Conversion of a 2Dr to a Convertible

Post by **fuelpump** » Wed Jan 21, 2009 5:20 pm

I'm seriously considering converting my car to a convertible here in the US. I would purchase one of the kits offered in the UK. I've noted several problems discussed on the message board. The structure of my car is basicaly sound.
Can any member share their experience with me and specifically:
My bodyshop would like an estimate of the hours involved in the bodywork and separately the fitting of the hood.
What are the most difficult tasks involved ?
Are the kits offered by ESM and Bullnose or others the same item ?
Does anybody have a tape/DVD (or photos) of the conversion they could sell/rent/lend ?
My email address derekwad02@aol.com ............ thank you.

Post by **RobThomas** » Wed Jan 21, 2009 7:19 pm

I bought a kit of panels from "XXX", a spares supplier in the UK. I realised that I could have made a better job of fabricating the panels myself. In fact, I think my 6 year old daughter could've done a better job!
Henric panels were a much better fit, had the correct shape and were the correct thickness. They haven't been made for a while, IIRC.

Post by **aupickup** » Wed Jan 21, 2009 7:24 pm

mid sussex minors used to do the kit, but i think he has since retired

Post by **moggyminor16** » Wed Jan 21, 2009 9:19 pm

i have just well nearly finished mine and i did not use any parts from any compainys at all i found a convertible in the scrappy and cut the window screen frame off and welded it in place ,the parts for under the dash was made by me easy and the b post by me a lot thicker and stronger
i also put in the sills welded in place 2 inch angle iron there is no way this one will bend easy
then after this is all welded in place the roof came off the rear windows are made from a 4 door rear door tops so crome as well <br>

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Post by **Onne** » Wed Jan 21, 2009 10:16 pm

Nice one Chris!

Post by **moggyminor16** » Wed Jan 21, 2009 10:19 pm

its getting there have a look on face book Onne i got teh pics with roof on cant wait till good weather but then again may be by then i cant drive as they may take my licence off me before then or there be no petrol and all cars run on sun light lol
cheers mate

Post by **Onne** » Wed Jan 21, 2009 10:20 pm

I have indeed seen the photo's, but can't recall that one.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Wed Jan 21, 2009 10:32 pm

Does anyone have drawings/sketches/pictures of all the reinforcing parts required ?

Post by **moggyminor16** » Wed Jan 21, 2009 10:49 pm

fuelpump if you pm me with your email address ill send you some pics of the bits i jhave welded in
chris <br>

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Post by **moggyminor16** » Thu Jan 22, 2009 7:18 pm

pm sent