I have a 4dr. hardtop. Is it possible to remove and replace the hardtop with a convertable top? Is this rational, or am I crazy for thinking this?
Structurally it is not designed for that. And by the time you were through, it would cost more that trading your car and buying a factory convert.
To answer your questions,,,, Yes, No, and somewhat. As stated above, you would be better off trading/ buying a convert. It isnt worth the money to have it done correctly.(frame re enforced and what not) And its not worth the saftey risk to not have it done correctly.IMHO
Maybe consider making a rollback top ala SunCoupe instead. You'd maintain the structural integrity that the roof provides but still have a nice open top.
Building a convertible would be very spendy. Think like it's a Model T or A and cut her off at the top of the doors and get some roadster windshield posts! No seriously, don't do that.
A buddy and I cut the roof off an impala to make it a convertible in high school and when we made the last cut the car sank in the middle considerably. The roof really gives a lot structurally. If I tried it again I would study all the extra support frames under my current convertible and match it to the project before I cut the roof off. -carter
This guy can't give his car away after chopping it. http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/cto/1909402881.html <TABLE summary="craigslist hosted images"><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle></TD><TD align=middle></TD></TR><TR><TD align=middle></TD><TD align=middle></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
I have always liked the 4-door convertibles Lincolns in the 60's but they were designed that way to do a conversion would be spensive!
