Chassis input from guys running convertibles

[Gordie Kissner]

Looking for input from racers or chassis pros on setting up an approx 3200lb uni-body big-block convertible for B-C Stock (trans is undecided at this point). Is the standard chassis stiffening used with comparable hard tops enough or do I need to take it further? The initial plan is CM 10pt, sub-frame connectors through the floor etc...

Thanks, Gordie

[Jeff Lee]

While I can't offer any advice from experience, I would think that the OEM added structure to the frame to replace what is missing; the roof structure. Since your adding a CM cage (good move on the CM) and other common upgrades, you are now making it better than if it was a hardtop. I can't imagine you need anything more than the guy with a hardtop.

By the way, I once had a '67 Camaro convertible. I bought it in the '80's to flip it for a profit. I was excited because it was red on red. It was a 327 2bbl PG so I didn't care about numbers, it was just a base Camaro. With the top up, it rode "OK". With the top down, it had so much cowl shake over RR tracks it wasn't even funny. And it rode horrible. Well then I discovered that Mustang &Camaro convertible CONVERSIONS were once popular and this was one of them. So it didn't get the upgrades or the shaker cans in the trunk. That shows you how the OEM upgrades are needed for a true convertible.
And I got real lucky on that car, broke even with a guy that didn't care about the "upgrade".

[Gordie Kissner]

Originally Posted by Jeff Lee

While I can't offer any advice from experience, I would think that the OEM added structure to the frame to replace what is missing; the roof structure. Since your adding a CM cage (good move on the CM) and other common upgrades, you are now making it better than if it was a hardtop. I can't imagine you need anything more than the guy with a hardtop.

By the way, I once had a '67 Camaro convertible. I bought it in the '80's to flip it for a profit. I was excited because it was red on red. It was a 327 2bbl PG so I didn't care about numbers, it was just a base Camaro. With the top up, it rode "OK". With the top down, it had so much cowl shake over RR tracks it wasn't even funny. And it rode horrible. Well then I discovered that Mustang &Camaro convertible CONVERSIONS were once popular and this was one of them. So it didn't get the upgrades or the shaker cans in the trunk. That shows you how the OEM upgrades are needed for a true convertible.
And I got real lucky on that car, broke even with a guy that didn't care about the "upgrade".

Thanks Jeff,
Never thought to much about somebody doing a conversion on an original hardtop car until a couple of years ago when we were at Mopars at the strip and they had a Challenger that they whacked the top off and made it a convertible..now I wonder if their conversion include the factory convertible chassis enhancements??