How to Make a Convertible Car

A convertible car is really a classy and fun thing to own. But for many, the price barrier is one that will never come down. So, for those people who dream of the wind in their hair while living on a wing and a prayer financially speaking, you can try to make your own convertible. It's a task that requires skills with metal saws and some welding expertise but with enough motivation it can be done.

Things You'll Need

• Metal saw and grinder
• Welding equipment
• Basic tools

Instructions

1. Cutting the frame. Cut the frame supports on the doors of the car with a sawsall, or metal saw. Be sure to roll down the windows first, or remove them entirely if possible. A grinder with a cutting bit will also cut through the metal. Make the cuts right along the top of the doors as close to the door panel as possible.

2. Make your next cut 3 inches back from where the windshield meets the roof, go all the way across through the horizontal part above the door windows. The point is to leave enough of a support all the way along the top of the roof so it holds in the windshield and to leave enough of a support to hold it in place. Make a similar cut along the back of the roof about 3 inches behind the point where it intersects the rear windshield.

3. Remove the roof section by hand. It should lift right off the car. Get some help for this part because the roof will be very heavy.

4. Grind down the cuts until they are flush with the frame using a grinder and you have the shape you want. Then smooth them and sand them with a wheel grinder.

5. Along the remaining roof sections install a tarpaulin grommet, the kind used for installing boat covers on boats. Then fabricate a cover with a matching attachment that fits into the grommet. This cover can be slid into the grommet. It's harder to take on and off but it will be much stronger trying to manufacture your own.

Resources

• DIY convertible
• Boat covers