[gwd]

I saw 2 conversion pictures with the backs removed.
Has anybody done this and what are problems in doing this type of work?

See pictures below.

 

[Mmusicman]

Some might say the vehicle loses structural integrity.
Some (like me) might say.. who cares.
If it's not an "actual" problem.. then have fun and enjoy.

Of course (just looking at photos) we don't really know if any reinforcement was done or not.
We also wouldn't know if it was actually even necessary.

Convertibles are never as strong as hard-tops.
Convertibles are also not for everyone.

I think they are cool.. and if used within their limitations, would be a lot of fun.

 

[ehbrown1]

Astro Van Pickup. What's wrong with that? They might be semi-unitbodies, but as long as it goes down the road straight and you like it, have a great time and enjoy it.

Looks pretty cool to me.

 

[MechBob]

I think they are cool, especially because years ago I had a very early VW pickup, ya, the 36hp engine,lol.
BUT,driving on public roads with a structurally modified vehicle could get you in trouble in some states, and your insurance company. It's a safety thing.

 

[sixsix]

I think that type of Chop is cooler than the 'Pickup' style.
That is actually pretty darn sharp - nice lines, well faired.

And factory Convertibles, especially the older ones, had extra reinforcement underneath.
OK... at least that is what we were told back in the day.

Crawl under yours, Music, give us an update.

 

[MechBob]

OK, on GM's, F bodies-extra support in rockers,floor,windshield.Next size up-chevelles,etc, some of that,plus frame is fully boxed. On full size, some of that, plus, extra body to frame mounts. Best I can remember.

 

[ehbrown1]

The 82-92 Camaros (F-Bodies) which were convertibles all had additional subframe/rocker supports added for rigidity.

Too many half assed "convertibles" shattered windshields and twisted bodies without those proper modifications. Even non-convertibles popped out t-tops when adding horsepower due to body flex. Moroso made structural reinforcements for their "Moroso Camaro Project Car" to combat this issue.

Chevelles (A-Bodies) never needed any additional support as they were already full frame vehicles.

 

[tungtide]

To each there own. If I wanted a pick-up or a convertible I would just get one. One does have to respect the effort put forth on those customs.

 

[sixsix]

To each there own. If I wanted a pick-up or a convertible I would just get one. One does have to respect the effort put forth on those customs.

Yeah, that's right... But just look at what this Convertible can carry.

 

[markmitch]

Yeah I like the look but it would not work for me as I live in NH and we just recovered from 18 inches over night less than a week ago.

 

[Mmusicman]

If I wanted a pick-up or a convertible I would just get one..

You can't just get a "convertible van"... it's a custom machine.
The price to pay for something "unique, custom, different"

Of course they do the "convertible mod" to trucks too.

BUT, driving on public roads with a structurally modified vehicle could get you in trouble in some states, and your insurance company. It's a safety thing.

Yes, I don't disagree.. but the same could be said for a "modified lifted vehicle" too, that is no longer factory original (or any suspension mods up or down, or ANY suspension modified from original). Heck even modifying your brakes (from stock) could be grounds for trouble... even if an improvement.

But the insurance thing and state legality is certainly worth considering
Or just "play dumb", "risk it".. and hope it never becomes an issue.

My tire company wouldn't install my tires on after-market wheels.

 

[WoodButcher]

My tire company wouldn't install my tires on after-market wheels.

I hear that with both my '93 and '69, not just aftermarket wheels but the stagger, "bags n' littles" . Idiots...

Cut away I say, look for posts by DRZ, the astromino it was called. You can also find threads here on a home built Tiger, he cut off the entire back behind the B pillars.

 

[MechBob]

I'd do it, but I kinda got my heart set on one of those older mini jap trucks,diesel,4wd, with slight lift so conventional tires can be used. Would be great for back and forth to town, no highway.
Heck, I'd even consider a china one.

 

[AstroWill]

The Provan Tigers where they cut them behind the drivers door seem to be holding up just fine. Wouldn't hold up as well in an accident, but those are the risks you take.

 

[crashaaron]

I really dig that Astro pickup in the OP!

Crawling around under my Tiger, it is kind of amazing it doesn’t fold in half going down the road, but it holds together just fine, all astros are dangerous in a crash, but mostly to the driver/passenger front seats. What happens after that probably doesn’t matter much as long as the brakes still work. Single point failure hydroboost brakes are likely WAY more dangerous than any chop job…


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[realityguy]

I could see it with a nice chrome roll bar mounted behind the cab and some top welded siderail/support/inner walls to stiffen the bed portion..and no passenger capabilities in the rear bed. Then it might not be an insurance issue also as long as state transportation officials approve it now as a 'truck";but I wouldn't do it in this wet state(WA.).
Around here..one summer ..and he'd be adding a canopy for the rear portion..

 

[AstroWill]

Someone on here had a rollbar mounted, IIRC it was for Hollywood tours or something like that. Wish I would have bookmarked the thread.

 

[loudguy]

 

[loudguy]

thought I would share this. No body flex

 

[gwd]

That is cool. They need to make a Hot Wheel out that model.