I was just wondering what it would take to convert my 72 to a convertable. I realize this would not be a easy project, but since i have to replace the quarter panels anyway and the roof looks prety bad under the vinal top this looked like it could be one hell of a project. The other realy out there idea i had was making a coustom t top chevelle as ive never seen a chevelle with t tops. (id prob try that before making it a convert)

It is "possible" but not realistic. In a nut shell you would need to have a convertiable as a parts car to make it. That doesn't make much sense does it? There is MUCH more than cutting off the roof. There are many convertible only parts welded on a convertible let alone the bolt on parts like the top its self, moldings and such.

If your car needs that much, look at it as a learning expericance or don't do that particular car. But there is no way around doing it.

Start with this, why do the quarter panels need replacing? graemlins/waving.gif

There's a place up here that will buy a rusted out convertible and then they pick-up a matching solid sheetmetal wise hard top from the southern US and transplant the hardtop body into the convertible. So, it can be done but it's a lot of work and you pretty much need a donor convertible.

Peter

I thought the frames were stronger on a convertable.

Convertible frames are boxed, like the El Caminos.

If your convert frame is rusted or damaged, it's much easier to find a good El Camino frame and make the rear section shorter.

Nates tip o' the day ! smile.gif

"IF" you have the scratch, and are serious, buy a rust-free arizona car with no interior and use yours as a donor car. I sevt_chevelle (?) do some amazing mig welding fixing up his top.
But a convertible! Don't say that out loud to your body guy. He'll either laugh his head off or take you to the cleaners or both.
HTH

Like i said just an idea...Has anyone ever made a T top chevelle?

Like i said just an idea...Has anyone ever made a T top chevelle?

Finding a T-top car and grafting the T-top parts into a Chevelle would be really cool. That's almost getting into Magazine type work because you could wow a lot of people with a beautifully done T-top Chevelle.

Peter