how can i do this?

[71chally383R/T]

i have a 1974 dodge challenger shell a 318/904 car w/o engine,tranny and interior and also missing its fender tag and  i would like to transform it into the 71 challenger pace car and am wondering what and where bracing would be needed if i chopped off the roof and converted it into a VERT' and where could i purchase all the bracing and material for the convertible top? I know its alot to ask but it is greatly appreciated.

[4Cruizn]

This topic has been discussed recently and we came to the conclusion that converting to a convertible is a big headache because convertible were very different from the hardtop in many ways and none of the parts are available aftermarket to ease the conversion.  I would think about keeping the hardtop a hardtop and go from there!  Pace cars are very cool!       

[Oldschool]

     Way too much of a headache.         ...Oldschool

[MEK-Dangerfield]

 

  Do yourself a favor, and turn this car into the baddest hard top you know how to. 

  Mike

[71chally383R/T]

yea but the pace car woud look dumb as a hardtop

[matt63]

I'd get all the 'vert specific parts before cutting.  You might want to price them first.  Isn't someone making a conversion kit or is that for the Cuda?  Perhaps this is in the archives.

[Carlwalski]

yea but the pace car woud look dumb as a hardtop

You'd would save money, headaches and definitely time if you could find a /6 or 318 71 Vert to clone.
Also, although your 74 is a shell it would be better off in the hands of someone wanting a hardtop, ya see?


 

[70Challey340]

Like everyone else is say, it is going to be a major headache.  You could remove the top, reinforce the frame and other areas and just keep it that way.  A lot of fabricators are doing this.  You won't be able to drive it in the rain, but it would look like a vert for the most part.

[cuda cuda cuda]

where can find a pair of those keystones?-MATT

[71chally383R/T]

where would i have to reinforce? and what would i need to do it, if its 2 much work i might consider just converting it to a 71 with  a white vinyl top and keep it that way

[whitesatinmopar]

I'd say you've received the best advise, from what I've read and heard to do the project safely and properly it's around a 10K job, not to mention the time and headache. But it has been done, but it's not a dollor efficent project.