Convertible Conversion

[foghorn14]

I have a Morris Minor I want to convert to a convertible. (To make it simpler I will likely be going with a roadster concept having no side windows or ragtop, only a tonneau.) I am in the US and do not have the informational resources, nor the specialized shops as are available in the UK to accomplish this task. I have purchased a welder and hope to do this myself. I have searched the site and find some info but not enough for my novice abilities. I understand the chassis must be strengthened to compensate for the roof removal. Would anyone have, or direct me to, pictures of the necessary points to strengthen and how? Many thanks in advance for your comments and information.
Thane

[PSL184]

There is not a "real" chassis to strengthen but you do need to heavilly reinforce the sills that run down either side of the shell at floor level.

[bmcecosse]

I'm sure someone who knows about this will be along shortly - meantime - welcome to the Forum! There have been threads on this subject in the past - perhaps if you use the 'search' function something will crop up. In short though I believe the sills are 'doubled up' - there is a strengthening bracket between the dash and the A posts - and the B posts are strengthened at the base. If I was doing this job - I would be adding a LOT more strengthening - wherever it seemed sensible to improve the torsional rigidity of the shell.

[moggyminor16]

pm sent any more information then please let me know
lik BMC sias and like i did put more strengthening in i used angle iron in places that never was and the angle iron was strongn 2 inch by 2inch and 6 mm thick
chris

[andrew.searston]

just out of interest do you need to replace the rear windows??? what welding is required??? and how do you modify the windscreen???
not that im thinking of doing it to mine future projects maybe

[rich-legg]

You can see here on Alfabob's convertible the large slightly curved triangle sections under the dash


Here are the B-post strengtheners


And here is the strengthener that goes in the sill.


To be honnest, I'd say you're best to look for an original rather than trying to convert a saloon.

hope this helps.

[foghorn14]

Helps tremendously, now I understand the triangle references from other posts that I just could not figure out! I am in the US and a real convertible would be much harder to come by.
Thanks,
Thane

[andrew.searston]

so after you have done the conversion, do you have to inform the insurance company (guessing it would go up as it at more risk of break ins)???
and does it have to go through any tests like kit cars???
how do you go about regestering it as a convertible???

[moggyminor16]

insurace will be a bit more as the normas for testing they dont have to have a test like kit car SVA but some times like mine it has to be inspected by VOSA to make shore that its done right all the chassie number are right ect then the log book get changed you have to take the car to them for this as all the cut backs they dont come out any more