Converting to Convertible

2001GTPEWTER · 03-14-2006, 02:25 PM

The last thing I may do to my soon to be legit 2003 SVT Cobra before I repaint again is remove the hard top and make it a convertible. Not only can I then use the Saleen styling bar, but the SVT Cobra seats are cheaper for some reason in convertibles. Heres' what I do know; remove the inner panels to get to the latches and screws, remove the windshields, install convertible front windshield side panels and prep for paint...But I never owned a convertible, are these tops automatic or manual, and how do I check for leaks before learning the hard way?...I can't fill the car with water to see whether or not the top is secure, am I going to need 2 people for this job?...

fred414141 · 03-18-2006, 10:34 AM

use a chainsaw to remove the hardtop,(one from Sears does the best job),cut right behind the windshield and just below the back glass.Walmart sells a convertible kit for a '77 gto stationwagon that fits perfectly,and they never leak.good luck and post some pics,K?

fred414141 · 03-18-2006, 10:36 AM

disregard the previous post.....................the gto kit has been discontinued except at walmart stores in australia.

2001GTPEWTER · 03-21-2006, 11:10 AM

A chainsaw?!?...What if I take the interior paneling off, theres' bolts that hold the hard top together...right?...I think they stopped making these cars in one solid piece years ago, but I could be wrong, I'll see what it looks like under the roof panel.

stanger66 · 03-29-2006, 09:32 PM

Hey man I wouldn't try doing a convertible by yourself because anytime some one doesnt their self all they do make one hell of a mistake for themselves. Leaks, wrong cuts, and then you're screwed.If anything have it professinally done. Or just sell that car and get a true convertible.. It may save a lot of headaches.

Harry · 03-31-2006, 10:07 AM

Yup, sounds like a huge opportunity for mistakes if you ask me. Go buy a real convertible.

4barrel · 03-31-2006, 02:29 PM

i agree youre making a bad decision if you choose to convert the car to a convertable.

2001GTPEWTER · 04-06-2006, 04:41 PM

I never figured they were still welding coupe frames together, thought it would've been bolted on, but you're right...I took off some of the interior panelling and sure enough..solid frame. Forget that idea, I can't even get a worn tie rod off the car..what am I doing thinking about this?.By the way the thread I just made on that is in Modular Madness if anyone has any suggestions. Thanks

03-14-2006, 02:25 PM	#1
2001GTPEWTER Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: East Long Island Posts: 180	Converting to Convertible The last thing I may do to my soon to be legit 2003 SVT Cobra before I repaint again is remove the hard top and make it a convertible. Not only can I then use the Saleen styling bar, but the SVT Cobra seats are cheaper for some reason in convertibles. Heres' what I do know; remove the inner panels to get to the latches and screws, remove the windshields, install convertible front windshield side panels and prep for paint...But I never owned a convertible, are these tops automatic or manual, and how do I check for leaks before learning the hard way?...I can't fill the car with water to see whether or not the top is secure, am I going to need 2 people for this job?... __________________ Greeeeeeeg

03-18-2006, 10:34 AM	#2
fred414141 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: missouri Posts: 29	Re: Converting to Convertible use a chainsaw to remove the hardtop,(one from Sears does the best job),cut right behind the windshield and just below the back glass.Walmart sells a convertible kit for a '77 gto stationwagon that fits perfectly,and they never leak.good luck and post some pics,K?

03-18-2006, 10:36 AM	#3
fred414141 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: missouri Posts: 29	Re: Converting to Convertible disregard the previous post.....................the gto kit has been discontinued except at walmart stores in australia.

03-21-2006, 11:10 AM	#4
2001GTPEWTER Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: East Long Island Posts: 180	Re: Converting to Convertible A chainsaw?!?...What if I take the interior paneling off, theres' bolts that hold the hard top together...right?...I think they stopped making these cars in one solid piece years ago, but I could be wrong, I'll see what it looks like under the roof panel. __________________ Greeeeeeeg

03-29-2006, 09:32 PM	#5
stanger66 dreaming about mustangs Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: laurel, md Posts: 178	Re: Converting to Convertible Hey man I wouldn't try doing a convertible by yourself because anytime some one doesnt their self all they do make one hell of a mistake for themselves. Leaks, wrong cuts, and then you're screwed.If anything have it professinally done. Or just sell that car and get a true convertible.. It may save a lot of headaches.

03-31-2006, 10:07 AM	#6
Harry Registered Member Join Date: Oct 1998 Location: Dayton, OH USA Posts: 678	Re: Converting to Convertible Yup, sounds like a huge opportunity for mistakes if you ask me. Go buy a real convertible. __________________ 1985 Mustang GT 2002 F-150

03-31-2006, 02:29 PM	#7
4barrel Mustang Rookie Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Lexington Kentucky Posts: 98	Re: Converting to Convertible i agree youre making a bad decision if you choose to convert the car to a convertable. __________________ 1989 Mustang GT aka Hailey http://www.cardomain.com/ride/822269

04-06-2006, 04:41 PM	#8
2001GTPEWTER Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: East Long Island Posts: 180	Re: Converting to Convertible I never figured they were still welding coupe frames together, thought it would've been bolted on, but you're right...I took off some of the interior panelling and sure enough..solid frame. Forget that idea, I can't even get a worn tie rod off the car..what am I doing thinking about this?.By the way the thread I just made on that is in Modular Madness if anyone has any suggestions. Thanks __________________ Greeeeeeeg

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