Summer chop-top car...

[alex_umn]

An idea I've been playing with...I want a convertible this summer, but I'm cheap. I'm thinking I could buy some late 80's/early 90's Honda or Toyota for under $500, cut the top off, weld the doors shut, put a bar between the b-pillars, and maybe do a simple roll bar as well. Tunes from a boom box. Holes in the floor for draining. Total crap, so slow it wouldn't even matter, total fun.

Would I have trouble insuring something like this? This is not something I would plan to keep. In late September could I just take the thing to a crusher and be done with it? How much would that cost?

Does anyone have experience in projects like this? Still young enough to consider stupid projects like this but old enough to want to plan a little

[Mr. Pockets]

It's going to have to be something that's pretty strong. I mean, you clearly have plans to strengthen it, but removing so much of the structure is still going to compromise the car a lot.

The other thing to consider is rain. It'll play hell with any electrics in the cabin.

[SubaSteevo]

Two words:
Car cover

[CigarJohnny]

I doubt it will pass inspection depending on the state you live in. I believe that in order for a convertible to be legal, the "A" pillar must be able to withstand the weight of the car. If you fabricate a full cage it should be ok. If you just do a roll bar type deal it may not pass. Frankly I doubt they will know what to do with such an animal at most shops and as long as the basics work they will likely pass it. Now whether your insurance company will accept it or not is another matter entirely.

Johnny

PS: Cool idea, BTW

[UberRoo]

I whacked the roof off a Ford Torino once. A tree crushed it pretty badly one winter, so I made a non-converting convertible. I don't know how much luck you'd have with a unibody car, but I think that as long as you never opened the doors, you'd probably be just fine.

Another thing that's fun to do is simply remove the doors. Jeep guys like doing this. I did it on a 70's Honda Civic 3-door. The car sits so close to the ground that it gives you quite the sensation of speed and being exposed to the environment - a lot like a motorcycle, but without all the leaning. The best part is that the damage is reversible, although getting the doors to align again can be tricky. It's best if you can drive out the hinge pins instead of unbolting the hinge bracket.

[shelfy]

i'd just buy a $500 convertible.

[CigarJohnny]

Originally posted by shelfy
i'd just buy a $500 convertible.

Where's your sense of adventure???

[shelfy]

Originally posted by CigarJohnny
Where's your sense of adventure???

it's reserved for other areas in my life.

[mohrds]

Originally posted by shelfy
i'd just buy a $500 convertible.

There's no fun in that!

When I was younger, I helped a freind make a Delta 88 into a targa top car. That was fun.

Doug

[alex_umn]

We don't have licensing inspection in Minnesota anymore, but I do wonder what a cop would do if he encountered this project on the road. At the worst, I can see a repair order/ticket being written. GUess I'll call them for fun. I'll have to check with my insurance guy too.

Perhaps I went too far by saying $500. There are plenty of cars out there that will do 1000 miles for $50.

I like the no-doors idea; I could get those bar-style doors that Jeep people install sometimes. Maybe that could be something for next summer...

[CigarJohnny]

Originally posted by alex_umn
We don't have licensing inspection in Minnesota anymore, but I do wonder what a cop would do if he encountered this project on the road. At the worst, I can see a repair order/ticket being written. GUess I'll call them for fun. I'll have to check with my insurance guy too.

Perhaps I went too far by saying $500. There are plenty of cars out there that will do 1000 miles for $50.

I like the no-doors idea; I could get those bar-style doors that Jeep people install sometimes. Maybe that could be something for next summer...

"Get" those bar type doors? Incorporate it into the chop top! Remove the doors as well as the top and weld a piece of steel tubing or bar across the door opening so you have a place to rest your elbow as it stiffens the chassis even more than a regular door would. Make it a REALLY open-air car!

Johnny

[Subafreak]

There is just something freaky about flying down the road with no doors. I drove a Jeep a few times like that, no doors, no roof.

If you really want a thrill try taking a Willies down the highway.



I saw an old (70's) Subaru wagon with the top cut off when I was on the way to my 12th grade field trip, it was also pastel purple.

[NapaBavarian]

What about a POS Mini pickup? Might eben be able to resell for $0.50

[SilverSpear]

Originally posted by alex_umn
An idea I've been playing with...I want a convertible this summer, but I'm cheap. I'm thinking I could buy some late 80's/early 90's Honda or Toyota for under $500, cut the top off, weld the doors shut, put a bar between the b-pillars, and maybe do a simple roll bar as well. Tunes from a boom box. Holes in the floor for draining. Total crap, so slow it wouldn't even matter, total fun.

Would I have trouble insuring something like this? This is not something I would plan to keep. In late September could I just take the thing to a crusher and be done with it? How much would that cost?

Does anyone have experience in projects like this? Still young enough to consider stupid projects like this but old enough to want to plan a little

Why not buying an MK1 convertible VW ???? a 1983 or so.... similar of what you want...

[SilverSpear]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...spagename=WDVW

check it out...