Does anyone have any information on converting a hardtop or T-Top to convertible? I have an 87 IROC hardtop and have found an 87 Vert that I can get parts from. Can anyone help?? Thanks!

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1987 IROC-Z,355 TPI,ZZ3 Cam,P&P heads,Edelbrock TES headers,!CAT,MAC cat-back,B&M shift Kit, 2600 stall, Crane AFPR, Custom K&N CAI,March pullies, ported plenum, Accell 8.8 race wires

 

You COULD do the conversion, but I wouldn't recommend it. There were many changes and some structural upgrades done in converting the t-top cars to convertibles at ASC. First there is a formed piece of sheet metal running along the outer edge of the body behind the ground effects. It appears to be rivited to the body, so getting it off, then re-attaching it to another car would be difficult. Also the back side of the GFX needs to be trimmed for the frame reinforcement. Also there is a lot of work to convert the rear into a trunk, reinforcements to carry the top frame. Welding and extensive use of structural adhesives. I don't know if you can easily get the pieces off the donor car, let alone reattaching it to the new car. It definitely would require more work and $ than just finding a nice ragtop, and selling your coupe. Besides, even if you did succesfully convert the coupe, I doubt it would be as strong or as well put togehter as the factory one (not that they are a rattle free piece to begin with). Also, 87 was the first year of the 'vert and several running production changes were made. The later models are stronger and have less rattles due to better assy methods and more use of structural adhesives.