Real Convertible?

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    Author Topic: Real Convertible?  (Read 1373 times)

    Offline jwalsh1761

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    Real Convertible?
    « on: October 23, 2008 - 04:55:37 PM »
    I’m going to look at a 1971 Challenger convertible this weekend and one of my friends has me paranoid that there is a good possibility that it is not a real convertible.  I was told that a hardtop can easily be converted into a convertible and I would never no.  I know quite a bit about GM, but this is my first attempt at buying a Dodge so I'm learning.

    The current owner claims to have had it for 15 yrs and replaced almost all of the metal (trunc, floors, qtrs, etc..).  He has the title and the trim tags are on the car.  The vin says it’s a 318 convertible.  I can’t cut open the rockers to see if the bracing is in there.  Other than the torque boxes, what should I look for to know that it’s a real convertible?

    Any information would be appreciated.  Thanks.
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    Offline 72hemi

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    Re: Real Convertible?
    « Reply #1 on: October 23, 2008 - 05:07:26 PM »
    Make sure the 4th digit in the VIN is a 7 and not a 3 or 9.
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    1972 Dodge Challenger 340 6 Pack 4-speed
    1996 Dodge Viper GTS Coupe

    Offline jwalsh1761

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    Re: Real Convertible?
    « Reply #2 on: October 23, 2008 - 05:11:39 PM »
    The VIN checks out.  Am I being overly paranoid?
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    Offline 72hemi

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    Re: Real Convertible?
    « Reply #3 on: October 23, 2008 - 05:23:02 PM »
    In todays' world you never know, you may be overly paranoid you may not be. When you go see the car see if the Windshield frame has been replaced, that may be an indication that the car was not always a convertible. Also to make sure that the VIN on the dash goes to the body check it against the VIN on the radiator support, door sticker, fender tag and cowl.
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    1972 Dodge Challenger 340 6 Pack 4-speed
    1996 Dodge Viper GTS Coupe

    Offline BIGSHCLUNK

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    Re: Real Convertible?
    « Reply #4 on: October 23, 2008 - 05:37:51 PM »
    I suppose somebody could switch it over... but why... and on a 318 car...  :screwy:
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    Offline Moparal

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    Re: Real Convertible?
    « Reply #5 on: October 23, 2008 - 06:17:21 PM »
    Quote from: BIGSHCLUNK on October 23, 2008 - 05:37:51 PM
    I suppose somebody could switch it over... but why... and on a 318 car...  :screwy:

     :2thumbs:  good logic there.  can you feel up under the cowel where the body numbers are stamped?  See if you feel any welds. Bigs really did hit home with truth tho
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    Offline jwalsh1761

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    Re: Real Convertible?
    « Reply #6 on: October 23, 2008 - 06:31:05 PM »
    All good information.  Also, good point about being a 318 car.  I'm probably just over paranoid, but better safe I guess.  One more question that is somewhat subjective...

    How much would you pay for a 71 Challenger convertible thats had qtrs, fenders, floors, trunc replaced with goodmark stuff.  All parts are there.  Basically just needs paint and to be assembled.  Has A/C, discs, power top.  Needs new top and some interior work.  Body is done.  Engine bay is done.  Underside of car is done.  Assuming body needs only to be painted, interior (buckets, console, ralley guages) needs to be put together and all of the chrome/trim is there and decent, what is this thing worth?  20-25K?
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    Offline mcgheejt

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    Re: Real Convertible?
    « Reply #7 on: October 24, 2008 - 10:46:27 PM »
    Two different body guys have told me to use a coupe as a doner for my 71 318 vert and transform it into the vert in order to save some money.  The doner car I have is in good enough condition that I may just dump the vert and turn my doner car into an R/T tribute car.  Always wanted a vert but sometimes you can't always get what you want, right? 
    « Last Edit: October 25, 2008 - 04:51:31 AM by mcgheejt »
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    Offline jeryst

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    Re: Real Convertible?
    « Reply #8 on: October 25, 2008 - 10:58:57 PM »
    Quote from: mcgheejt on October 24, 2008 - 10:46:27 PM
    Two different body guys have told me to use a coupe as a doner for my 71 318 vert and transform it into the vert in order to save some money.  

    Be real careful there. Depending on how its done, it could be considered a "rebody" which is illegal.
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