Conversion of 57 hardtop to convertible

[KlassicResto57]

I am want to convert a two door hardtop to a convertible. Where would I find the instructions and pictures to complete this project?

[56ragtop]

Hi there, Just wondering how you went with the conversion. I am just about to do the same to a 56 post.

[chevman57]

I think the first order of business would be to worry about strengthening the frame before any cutting was done.
Terry

[L&L CUSTOM PERFORMANCE]

ALL THAT INFO AS WELL AS THE NEEDED PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE FROM CARS IN MICHIGAN. THEY ARE THE ONES SPEAR HEADING THOSE NEW ALL STEEL 57 CONVERTS. THEY BUILT THEIR ONE DISPLAY CAR FROM A 57 4 DOOR. GIVE THEM A CALL THEY ARE GREAT PEOPLE TO WORK WITH. I HAVE FOR 20 YEARS . DON'T GET MY TRI FIVE STUFF ANY WHERE ELSE. I JUST HOPE YOU REALIZE THIS A MAJOR UNDERTAKING BOTH IN FABRICATION AS WELL AS COST. YOU MIGHT BE BETTER OFF SELLING THE HARDTOP AND BUYING A CONVERT. JUST SOME THOUGHTS :D:D LATER LARRY
www.llcustomperformance.com

[Aussies57]

ALL THAT INFO AS WELL AS THE NEEDED PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE FROM CARS IN MICHIGAN. THEY ARE THE ONES SPEAR HEADING THOSE NEW ALL STEEL 57 CONVERTS. THEY BUILT THEIR ONE DISPLAY CAR FROM A 57 4 DOOR. GIVE THEM A CALL THEY ARE GREAT PEOPLE TO WORK WITH. I HAVE FOR 20 YEARS . DON'T GET MY TRI FIVE STUFF ANY WHERE ELSE. I JUST HOPE YOU REALIZE THIS A MAJOR UNDERTAKING BOTH IN FABRICATION AS WELL AS COST. YOU MIGHT BE BETTER OFF SELLING THE HARDTOP AND BUYING A CONVERT. JUST SOME THOUGHTS :D:D LATER LARRY
www.llcustomperformance.com

I see a lot of responding email stating to sell there hardtops or posts and buy a vert which is prob. the right way but i for one with the present times of economy could never find a convertible for under 15k suitable for full resto, but i think over a period of time i could buy the parts to convert a hardtop to a convertible, so if you had a hardtop and you where going to spend a year or 2 rebuilding it and spending money over that period of time wouldnt it be worth doing??? how much would the parts be 5-7 grand in sheet metal parts ??? just face it youR gonna buy a vert.cheap without having to replace alot of it !!!
:)

[557B210]

Hate be the wet blanket....However, I have to agree with the majority.....No matter what you do and how good a job....It will never be a "factory convertable", only a coverted _____...You will only decrease the resale value of the original car IMHO

[100%Chevy]

That's why I've been looking for a "Basket Case" convertible to rebuild a piece at a time.
I need all the conv. specific parts,vin and cowl tag.This will make it a "legal"and real conv.
I already have a hardtop donor,and a lot of parts,which will cut the cost considerably.
A lot of the so called restored conv. you see for sale have very few of the original parts left.Many of the parts are repro also.Or cobbled together from later model parts.Especially the top assemblies,and their mechanical parts.
All of which is a fine line between new,fake or restored.
Mike.:)

[SPSU55]

Hate be the wet blanket....However, I have to agree with the majority.....No matter what you do and how good a job....It will never be a "factory convertable", only a coverted _____...You will only decrease the resale value of the original car IMHO

Ditto

[hudsonsrule]

I was thinking of doing this to my 57 2DR. HDTP. The panels for the conversion run about 13K. go to the cars inc. web site they have a whole list of conversion parts needed at the front of there online manual. After all the sheet metal has been done you still need a bunch of stainless parts that are convertable only & only some of these are being reproduced the rest have to come off a doner convertable. If you still want to do it then start with the frame, add the x brace & the extra 2 body mounts, Put the frame back under the car before replacing sheet metal so every thing lines up. When replacing sheet metal only take off whats needed to do that section, under no circumstances take off all the metal that needs replacing & then start replacing the sheet metal as parts will not line up. Also I would leave the roof for last as this will help hold the body in position while replacing the bottom sheet metal.

[Aussies57]

so these $34,500 57 chevrolet chevrolet bodies that CARS INC have, are not really factory convertibles right?? i will continue building a 57 vert out of a hardtop , unrebuildable vert , and repo parts !!

[Aussies57]

I was thinking of doing this to my 57 2DR. HDTP. The panels for the conversion run about 13K. go to the cars inc. web site they have a whole list of conversion parts needed at the front of there online manual. After all the sheet metal has been done you still need a bunch of stainless parts that are convertable only & only some of these are being reproduced the rest have to come off a doner convertable. If you still want to do it then start with the frame, add the x brace & the extra 2 body mounts, Put the frame back under the car before replacing sheet metal so every thing lines up. When replacing sheet metal only take off whats needed to do that section, under no circumstances take off all the metal that needs replacing & then start replacing the sheet metal as parts will not line up. Also I would leave the roof for last as this will help hold the body in position while replacing the bottom sheet metal.

that is exacty how i was doing mine but the frame is custom coilover with mini tubs but the roof is last to go !!!

[Lloyd's 55]

It's yours. Do as you PEASE. Not mispelled, came from my 89 yr old mother. Lloyd

[100%Chevy]

Your mom's right,Lloyd!
Actually the hardtop is the better car to use(aside from the value),because you don't have to replace the outer quarters,doors,rockers,half the glass,etc.Frame has all but 2 of the body mounts in the right place(add the x-brace).You will have to replace the inner quarters,inner fenders,and the vent frame on the doors(4 door hardtop donors).Only the rear floor panels.And the windshield frame.
On sedans it gets much more involved.
Mike.:)

[hintons_rides]

Hey KlassicResto57,
We are doing a 1956 Chevrolet 2 dr hardtop to convertible in our shop now. Go over to page 3 and look for a thread started and it has pictures of the progress we have gotten done. This shortcut will take you there. Just copy and paste it and you will go to the thread or as I stated, go over to page 3 or maybe page 4 and you will see my thread on this subject.

http://www.trifive.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20044

It is a lot of work but very possible. If you would like to talk, send me a email or private message and I can give you some helpful information and what parts you can buy and will need. Ronnie

[1955CNV]

In regards to the 1955 and 1957 bodies that Cars, Shermans, Cross Canada, and a few other places sell, The cowl is original. The rest of the body is brand new sheetmetal.

[birdman417]

So, if i am to understand you...you have a perfectly decent 1957 chevrolet hardtop which you are not satisfied with so you are going to cut the top off of it and make it a convertible?

WHY?

IMO, there are so few of these cars left in any condition, to have any classic (40-60s cars) is wonderful. why isnt owning a 1957 chevrolet enough?...the quintessential car....when someone says "'57 chevy" this is the car they think of..but if thats not enough for you...then CARS is the place to go