1972 'Cuda Convertible

[the_engineers]

Alright, I did a little searching, but all of the threads seem to dead-end.  As I mentioned in another thread, I've been eyeing a '72 Cuda here in town.  I've talked to other people in town and the car may be easier to adopt than anticipated.

My question is: What pieces are available and what pieces would need to be fabricated, to turn this car into a convertible.  I'm not looking to perform a hack job, I want this to be done correctly, with a fully functional top that seals, etc.

My initial thoughts are that I would need/want the following:
Frame Connectors
Torque Boxes
Convertible Interior Qtr Panels
Top Frame & Motor - what bracketry is behind the rear seats/in the trunk
A-Pillar and windshield molding
Exterior Trim

What seems like a reasonable budget to get the old roof off and a new one on?  The parts seems to be headed in the $3k range.

Given the price of drop-top E-Bodies, I've half-convinced myself that this isn't as crazy as it appears.

[elitecustombody]

if I'm not mistaken,there should be some serious bracing in the rockers,I'd do more research on that area,frame connectors and torque boxes won't do much without the help of reinforced rocker panels 

[Chryco Psycho]

I wonder if a Sebring roof could work ?

[71ChallengerSE]

If you do it then I would like sections of the roof, cuz I am still looking... hehe

[MEK-Dangerfield]

I'm sorry I can't remember the name of the company, but they were willing to do the conversion for 10K, or something like that.

Is the roof a goner on this car, thus making this a worthwhile adventure? I have a feeling your 3K price in parts might get multiplied, but I hope I'm wrong.


  Mike

[torredcuda]

The vert parts will add up fast and I bet double your estimate plus a lot of labor.

[the_engineers]

So, is there anyone out there that has a convertible that's been gone through?  If so, chime in on any differences you may have noticed between hard-tops that you've seen.

[rallye73]

Pretty sure there was a e body ragtop assembly on ebay the other day.

[bb71challenger]

I wonder if a Sebring roof could work ?

I would love to put a Sebring hardtop vert mechanism on an E-body. I dont how hard it would be but wouldnt it be a kick to have a hardtop convertible? Truly the best of both worlds.

[Chryco Psycho]

I was thinking of the early soft top version but the hardtop would be different / cool

[buddydog]

I don't know if it would help, but I was planning on doing this conversion myself until my better half told me I would be better off "just getting it done"! I have purchased the top assembly and have no use for it (it is for sale in the appropriate area of the forum!)

My plan involved a member that was going to make a template of the cut on the rear deck and fenders. I was frustrated in that I have only seen the "pump brace" for sale once on ebay and it went for more than I had at the time. Also, The rear wheel wells are lowered inside the fenders to accommodate the brace and brackets from what I understand. The other sticky point was the header of the windshield. I have seen a couple of sites where people just transplanted an existing top window frame from a convertible, question is how to get a hold of one?

Anyway, if you are still thinking about it, here is a site outlining the process.

http://www.fredsfab.com/1971plymouthcudaconv2.htm

I had another but it isn't loading as I type this, maybe it will a bit later on...

http://www.convertible-conversions.com/photo_gallery.htm

Hope some of this helps,

G

[ShelbyDogg]

Too many parts are needed to convert a hardtop to a vert. The rear inner fenders were cut and capped, The rear quarter tops, the extra trunk braces, the windshield frame and all of the stainless moulding. etc.   

Here is one on Ebay, only $710 with 5 days left. I don't see the thick rocker supports included. I'm sure other things are missing but it's a big start. I see the windshield frame, inner fender caps and pump brace, and the section that the top bolts too.



http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180322976612&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT&viewitem=

Are you sure that you want to do this? I did and ended up paying $16000 for my complete, rusty vert on Ebay, just to get all of the parts. 20 years ago this car would have gone for $500 or less.

Rob

[fishn4cuda]

Here's a pic of the inner rocker reinforcement. There are alot of expensive parts to collect to make a hardtop a conv.

[71 DEPUTY]

wouldn't frame connectors help in this way???

nice pic of the innear support- never seen one- looks like it's twice the thickness of the regular metal!!!

[back n black]

There have been plenty of nice convertibles for sale on ebay lately.  I have to think a guy could buy a project or finished car for way less then it would cost to convert one.