Chop Top

I have a 1964 Impala hard top and would like to cut it off to make it into a convertible. What would I have to do after cutting the top off to support the rest of the body or do I have to do anything?

I'm not really versed in impalas or full frame cars but most convertibles have frame and other modifications to offset the loss of structural support without the top. This could be different rocker panels, additional cross bracing on the frame and even vibration dampening devices.

From a performance standpoint I think a full roll cage would allow you to cut the top off the car and not have it drive down the road like a noodle on wheels.

As for the cars final finish, if you are looking at turning the car into a roadster without a top at all it would just be a matter for fabing something to roll the outside of the car into the interior. Of course then you need to decide if you want roll up windows or not so there is more fabrication if you decide why have windows if you don't have a top. This would be a real custom deal and of course a fair weather car...

The other option is retrofitting a top frame and making it work on a hardtop body and interior. I'm sure if you have the energy it can be done but by the time you round up the parts for the top and the ragtop rear interior you are going to find out that the front windshield is different between the hardtop and ragtop and you'll have to deal with that and replacing all the door glass too... I think it would be less expensive even if you do the work yourself to buy a convertible to start with.

Thanks for your reply

I believe the convertible has a boxed frame (closing the open portion of the existing C-shaped frame sections) as well as a heavier frame than a stock sedan (closer to the wagon). I agree that a store bought convertible would be the way to go. You car might fold in half first time you open the door, with the stock frame but a few high speed bumps could prove interesting :angry: unless it was reinforced.


Big Dave

Big Dave Thanks for the reply that was good info

Shorty 007