It amazes me that the convertibles were just cut up T-top cars. When they made the cut at the C-pillar and down the hatch opening, they simply folded over the cut metal edge and applied black seam sealer tape over the exposed bare metal to seal it. Then, the quarter panel spoiler piece was attached over this to complete the new body line. Structural enhancements like the subframe connectors were simply pop riveted into place with a separate new tonneau cover, trunk lid and convertible top added on to complete the conversion.

Are there any old pics/videos from ASC showing the work that was done to convert these cars? I know there are exploded parts diagrams on here showing the new parts that were added on, but any pics of the actual work being done on a 3rd gen at ASC?

I’ve looked at some of these cars over the years at the junkyard to learn how the conversions was done. To be honest, it seemed like it was a rather crude job in how they converted these cars. The pop riveted homemade looking sub frame connectors were already showing signs of rust and corrosion. The method of how they folded over the quarter panel flange after cutting it looked crude as well. It’s like they simply used a ball peen hammer to flatten down the edge. Maybe that’s what they actually did, I don’t know.

Don’t get me wrong, once the conversion was complete, these cars looked great. However, once you start taking things apart, you begin to see the rather crude way how they performed the conversions. I guess that’s the difference between an aftermarket convertible and a factory done convertible.

Comments?

 

Yes. Terrible work done. It was a struggle designing the trans am spoiler to cover up huge gaps and level differences.

 

Most of the time when T-tops, a sunroof, or a convertible is a conversion it's done crudely and covered up with trim pieces.

When the car was designed from the get go to have any of those things it is normally done way nicer.

 

It wasn't just these cars either. All of the converted cars of the era were done rather crude.