Alright, I've been trying to find info on custom built convertibles from the '80's. We all know that no convertibles came from the factory. A buyer had to buy the car and send it to the chop shop or he could request that the new car dealer ship it there. I have found a few documents that show that several coach builders built convertibles of the Regal. Those companies are: Steas Industries(81,82) Convertible Specialists Inc.(82) National Coach Engineering(82) Hess & Eisenhardt Classic Group of Companies(82) Coachbuilders Ltd(82) Coach Conversions Inc.(81) The year behind the name is the year I found a brochure or photo of a car converted by them. Do any of you have one of these? If so, list the year, conversion company and post some photos. I am trying to document this further for a publication. Thanks.
A few photos..... A few photos.... Since the Monte Carlo/Cutlass Supreme/Grand Prix are the same general body, these companies usually converted all of them. Also, Since we are talking Buicks here, a number of companies also converted the '80's Skylark, Riviera(pre82), Century, Electra and Skyhawk. Any photos you have of any of these conversions would also be welcome.
heres an old post, down bottom my post has an ebay link , pics are gone but maybe could contact him for some..i would love to pick one up, looks fun. http://v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=70674
Hey all, I was checking out your forum and noticed this thread. I have been involved with convertibles for quite a few years and have quite a bit of information on them. Hess & Eisenhardt started the 'factory' conversions in 1978 I think it was, they converted the Buick Riveria and Olds Toronado from 1978 to 1985, Buick Century, Pontiac 6000 and Olds Cutlass Ciera from 1982-1987, the 1978-1982 Cadillac Coupe DeVille and even the Mercury Cougar in 1985-86. There were other companies that also did the conversions, ASC (then known as American Sunroof Co.), Car Craft, Kar Kraft, Coach Craft and Matrix who are best known for their Citation conversion . When Hess & Eisenhardt went out of the convertible business we bought out the remaining stock of parts, a lot of it is long since gone but we did get quite a few files with the engineering drawings, wiring diagrams and lots of odd parts that I have no idea where they go. There is usually a label in the door jamb with the conversion companies name and the Hess and Eisenhardt conversions usually used chrome 'suitcase' style latches and the ASC conversions used a black latch that went from side to side. There were thousands of the cars made, I don't have exact numbers but it was considerable. There were probably other companies out there that did the conversions that were not sold through the dealers so I can't comment on them. I would be happy to help answer any questions if I can, not sure if I should put the company name or website address...not sure what your rules are. Later! Mark
There used to be a convertible GN in St. Louis. Saw it at the BCA Nationals there a few years ago. I believe he said it went through ACS for the conversion. It looked real sharp. I'll have to see if I can find a picture. That was before I went digital. Jeff
Hi, I was wondering if you have the detailed drawings of the layouts for a conversion kit to install in a 1982 regal or if not can you direct me in the way in need to go. thanks, Tom
If that's the car I think it is, it was originally put together here in Texas from one of the '82 Regal convertibles mentioned above. He added all the GN stuff. It did not start out as a GN.
Thought I would revive this old thread since I am still researching them. I have made updates to my list and written an article to support it. Please read it here: ttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coach_convertible I am still looking for more info, so any help you can provide, post it here or contact me directly at kcdesoto1 (at) hotmail.com
