Converting to convertible...

[swordfish71]

Hey,
I am trying to line myself up on how to start a restoration project.
Having never restored a car before, and wanting to start with a low-as-possible initial investment, my question is as follows:
I want to rebuild a 1971 'Cuda. Convertible.
I have not been able to find parts to repair convertible top structures in the trunk if ever I find a convertible worth restoring.
I know that the '71 and '70 are easily interchangeable cars, and I am not looking for a numbers-matching project - I want a fun driver that looks how I want it.
I have seen people on the net saying, when you need to replace a rear quarter panel, you could buy the OE type quarter panel, and trim it down for convertible fit... so I am wondering if if is possible to convert a coupe into a convertible, if I can find the parts to the convertible top structure.
Is the front windscreen structure the same on convertibles and coupes? Is the back seat, trunk, etc... the same, with the exception of the convertible top structure?
Because looking at the price difference between finding a project coupe and a project convertible ... I'm willing to do the extra work to take a coupe to convertible if I can save a few $$$....
Thanks for your help!

And if, by any chance, you have a link to an online vendor for the trunk structure for the 'vertible top, I'd appreciate it!!

Thank you, and I'm hoping to join the 'Cuda club soon!!

[CudamanTom]

Welcome aboard Swordfish,
I'm no expert but will say a little on my findings.
The front windscreen structure is different on a hardtop and convert as is the rear seat/trunk section is different.
Your best bet is to find a trashed out cuda hardtop and trashed out convert and mix the two. But it's not that easy from what I've read.
A lot of folks here dislike this idea because of the TRUE identity of a "real" cuda convert being converted from a "real" hard top.

I know it doesn't help much but there's not much to go on.
Google a search for cuda convertible conversion and you will see what I am talking about.

Good luck,
Tom

[CudamanTom]

And to add, most here will say (and I probably agree) that you will spend a lot more doing this conversion than just purchasing a convertible.

[swordfish71]

Hmmm... Well, theres one more thing I will have to consider! I really appreciate your help, and I'm progably going to end up biting the bullet and buying a real BS27 project car instead of trying to convert a hard top.

Thanks!

[CudamanTom]

Hmmm... Well, theres one more thing I will have to consider! I really appreciate your help, and I'm progably going to end up biting the bullet and buying a real BS27 project car instead of trying to convert a hard top.

Thanks!

If you have the funds/ability to purchase a real convert, by all means do so. I sure would if I had the funding/ability.

[CudamanTom]

And here is a thread about it as well.

http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=54034.0

Not to talk you out of it but it sure is a lot to think about if doing it yourself.

[Got JOB]

check this site. www.ebodyconvertibleconversions.com

[dodj]

I think JesusHChrysler has what you are thinking of making, but in Challenger form. He may have some first hand advice.

[Haddixj]

If you do cut a car up use a 72 and later car with all the metal work you would do anyways you would save alot of money and not destroy a nice 70 or 71

['Cuda Hunter]

http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=90734.0

Here is J H Chrysler's resto thread. 
His posts are full of questions you will have if you convert a hard top.

Buy a real vert or change a 72-74 is my opinion.

[swordfish71]

Alright. My research is moving along. I understand that converting to a 'vert is not ideal. I will keep on researching, anyway... I don't intend on purchasing my base car before another two or three years. Thank you for your help!

[Jesus H Chrysler]

Hoo boy do you know what you're getting yourself into?  Unless you have access to a donor convertible I wouldn't even consider it.  There are enough unique pieces to an E body convertible that would make it next to impossible to fabricate one from scratch.  If you are truly dedicated here are a few of the pieces you will need to find. 

Convertible top assembly. (frame, latches, canvas, tensioners, padding etc)
Hydraulic motor with lift pistons (may be the same as later model Lebarons)
Cross brace between the wheel houses to mount the lift motor, and the rear seat back.
Top half of a windshield frame.
Inner and outer trim for convertible windshield frame.
Inner bracing for top pivot mount and rear window regulators (they are shorter on the top where the window felt goes)
Outer trim mount with holes that runs around the base of the top when its up.  This is what the chrome trim mounts to.  Also it is shorter where the outside window rubber mounts.
The 5 pieces of trim that goes around the base of the top.  I believe the 2 smaller pieces that mount near the rear quarter glass are repro'd, but the big 3 pieces aren't last I knew.
The inner bracing of the rear well where the top is stored when down. 
Front and rear torque boxes (U.S. Car Tool makes functional replacements, but they would never pass as OEM if that's what you're looking for)

Optional but recommended: frame connectors.  Cutting the roof off an E body weakens it tremendously.  The factory stiffened the rockers with inner bracing.  If you don't want to cut up your rockers, a good set of frame connectors do the same job.

I know I'm missing lots of little stuff but I hope this gives you an idea what you're in for.  When I bought my car the hard parts were there, but I was missing the trim, chrome etc.  Luckily I found a completely rotted convertible to get the trim from.  Unfortunately I didn't save any of the unique parts except the top assembly as a spare.  Like others have said, If you're going to go the route of performing major surgery on a car to make a convertible do yourself the favor of finding a 72-74 318 car in the best, most rust free condition you can.  Once you see how much metal work you'll have to do, changing the grille and taillights becomes childs play.  In the end, it won't matter if you got a 3,000 318 car.  If it looks like a 71 convertible, it will be worth plenty to the right person.  You just may have to sink a fortune into it before you get to that point.

Or.... Take the easy way out and get a convertible to begin with!

[swordfish71]

Alright, I'm set. I'm ditching the idea for chopping the top of a coupe.

Do any of you have any good leads to start looking for a convertible '70 or '71? I don't mind having to do a rotisserie restoration... I plan on building myself a garage in which to work / paint / weld / media blast, etc...
I just want to find one that doesn't have too much rot, and to pay less than 50,000$ lol ..


Oh, and I don't mind a small block... in fact, I rather a small block! fuel economy and all. ........ 

[ragtopdodge]

I recommend finding one where the body work has all been done and is a shell where you can decide to put in whatever drivetrain you want in it.

Any 'vert out there where it has been "restored" anytime in its past is most likely covered up with bondo over rust holes.  Unless you can get documentation of the restoration, you're paying money for a perfumed pig.

Body work and paint is easily the most expensive part of a restoration.  If you can find one already done to that point, you're golden and bolt on the other stuff as time goes by.

E.g. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1970-Dodge-Challenger-Convertible-/300890962224?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item460e7fb930

[73EStroker]

Hey Swordfish - migsBIG has a 70 Barracuda ragtop for sale in the Cars For Sale section.