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converting to electric top no prob think?????

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Old Dec 26, 2009 | 12:42 AM
  #1  
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converting to electric top no prob think?????

My family shop had a huge name . in 1990 or 91 we made a couple concept car conversions Enough said .As I look through the book and schematics we had a 91 Cavalier and a 91 z24 .Heres the kicker .I only see a 1/2 inch offset on each side to connect the lifter assembly to the top .I do not see why this set up is not used for or was not used for the F-body .All you would need to do is mount a brace plate for the motor (4 bolts) and disconnect a unit and weld 2 1/2 inch catch plates . What gives ? What am I missing ? Anyone do this ?
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Old Dec 26, 2009 | 05:14 AM
  #2  
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From: Fort Myers, FL
Car: 91 Firebird
Engine: 6.0
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: converting to electric top no prob think?????

How are you going to power the tonneau?

How are you going to lift up the back of the top to close the tonneau, then lower and latch to the tonneau?

The cavalier didn't have a tonneau cover, so that is your major stumbling block

Good luck with it though!

-jason
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Old Dec 26, 2009 | 12:30 PM
  #3  
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Re: converting to electric top no prob think?????

Jason just move the assembly over and weld 2 1/2 inch plates .You need a baseplate for the motor. Of course 2 plate guide pins for when the top drops to the pillar . You have the same area square minus 1 inch . Mines up on stands now so do not want to get in it but my guess is the back seats a head hitter . My "save it project " is getting ready so I can take it to a lift . I'm stuck on parts . So I cant get up inside but the mass is the same square . Measured it 7 times check one yourself . Anyone on the east coast have a dead vert rear clip on the way to the junkyard I can spend 20 mins with a welder on for a couple tachs ? I want to see if it works . It should be a direct fit . We made the roll bar design for the Cav that XXXX bought the design for and still uses so I know the area is correct . Old Line did our mold melds for the plastic covers . Never did a top conversion but its alike . What is the laws on pre prod and cepts blueprints being posted ? Its the same area minus a inch half on each side.
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Old Feb 2, 2010 | 08:31 PM
  #4  
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From: Central Connecticut
Car: 91 Trans Am 'vert
Engine: LB9
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.45 9 bolt
Re: converting to electric top no prob think?????

electric top in a thirdgen? I'm subscribing... i'd like to see how this works out.
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Old Feb 2, 2010 | 11:04 PM
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From: Surrey, BC, Canada
Car: 1991 Z28 Convertible
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 5-speed
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt, 3.08
Re: converting to electric top no prob think?????

Originally Posted by musclecar70sfan
electric top in a thirdgen? I'm subscribing... i'd like to see how this works out.
Levels Jerry, levels.
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Old Feb 3, 2010 | 10:43 AM
  #6  
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From: Killam, AB
Car: 1989 IrocZ Convertible
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: T5 - 5 Speed Standard
Axle/Gears: 3.08
Re: converting to electric top no prob think?????

This topic comes up a lot !!! . . .

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/conv...e-top-kit.html

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/conv...look-into.html

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/conv...-electric.html

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/conv...vertibles.html

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/conv...ower-tops.html

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/conv...power-top.html

While anything is possible given enough time, money and engineering, it has never been found to be practicle or worthwhile. You seem to have given it the most thought, we'd love you to be the first. I say go for it and let us know how it turned out. Good luck.

Last edited by Iroctopless; Feb 3, 2010 at 10:51 AM.
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