converting my Bertha into a convertible

[Black Betty]

OK, so I drive an 1985 88 Oldsmobile LS and I really want to fix her up. SHe isn't in that bad of shape, but I think a few modifications would be awesome. So I was thinking that I could possibly turn her into a convertible...you know....chop off the top and put one of those old convertible tops on......but is this even possible?? I am thinking it is, but I am not too sure. I would love it if I could....if you got some info please resond! Thank you!

[86FieroGT]

Absolutely possible. I don't know where to start looking for info, though. Are there any real hotrodders around there who do that kind of stuff?

There's an instructor at my college who does stuff like that. Took a really old 4-door and made it a 2 door. He's got a 1946 or '47 Pontiac... he started with a 350 block, and now he has it tuned and cammed so insanely that it will die at a stop light if it's not revved. Crazy..

[MagicRat]

The top is the easy part. Any shop that does convertible tops and marine and boat tonneaus amd covers etc can make one, but it would cost at least $1500-2000 to do right.
The tough part is structural integrety. When the roof comes off the chassis will twist and flex much more. The handling will suffer and it would be easy to permanently twist the chassis over a big bump so the doors will never open again.
If your car is the rwd seperate chassis type, you can box the chassis, that is, weld a plate on the inside of the frame rails so its enclosed, like a box. Right now, its open on one side, like a C section. This would require lots of fabrication and likely relocating the fuel and brake lines. Removing the body from the frame may be necessary.

If its the fwd unit body type, its more difficult. Frame rails would have to be fabricated and welded in place underneath BEFORE the roof is cut off.

Either way, you would put lots of money and time into something you could never resell. Its cheaper to sell it as is and buy a real convertable.

[Black Betty]

hmm...ok then, thank you for the info, both of ya! I think though that if I am putting 1500-2000 into it I might as well just get a new car that is already a convertible...no matter how much I love my Bertha, but ohwell.