Second Generation Convertible - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

79ZRAG · 08-24-2010, 08:04 PM

Let me assure everyone that there were no production droptops for the 2nd Gens. I own an NCE (National Coach Engineering) conversion (one of 380 that were produced between 79 - 81). The converted car weighs in at about 300 lbs more after the conversion because of added support.

Let there be no mistake that these conversions required numerous modifications, simply chopping off the roof structure will ruin the body integrity. Approximately 85% of the body structure is in the roof, hence without a roof (or underfloor frame), your floor pans provide about 15% of structural integrity !

Primarily, and most importantly, a full frame structure is required. Typically this is accomplished by extending the sub-frame back to the axel wells to provide a rigid structure.

I have seen other "home made" conversions that actually looked pretty good. some of which the original roof was redesigned into a removable hardtop. If you do it right plan on spending a few bucks.

DeanForDWin · 09-07-2010, 11:41 PM

Sweet ride. The color is definitely, eye candy.

BTW, will these headlamps work for the 81 camaro. Catalogue on the site says 78-83 Cam.

08-24-2010, 08:04 PM	#1
79ZRAG Drives: 1979 Z/28 NCE LIMITED EDITION Join Date: May 2009 Location: Bend, Oregon Posts: 26	Second Generation Convertible Let me assure everyone that there were no production droptops for the 2nd Gens. I own an NCE (National Coach Engineering) conversion (one of 380 that were produced between 79 - 81). The converted car weighs in at about 300 lbs more after the conversion because of added support. Let there be no mistake that these conversions required numerous modifications, simply chopping off the roof structure will ruin the body integrity. Approximately 85% of the body structure is in the roof, hence without a roof (or underfloor frame), your floor pans provide about 15% of structural integrity ! Primarily, and most importantly, a full frame structure is required. Typically this is accomplished by extending the sub-frame back to the axel wells to provide a rigid structure. I have seen other "home made" conversions that actually looked pretty good. some of which the original roof was redesigned into a removable hardtop. If you do it right plan on spending a few bucks. Attached Images __________________ "THE GREAT MASS OF PEOPLE WILL MOST EASILY FALL VICTIM TO A BIG LIE THAN TO A SMALLL ONE"

09-07-2010, 11:41 PM	#2
DeanForDWin Restoring a 1981 Camaro Drives: 1981 Camaro (Restoration Project) Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Queens, NJ Posts: 28	Sweet ride. The color is definitely, eye candy. BTW, will these headlamps work for the 81 camaro. Catalogue on the site says 78-83 Cam. Last edited by DeanForDWin; 02-28-2013 at 12:37 AM.

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