Top chop on a Skylark

[vrondo]

How much would it cost (estimate or hypothesis would be fine) to convert a 68 skylark coupe into a convertible. To be done at a custom shop.

[bobc455]

For a true conversion, wouldn't you have to change frames as well? I would think that would push you to around $25K or so, since you would either need a donor frame or a ton of custom work.

Just a guess to get the ball rolling.

-Bob C.

[MARTINSR]

I have a convertible and had a number of hardtops, FORGET IT. Yes, the frame is different, it's boxed. The body has a lot of braces and what not, the wheel wells are different, it is TOTALLY different, PERIOD.

You would HAVE TO HAVE a donor convertible to cut up. There are just too many differences.

Brian

[fueler191]

You dont NEED a convertable frame, you can use the current frame, as long as it is in good shape, and reinforce it. REALLY reinforce it. But you would need a few other parts from a convert. not needing a doner, but ebay might be your best friend here. Go to a shop and ask for an estimate, that would probibly be your best bet. The other thing that is nice about reinforcing the frame and body and all that jazz, is that you can accually make it stronger then a convert would be stock. This gives you the ability to beef up your engine a little and not end up doing struct. dmg. A really nice thing ive seen a couple of is a carson top (one a 69 one a 68 or 69...couldnt tell on the second little to deep of a custom from a lost cause, and the owner didnt even know) But they are very nice, gives you the convertable look for crusing if you wish, and with the top on, a little bit more structural soundness. You will still need to reinforce the frame either way. Really cool thing for carson tops on these cars is when you go with a two tone pain job, but not with the body lines, keep it lets say all light blue on the bottom, and then the carson top white, looks reaaaaallllly sharp in my opinion.

-jeff-