Is it possible to convert a hard top car to a convertible?

Question

I am buying a coupe ford mustang..is there ANYYYY possible way to convert it to a convertible? and do you know the price range of this?? thanks a lot

Answer 1

You can make whatever you want. On this case... NO ! The body was not made for it. Therefore does not have structural integrity. The roof on hard top is part of the unibody. You need to reinforce the body once you cut it, all will become a sagging banana. In this case buy one that is already that way. Is the cheapest and safer way.

Answer 2

I would not recommend it. It can be done but costs a minor fortune. The problem is that the roof is part of the structure of the car and when a convertible is engineered from scratch extra strength is designed into the lower body. Look at stats on older cars that came in both convertible and closed models and compare weight - the convertible weighs more and it's not just the lowering mechanism.
Doing it with a mustang, even if it were just a lift off roof (no lowering mechanism), would probably involve striping some or all of the upholstery, welding in reinforcing, redoing the inside. If not done the car would be much more flexible and possibly dangerous to drive. Just a guess, but might match the cost of the car.
http://www.nsxprime.com/FAQ/Accessories/convertible.htm

Answer 3

Sure you can but it ain't cheap.

Think of a coupe body as a pyramid, you know, like in Egypt.

Okay, now think about cutting the top of the pyramid off---that's the roof of your coupe.

Uh-oh, you see the problem? The walls of the pyramid, without the top, are unsupported. They are just flopping around.

That's what your coupe body will be like---dangerously flexible.

So, you'll have to re-inforce the frame of the coupe rather massively, with welding, to keep it from flexing.

Then the second problem is the top, how to get one to fit properly. Many conversions look pretty bad with the top up.

Some conversions are easier than others (some are impossible) but none are easy if you plan to have a car that's drivable.

Why not just buy the convertible version?

Answer 4

Yes it is possible-but prohibitively expensive. Not only is there the hardware for the top, but you have to shorten the back seat, modify the trunk and windows, and stiffen the body to account for the loss of structural integrity associated with removing the top. Not something to do in your garage/driveway. Price range? At least $8-10K. Easily.

Answer 5

for an experienced body technician this is absolutely possible. the only thing holding you back would be money. unless this is a rare model year car, like a classic mustang, it would come out a hell of a lot cheaper to just spend a little more cash and buy a convertible model

Answer 6

yes there is, but it is a rather expensive job. i would recommend just buying a convertible, you will have to pay a trusted mechanic alot of money to cut off the original top, and u would have to get a new top, and installation, plus making it automatic. you would be much better off just buying a convertible, and most of the time when you convert it, you will have a leak somewhere or you will have problems with it throughout the cars life

Answer 7

Yes. The cheapest way is to use a sawsall.

Answer 8

yes