Ive always been a fan of old school cars with the chopped top. Would it technically be easier to do this on a BMW convert? The thing is the front windshield would need custom work with a custom windshield which is the case when this mod is done. But since the top is already off wouldnt cutting and chopping be easier as well? I dont know how it would effect the mounting, I dont think it would. This mod usually cost a few grand for the old school cars. could it be cheaper since less work is needed? no welding of the cars frame to retain structure, no cutting of a b and c pillar to remove roof. Am I crazy? Just thinking outside the box here. Thoughts on this would be great.

Ive always been a fan of old school cars with the chopped top. Would it technically be easier to do this on a BMW convert? The thing is the front windshield would need custom work with a custom windshield which is the case when this mod is done. But since the top is already off wouldnt cutting and chopping be easier as well? I dont know how it would effect the mounting, I dont think it would. This mod usually cost a few grand for the old school cars. could it be cheaper since less work is needed? no welding of the cars frame to retain structure, no cutting of a b and c pillar to remove roof. Am I crazy? Just thinking outside the box here. Thoughts on this would be great.

Crazy? IMHO, Yes.

It's an abomination of an idea, nevermind unsafe. the e36 convertibles were built as such, not coupes "converted" to a convertible. Many body panels are different, as well as frame structure for the cabin and A pillars. Forget this idea, a nice e36 vert can be had for around 7K these days.

It's an abomination of an idea, nevermind unsafe. the e36 convertibles were built as such, not coupes "converted" to a convertible. Many body panels are different, as well as frame structure for the cabin and A pillars. Forget this idea, a nice e36 vert can be had for around 7K these days.

I think he's going the other way - turning a vert into a coupe with a lowered roof line. You've seen hotrods like this I'm sure - tiny front and side windows. A lot of concept cars have this look too - big wheels and small drivers canopy. I'm not sure who would fit in a car like this. I'm also doubtful about how it would look.

You might lose some torsional rigidity by cutting the windshield frame but you could likely replace this. The biggest safety issue is that the frame is a key part of the vert safety system if the car rolls. If I lowered the windshield my head would be the next tallest structure - no thanks!

Aren't you supposed to do this to an old american car?

Peter

It's an abomination of an idea, nevermind unsafe. the e36 convertibles were built as such, not coupes "converted" to a convertible. Many body panels are different, as well as frame structure for the cabin and A pillars. Forget this idea, a nice e36 vert can be had for around 7K these days.

Most body pannels are shared with the coupe. Only the rear wings and bootlid are different.

Structure underneath ís different.

Shopping the A-pillar would render it a total loss since the whole a-frame acts as the front rollover bar. You would need some serious welding and probably a re-certification or whatever it's called before it's allowed on the road again.

Do It!

Don't forget the dog in the back window !

You all think too much. I do have a convert and Im going to pick up my hardtop at the end of this month. I was just thinking about ideas on what I can do with it, different color options, modifying it and the such.

I can barely see under the windshield header as it is. A chopped top would make it impossible to see out.

Is it possible, sure. And with some money I'm sure a chop shop would do it. As you said, you'd need a new windshield, the convertible top would no longer match up so it's useless, but then again most chop top cars are only show cars anyway.

Then there are the logistics of seat height, safety concerns, how to cover/roof the car other than a car cover (not necessary for show cars), etc.

Not my style but I'd be real interested in how it would look.

I can barely see under the windshield header as it is. A chopped top would make it impossible to see out.
Just look above it then :) (when the top is down :alright)

You could probably take 4" or so out of the front seats by changing the mounting to be much more flush to the floor - doubt that would be comfortable. And you'd have to take out the back seats as the car body will prevent the seats from being lowered back there. This doesn't feel like a good project to me.

If you want to get creative then redo the interior in some high end materials that will make the car unique. You could get a really nice exterior paint job - fade red to black top to bottom or an irridescent paint - by some of the people who work on show cars. Lotus Elise's come in some pretty wild distinctive colors and you could key the interior highlights to this. Krypton green or chrome orange? Upgrade the stereo and rims and it could look very slick.

Peter

Do it in Photoshop and see how it looks.

THanks for the discussion guys, you all bring up some really good points to consider.

Just look above it then :) (when the top is down :alright)

That's exactly what I used to do in my Austin Healey Sprite. The bugs in the eyeballs I can do without.:confused

If you chop it don't forget to install the hydraulics:redspot:redspot:redspot