rear inner trim on the pillar post you will find the same 2 holes there that are used to fasten a rag top to a vert. It is important to make your cut above these holes and to properly reinforce behind them to give the same stress tolerance as original. I am really pleased how it turned out and didn't feel it was very difficult--just time consuming . I am getting rather lengthy so I will stop. Hope this was helpful. Good luck! Vette 76

 

[beige81]

convertible conversion

I would be very interested in converting my 81 into a rag-top. who, where, and how much?

 

[vmrod]

do a search within the forum(s) on 'convertible'. Chris (69myway) had an awesome deal. It was a convertible, 1981 style body, 4-speed, 1974 no cats required!!!

I was almost ready to sell my car and pick that on up!

 

[R80convertible]

1980 Convertible

How many members have a 1980-82 convertible