?'S about converting a monte carlo to convertible:noway:.seen two at hot august nites in reno and really liked how they look.got a chevelle convertible but but keeping that the wayy it is.i recently picked up a pontiac lemans conv. and im ready ready for the conversion. i know that the hardtop and conv doors are the same just basically have questions about the rear qtrs. if any1 couuld help it would greatly be appreciated thanx .Ramon

:wacko: Buy a convertable.........:thumbsup:

Anyway you "slice it" it will be a major job. Not for the inexperienced, that is for sure.
The best way to make the change would be to re-body the LeMans - adapt the MC body panels to fit the core body of the convertible.

I've got a 1965 Riviera and have considered the same conversion - for many years.

Dan

[QUOTE=1969 El Camino Dan;2217121]Anyway you "slice it" it will be a major job. Not for the inexperienced, that is for sure.
The best way to make the change would be to re-body the LeMans - adapt the MC body panels to fit the core body of the convertible.


This might be the best way to go , But either way you are going to have the work on your frame. If you use the Monte frame you will have to box in the sides and if you use the Pontiac frame and Monte front clip it will need extended in the front as Montes are longer from the wheel forward. But door and deck lid will be bolt on as will fenders, Have to graft on 1/4's and rear tail pan

Here's one writeup: http://minnesotamotorhead.com/articles/not-the-full-monte/

Thats not the way to do it at all !!! From experiece you will give up if you go the route you are looking at . You have to use a Monte Carlo shell and set the convertible parts in it . Cut the top of the windshield post and the top off then remove the window reg areas form the inner qtrs, and the package tray ares. You must use a Buick Skylark or Chevelle for the doner parts as they share the same trunk lid. Rememeber that the monte has a rear body panel not a bumper out back the whole rear floor and pan are different You need to keep the structureial integrity of the car intack. The buick and chevelle share the correct side window contour the lemans and olds curve down creating the wrong look. Chopping up a real 70 SS454 into a vert as we speak !!!! Jim

There is a very nicely done 70 Monte that I have seen several times at Super Chevy Indy. If you didn't know better you would swear it is factory. You could get the frame boxing from a Elcamino.

There is a very nicely done 70 Monte that I have seen several times at Super Chevy Indy. If you didn't know better you would swear it is factory. You could get the frame boxing from a Elcamino.

Is it maroon? I have a friend here in town that has one that is that color. It was made with a 71 CHevelle top assembly. Nice car, really.

Chopping up a real SS454 Monte....:sad: :clonk:

If I remember correctly it is fathom blue. Also if memory serves it is either a real SS454 car or is just badged and equipped as one.

Is it maroon? I have a friend here in town that has one that is that color. It was made with a 71 CHevelle top assembly. Nice car, really.

Chopping up a real SS454 Monte....:sad: :clonk:

yeah +1 on that:sad:

Yep Chopping up a real Fathom Blue Original SS454 Rust free loaded car. I have advertised it and ALL of the Monte guys are JUST too cheap to buy it. Absolutely rustfree all original paint except for the NOS right quarter. I bought it #'s matching for a friend 10 years ago and he sold it that owner pulled the engine and trans and put them in a Camaro. It showed up in my driveway and I don't have a bunch in it Why Not . Keep your eyes out for a 4speed SS454 Convertible Monte with a steel Chevelle SS domed hood !!!

Jim

I love the 1970 Monte Carlos. I wish I had the dough to buy that one from you. I have been kinda of looking for a cheap 70 that I can build. I would like to have a 3 piece set. (Chevelle, ELcamino, Monte)

If I remember correctly it is fathom blue. Also if memory serves it is either a real SS454 car or is just badged and equipped as one.

Never saw that car there, but I do have a picture of a black Monte with a functional cowl induction hood...

I built an All steel Functioning Cowl Induction hood with the full inner framing for a customer in Va about 9-10 years ago. That car was black it may be the same one !!!

Jim

DropTop I pm'd ya.

i got a chevelle convertible

Thats not the way to do it at all !!! From experiece you will give up if you go the route you are looking at . You have to use a Monte Carlo shell and set the convertible parts in it . Cut the top of the windshield post and the top off then remove the window reg areas form the inner qtrs, and the package tray ares. You must use a Buick Skylark or Chevelle for the doner parts as they share the same trunk lid. Rememeber that the monte has a rear body panel not a bumper out back the whole rear floor and pan are different You need to keep the structureial integrity of the car intack. The buick and chevelle share the correct side window contour the lemans and olds curve down creating the wrong look. Chopping up a real 70 SS454 into a vert as we speak !!!! Jim
thanx jim your info is very helpful as well as every1 else tha left info on 'how to' thanx once again and any more info will be greatly appreciated any pix jim?thanx once again

:wacko: Buy a convertable.........:thumbsup:
got a 71 chevelle convertible!ALREADY

here's one writeup: http://minnesotamotorhead.com/articles/not-the-full-monte/
thanx for the link very helpful

i love the 1970 monte carlos. I wish i had the dough to buy that one from you. I have been kinda of looking for a cheap 70 that i can build. I would like to have a 3 piece set. (chevelle, elcamino, monte)
if i find a good cheap 1 ill let u know

i built an all steel functioning cowl induction hood with the full inner framing for a customer in va about 9-10 years ago. That car was black it may be the same one !!!

Jim
sounds very nice got a pic of the hood by anychance

I built an All steel Functioning Cowl Induction hood with the full inner framing for a customer in Va about 9-10 years ago. That car was black it may be the same one !!!

Jim

This would have been in the early to mid 1990's, I'm thinking like 1993-4. Time flies, it may have been the same one...

Thinking about it I finished a 72 454 4speed Monte for a customer in Charlotte (Midnight Bronze) in 93-94, I did the conversion for another customer at that time , I've been here at my new shop for 12 years so it was back in that early ninties time frame. Time does fly !!! Jim