:wavey: G'day mate, I wouldn't know where to start but I would love to see the result keeps us poste:anim_25:d
Making a convertible
I have a 55 Belair post. I want to make it a convertible. I want to keep the top and make it a hard top convertible. Has anyone done this. How big of project is this> Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Belairman
Belairman
1 - 14 of 14 Posts
I have a 55 Belair post. I want to make it a convertible. I want to keep the top and make it a hard top convertible. Has anyone done this. How big of project is this> Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Belairman
If u do this, keepus posted and post lots of pics ,:anim_25:
Starting with a hard top wouldn't be all that difficult, Starting with a sedan would be a whole can of worms. Frame modifcation, doors, quarters, IF you have enough money, it can be done but you are going to end up using the cowl and front clip, everthing else is pretty much different. A few years ago, CARS took a 4 dr sedan and made it into a convertible. Several places now offer a complete sheet metal kit for one in the 30,000 dollar range.I have a 55 Belair post. I want to make it a convertible. I want to keep the top and make it a hard top convertible. Has anyone done this. How big of project is this> Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Belairman
IMO....please don't cut the five five postStarting with a hard top wouldn't be all that difficult, Starting with a sedan would be a whole can of worms. Frame modifcation, doors, quarters, IF you have enough money, it can be done but you are going to end up using the cowl and front clip, everthing else is pretty much different. A few years ago, CARS took a 4 dr sedan and made it into a convertible. Several places now offer a complete sheet metal kit for one in the 30,000 dollar range.
Hard Top convertible was a Nickname given to the Sports Coupe and Sport Sedan That came out in the early fifties. The first truly hard top convertible was the Ford Skyliner in 57.
What is it that you want to convert the sedan into? It'll be a long and difficult project I am sure.
Jim
What is it that you want to convert the sedan into? It'll be a long and difficult project I am sure.
Jim
didnt the convertables have a X frame or something like that.
It's your car, but usually cutting the roof of a car is its death sentence.
The low rider guys been converting. Not your year but here's some examples
(61 chevy)
http://www.layitlow.com/forums/index...owtopic=551370
(63 chevy)
http://www.layitlow.com/forums/index...owtopic=417171
(61 chevy)
http://www.layitlow.com/forums/index...pic=345870&hl=
(62 chevy)
http://www.layitlow.com/forums/index...pic=342842&hl=
(61 buick into 61 chevy very informative)
http://www.layitlow.com/forums/index...owtopic=438570
(61 chevy)
http://www.layitlow.com/forums/index...owtopic=551370
(63 chevy)
http://www.layitlow.com/forums/index...owtopic=417171
(61 chevy)
http://www.layitlow.com/forums/index...pic=345870&hl=
(62 chevy)
http://www.layitlow.com/forums/index...pic=342842&hl=
(61 buick into 61 chevy very informative)
http://www.layitlow.com/forums/index...owtopic=438570
Your links didn't work, I edited them in the quote and fixed them..The low rider guys been converting. Not your year but here's some examples
(61 chevy)
http://www.layitlow.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=551370
(63 chevy)
http://www.layitlow.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=417171
(61 chevy)
http://www.layitlow.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=345870
(62 chevy)
http://www.layitlow.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=342842
(61 buick into 61 chevy very informative)
http://www.layitlow.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=438570
Well, here is some positive reinforcement. Difficult, yes. Time consuming, yes. Expensive, probably so. Kool, why h e l l yes. I think that if you don't persue your dreams, happiness will be lost.
All it takes is a plan. Exicute that plan. DO IT!
All it takes is a plan. Exicute that plan. DO IT!
Thanks. I have always wanted a convertible and I thought why not. My body is in great shape. I have already media blasted both the frame and body. I have the drive train on the frame, 6 liter witha 4L80E trans. I thought if I found a good fabricator, I could cutt the top off and make it a convertible. I am aware of the X crossmember needed for the frame, I was not sure what else I would need for the body. I am not making a rag top. I would like to keep the top off as much as possbible. I thought if the top was done correctly, it would be somewhat easy to make it a hard top.
Do you have much expericence with the convertible. Thanks for your response
Darryl
Do you have much expericence with the convertible. Thanks for your response
Darryl
Where is Hafrod?
He cut the top off a 55.
He cut the top off a 55.
As an alternative to the X
![]()
consideration may be given to an AME center brace unit. It would be every bit as stout as stock and eaiser to obtain.Thanks. I have always wanted a convertible and I thought why not. My body is in great shape. I have already media blasted both the frame and body. I have the drive train on the frame, 6 liter witha 4L80E trans. I thought if I found a good fabricator, I could cutt the top off and make it a convertible. I am aware of the X crossmember needed for the frame, I was not sure what else I would need for the body. I am not making a rag top. I would like to keep the top off as much as possbible. I thought if the top was done correctly, it would be somewhat easy to make it a hard top.
Do you have much expericence with the convertible. Thanks for your response
Darryl
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