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ConvertiblesDiscussed here are problems and solutions to convertible specific questions, including difficult to find part numbers and other convertible tech help.
Years ago there was a white '88-'90 Iroc Z parked in a garage. I stopped to ask about the car & the owner came out. We walked into the garage & he told me it was his mom's car, she bought it new. It was a convertible, but was built as a hard top. She had the top cut off so she could have a vert. Learning this, I noticed the gap at the front of the driver's door was touching the fender up top & there was a good 1/4" gap at the bottom. She did not have the shop reinforce the chassis & the car was junk. Don't know if she or the shop was at fault but the car was totaled by the son. Flat bed picked it up for scrap. Shame, really.
Why destroy a 91-92 Trans Am convertible? They are one of the rarest third gens you can find. Less than about 1,300 made total for both years combined. I'd find a more common Bird to do what you're trying to do. But hey, it is your car and if you choose to destroy it then it just makes mine even rarer...
Terrible idea. Just a really bad idea. What's with Germans and their fascination with the Hoff?
Yes it was. I couldn't help but thinking why did she buy a coupe or t top, I don't remember, if she wanted a vert? She ruined a perfectly good car. I seem to think there were only 15k miles on it.
Even though I partially agree with trying to preserve one of the rarest third gens out there, it's your car. You do with it what you want. Yes, you can remove the original subframes BUT if you want to keep from junking the car you MUST do the following:
1. Install inboard subframes that do not interfere with the originals (Alstons for instance).
2. Brace the doors both front to back, top to bottom, and crossed. This will act as a "roll cage" giving the car enough rigidity for the next two steps.
3. Remove the original subframes while the car is supported ON THE WHEELS AND TIRES or adequately leveled suspension (A-arms and differential)
4. This step is optional but highly recommended. Install ANOTHER set of connectors (outboard)
5. The car should now be rigid enough to remove the bracing installed up top.
Something along this line [img]webkit-fake-url://1da66674-aff2-4852-acbd-fb108734da53/imagejpeg[/img]
Google images of bracing comvertible and you'll get the idea.
Last edited by galletti; 10-24-2017 at 10:21 AM.
Reason: Add pic
Even though I partially agree with trying to preserve one of the rarest third gens out there, it's your car. You do with it what you want. Yes, you can remove the original subframes BUT if you want to keep from junking the car you MUST do the following:
1. Install inboard subframes that do not interfere with the originals (Alstons for instance).
2. Brace the doors both front to back, top to bottom, and crossed. This will act as a "roll cage" giving the car enough rigidity for the next two steps.
3. Remove the original subframes while the car is supported ON THE WHEELS AND TIRES or adequately leveled suspension (A-arms and differential)
4. This step is optional but highly recommended. Install ANOTHER set of connectors (outboard)
5. The car should now be rigid enough to remove the bracing installed up top.
I will get the Alstone inboard subframes in the next time.
What for options do i have for outboard subframes that will not disturb the Alstone subframes?
My idea is to build a Knight Rider K.I.T.T. Replica Convertible.
The problem is this Subframe and the Ground Effect, because the Original K.I.T.T. don't has this subframes
The original K.I.T.T. wasn't a convertible either so I don't know why you're splitting hairs with the rest of it. A third gen is the last car I would start screwing with the structural intergrity of, especially a convertible.
There are a few subframe connectors (assuming that is what we are talking about) that do not show from the outside. The Spohn are one of them and they are very good.
Another (which requires more work) are Detroit Speed. These are some of the best and hide completely but again, require more work.
The ThirdGen convertibles are very flexible to begin with and are much better with added subframe connectors. I really would not recommend removing any support for these cars.
There are a few subframe connectors (assuming that is what we are talking about) that do not show from the outside. The Spohn are one of them and they are very good.
Another (which requires more work) are Detroit Speed. These are some of the best and hide completely but again, require more work.
The ThirdGen convertibles are very flexible to begin with and are much better with added subframe connectors. I really would not recommend removing any support for these cars.
OK. but if I install 2 different subframes before removing the original subframes, should the body have enough stability, right?
As the owner of a '92 Firebird convertible, I can attest to the lack of rigidity - my windshield header flexes so much when I go over a speed bump at .5 MPH that I expect to see a radiating crack in the corner at any moment. The creaking & groaning of the body can only be drowned out by the distortion of the stock speakers & cassette deck played at high volume. The only time it's not making making any noise is when it's standing perfectly still - my wife won't get in it, she thinks it's a death trap. Personally, I think it just adds character.
10-21-2017, 03:39 PM
