250 s going to get its head(roof) chopped off, any advice welcome - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Tattoodrob · #1 12-24-2009, 09:34 AM

i know many will say dont do it but its gonna get done.......so any positive advice on where best to add extra strengthening etc or any other advice........i cant afford a real Merc convertible...prices for cars in Thailand is unbelievable due to tax but labour very cheap so its gonna happen........car has a Nissan diesel engine( not through choice ) and has no power so its not like im going to zoom around anywhere in it.

Tomguy · #2 12-24-2009, 11:03 AM

There is structural reinforcement added to convertibles, compared to standard coupes. If you are referring to a 108 sedan, you will not have a car once the roof is cut. There is too much weight, no B pillar support, etc. It will fold in half.

silverteam · #3 12-24-2009, 03:31 PM

O that's a good idea. 15 - 20 years back there was a shop in Orange County, CA and he bought the Mercedes 280 sec/3.5 and converted over to a convertible. I saw 2 cars and he did a nice job. These were 2 door chassis. Yours is a 4 door. It's a little bit more complicated. Before u start to cut it off u need to reinforce the bottom with a u shaped metal rod. If u have time reinforce the drive shaft tunnel do this also. I have never seen a heavy set thai person before!!! lol. With 4 heavy gringo's u might have problems!!!!! U defrocked the car already it's not a Mercedes anymore.

Tattoodrob · #4 12-24-2009, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tomguy

There is structural reinforcement added to convertibles, compared to standard coupes. If you are referring to a 108 sedan, you will not have a car once the roof is cut. There is too much weight, no B pillar support, etc. It will fold in half.

We will see then .......but i am gonna have reinforcement to chassis underneath to stop any folding effect. I am not driving miles in this car and will not be driving at any speed so its just a fun idea and i know it will not drive the same but if i drive it till it folds in half is ok by me.

wolf_walker · #5 12-24-2009, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silverteam

it's not a Mercedes anymore.

Until it's a beer can, it's still a Mercedes.

Tattoodrob · #6 12-24-2009, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silverteam

O that's a good idea. 15 - 20 years back there was a shop in Orange County, CA and he bought the Mercedes 280 sec/3.5 and converted over to a convertible. I saw 2 cars and he did a nice job. These were 2 door chassis. Yours is a 4 door. It's a little bit more complicated. Before u start to cut it off u need to reinforce the bottom with a u shaped metal rod. If u have time reinforce the drive shaft tunnel do this also. I have never seen a heavy set thai person before!!! lol. With 4 heavy gringo's u might have problems!!!!! U defrocked the car already it's not a Mercedes anymore.

wow not many will say its a good idea!!! i tried to find info on doing it on internet but nothing really available and not many people seem to have done it.....and should be unusual in still being a four door after ( dont know if all four doors will open though ).
What thickness of metal rod are you talking about ....and i will try and get them to reinfoce as much as possible including driveshaft tunnel but as my thai is not good and there english is not either then i will hope for the best and do a lot of pointing where i want reinforcements......i will take into consideration weight of passengers

Tomguy · #7 12-25-2009, 07:20 AM

If you're even thinking of doing it to a sedan you need major reinforcement on the B pillar so closing the driver's door won't result in bending the B pillar inwards. Coupe -> converible conversions don't have this issue, there's no B pillar, so the rear portion of the car reinforces all of that. In a T-Bone crash, a moderate hit to the doors will probably result in death.

strelnik · #8 12-25-2009, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tattoodrob

wow not many will say its a good idea!!! i tried to find info on doing it on internet but nothing really available and not many people seem to have done it.....and should be unusual in still being a four door after ( dont know if all four doors will open though ).
What thickness of metal rod are you talking about ....and i will try and get them to reinfoce as much as possible including driveshaft tunnel but as my thai is not good and there english is not either then i will hope for the best and do a lot of pointing where i want reinforcements......i will take into consideration weight of passengers

This was how my 4 door Citroen DS21 convertible came to be.

In that case, a large U shaped piece steel tube was added which went under and through the b-pillar, plus an X-shaped piece behind the rear seats to prevent possible flexing there as well.

Take measurements before you start so that you can be sure all dimensions stay the same once you start cutting.

BTW what kind of convertible mechanism are you using?

johnjzjz · #9 12-25-2009, 08:52 AM

did it many times when i was younger GO FOR IT it will not fall apart if you take the tin roof off trust me but if it should be hit from the side than it will fold up more than it should

if that is not a worry than do it

i was in Bangkok for 8 days in 1969 and did a tour of the old city wow what a place will never forget -- i do believe i still have some pictures

JimFreeh · #10 12-25-2009, 06:40 PM

Why don't you just weld the doors closed and do the "Dukes of Hazzard" entry method......

Jim

pch2021 · #11 12-26-2009, 08:49 AM

whats wrong with the normal roof?

johnjzjz · #12 12-26-2009, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pch2021

whats wrong with the normal roof?

its getting in the way of the Sun

cadurning · #13 12-26-2009, 06:55 PM

You could do a rag top like they did on the old Nashcans or Citroen 2CV. Leave the sides in place, add a support between the B pillars. A rag top should be easy to fabricate from there.

It'll be like having a sun roof from the windshield to the rear deck.

http://www.secondchancegarage.com/public/197.cfm

http://www.2cvsrus.com/restoration/dolly_pavel/frame_e.htm

have mercy · #14 12-27-2009, 09:02 AM

I have sean it done to a 58/300d two time 1they made it a convetable [In hollywood Cal.], the other thy made the top unbolt [that car is in iran]. But those cars as coupe windows go against top. What do you plan
to do about windows closing. And yes you have to do frame work underneath, and at doors piller they will move if you donot. I still have a few pic,s if want will email.

Tattoodrob · #15 12-27-2009, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by have mercy

I have sean it done to a 58/300d two time 1they made it a convetable [In hollywood Cal.], the other thy made the top unbolt [that car is in iran]. But those cars as coupe windows go against top. What do you plan
to do about windows closing. And yes you have to do frame work underneath, and at doors piller they will move if you donot. I still have a few pic,s if want will email.

pics welcome thanks.
windows closing will be an issue but im planning on a one piece steel framed and covered with material roof that i just take off in one piece.......im guessing the convertible roof from the real convertible will not fit at all .
the back windows i dont think will use and will have a plastic see through side rear windows attached to roof and material...maybe poppers to hold that to car!