I'm new to the convertible scene. Are the parts available to make a convertible out of a coupe? I'm sure it's been done but how available are the parts? Anybody out there done this?
Thanks

The parts you would need would probably come from a convertible, including the frame (unless you want to box yours). Kind of pointless, but it has been done. Depending on the year, convertible parts as with coupes can be hard to find and expensive and lots of things are convertible-only as well. Do me a favor and don't start buying up the more rare parts to use on this project if your car is later than a 67. A faux convertible will be fine with repro parts (plus they are cheaper if you mess them up). Just buy a convertible and pass the coupe on to someone who wants a coupe.

I've seen it done to a Monte. Generally, you'd need to have a convertible body to poach from, as many parts are not reproduced. At that point you might as well just build the convertible. For a 69, quarters and wheel houses are different, as is the frame. What else, rear seat, rear filler panel, the part inside the car in front of the rear wheels, also the body mounts are different, and the front body mount boxes are different.

If you do a search, you will find some info on this as it's been covered before.

x2 don't do it will take lots of expertise, money and time to complete.....

My advice: don't re-invent the wheel :noway: If you want a convertible, just buy a convertible :yes:

My advice: don't re-invent the wheel :noway: If you want a convertible, just buy a convertible :yes:

IMO, it all depends on YOUR fabrication/body skills...

Basically, you need a 'core" convertible to get the parts from...

You can poach these parts from any similar year A-body (cutlass, skylark, leMans), and those are probably the less-expensive alternatives... Naturally, the Chevelle conv 1/4 panels are different, but may be available repro...

IF you find a cheap donor, and can do the work yourself, you might make out okay...

Its probably alot easier ( and cheaper too!) to find a Skylark/Cutlass convertible with a good title and frame, and add all new Chevelle sheetmetal (most of which is available repro)... That way, all the structural parts should be correct for the convert...

A guy here did this, and turned out nice from the pictures ( screenaname "540Cutlass"?)...

Why take one convertible apart just to build another convertible? Especially when what you are hoping to end up with readily available if you have the money? Instead of ending up with two potential cars you end up with one hack job, and ultimately a hack job is a hack job no matter how good you are with a welder. IMO of course.

IMO, it all depends on YOUR fabrication/body skills...

Basically, you need a 'core" convertible to get the parts from...

You can poach these parts from any similar year A-body (cutlass, skylark, leMans), and those are probably the less-expensive alternatives... Naturally, the Chevelle conv 1/4 panels are different, but may be available repro...

IF you find a cheap donor, and can do the work yourself, you might make out okay...

Its probably alot easier ( and cheaper too!) to find a Skylark/Cutlass convertible with a good title and frame, and add all new Chevelle sheetmetal (most of which is available repro)... That way, all the structural parts should be correct for the convert...

A guy here did this, and turned out nice from the pictures ( screenaname "540Cutlass"?)...

quarter panels are not available repro. Skins will work, but on the full quarter the sail panel area is different. Rear wheel houses need to be sectioned, too. This is for 68-69, but AFAIK no convertible quarters are reproed.

Andy - you are correct on the quarters not being available (at least for the 70-72s). They were being made a few years ago but there was a licensing disagreement with GM. Luckily, I bought a pair before the supply dried up.