Conversion of a 2Dr to a Convertible

Post by **fuelpump** » Mon Jan 26, 2009 8:40 pm

Folks, As I have not receievd any feedback from the kit users, I'm wondering if this is a good idea or one fraught with danger. PLEASE CAN ANYBODY ADVISE ON THE FOLLOWING ?
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 **PSL184** » Mon Jan 26, 2009 11:03 pm

I've not done one myself although a friend of mine is thinking about it and has asked me to look into it for him. I don't see any major problems as long as the cars structure is sound and the welded in panels from the kit are done correctly. I guessed at about 50 hours to do the job in a workshop environment with professional tools and equipment but obviously much longer if you are trying to do it at home....

Post by **fuelpump** » Tue Jan 27, 2009 8:24 pm

Thank you for your reply. I would be interested to know if your friend decides to go ahead with the kit project. Can be reached at derekwad02@aol.com. ANYBODY ELSE OUT THERE WHO HAS INSTALLED OR HAS KNOWLEDGE OF THESE CONVERSION KITS ?

Post by **Dean** » Tue Jan 27, 2009 9:29 pm

This may sound an odd post but, after removing the roof (carefully) can it be sold and re-used on a car that may have a damaged one?

A) The part isn't available anymore, so potentially could save a car from the scrap heap.

B) You might be able to recoup some of the cost towards your conversion if it can be sold.

Just a thought ????

Post by **Sidney'61** » Tue Jan 27, 2009 10:08 pm

Would a standard saloon still be strong enough with the roof just welded on and no extra supports? I suppose you may still have to weld in the normal convertible supports parts just to be on the safe side...

Post by **PSL184** » Tue Jan 27, 2009 10:15 pm

Anything off a Minor is saleable if you have the right buyer

Sorry Andy - I'm not sure i understand your post? The conversion kits come with strengthening panels etc and all the hood frame parts. Many conv's are converted from saloons (and some vice versa). As long as you get the strength in the shell correct you won't have any problems.

Post by **Sidney'61** » Tue Jan 27, 2009 10:56 pm

Just looking at Deans post about putting a new roof on a saloon I was just wondering if the welding on the new roof would be strong enough or if you'd have to add parts from a convertible conversion kit to take some of the strain?
It makes sense in my head anyway..

maybe I'm just tired...

Post by **PSL184** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 7:28 am

Ahh, OK with you now... I would follow the original joins / welds but providing the welding was upto standard it wouldn't be any different. That's how they went together in the first place....

Post by **IaininTenbury** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 10:23 pm

ESM do a dvd instructions on how to do the conversion. If you contact them they should send you just the DVD (as it should lead to a sale of a kit) so you can see whats involved. They'd also give you an idea on time/cost too.

I've got a car and kit waiting to be done, but its on hold at the mo so I can't advise from personal experience.