What are the issues with a chop-top 280CE?
 

I'm contemplating getting a very cheap and run-down coupe and cutting the roof off. I have TIG welding equipment and will fabricate frame stiffeners. I also have a covered place to keep it for the six months of wet weather we get here in the SF Bay Area.

I see the big convertables and think they are just the classiest things on Earth. Sure, this one would have a $300 paint job and be in need of some decent upholstery but it's not the flashiness I'm after. $1000 for the car, a couple hundred in fabrication supplies, $100 for some seat covers and $300 for the paint, that's $1600 for a very fun ride.

What would I be getting myself into here?

The word " Jello" springs to mind.... :grin:


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How much reinforcement do you think I'd need? I was thinking diagonal bracing in the door jambs, using 1.5"X1.5"X.125" steel box beams, tying into 2"X3"X.125 steel box beams welded longitudinally along the floor, one each side. I was also thinking about a lateral brace between the tops of the front fenders at the tops of the springs, and a lateral brace behind the back seat.

I'm not too worried about the cosmetics. I can tig or braze sheet metal at the rough edges at the back to give everything a finished look.

Part of the problem here is that I enjoy welding and have run out of projects :)

Thanks,
Robert

Maybe some inspiration?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6315&item=4551279662&sspagename=rvi%3A1%3A1v_home

wow, a four door:

door frames frame fully reinforced with 2 inch x 4 inch by 1/4 inch thick box beam inside of rockers and tied together side by side

Interesting, but I think a four-door convertable with the B-pillar and the window channels is a bit unusual. Hilarious license plate. I would think he'd need a CHP 11-99 Foundation license plate frame to avoid getting pulled over all the time.

Robert

We don need no stinkin' FOUR door :pukeface: .......Def' need to do a coupe. :cool:

I wonder when this chop-top project is going to be updated:
http://www.mbzponton.org/pax058/people/litkowiak/project1.htm