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Post by colin on Sept 30, 2022 7:35:37 GMT
Hi,
I am interested in any information on turning an 1800 sedan into a convertible. I cannot find a single picture of one on the net. Is there some technical reason rendering this conversion impossible?
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Post by 1800heap on Sept 30, 2022 20:53:02 GMT
Hi Colin
Convertible Crab. Well thats an interesting challenge if you would like to drive it on the road legally! Easy to do if it is just for farm or offroad use on a property. In fact I have seen a wreck that was obviously used as a convertible on a farm. Never seen a road going convertible though so you might have a first if you do it. The best I have seen on a road going car is the webasto sun roof. I fact my W6 had one that opened up most of the roof area. Certainly an easier option.
The car would likely be still quite rigid with the roof removed so I can't see any major issues there. Unfortunately depending on where you live the engineering approval would be a nightmare I would think.
Nick
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Post by 1800heap on Sept 30, 2022 20:59:52 GMT
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Post by Penguin45 on Sept 30, 2022 23:41:31 GMT
Hello Colin.
Interesting idea. If I might extend your "Never seen one" point a little further, when have you seen a four door convertible? It seems to be a bit of a unicorn as a general idea.
When the 'Crab was launched in 1964, much was made of the shell being the strongest, toughest, most rigid monocoque ever built. It didn't mention it being one of the most rust prone, B awkward ones to repair either. This has proved to be a double edged sword, as even the prettiest (sic) 'Crab can prove to be an absolute rotter when prodded with the Chisel of Doom. Believe me here, because I know...
Nick has hinted that there would be problems getting one road legal in Oz; similarly here in the UK, altering the monocoque requires IVA approval before the car can go back on the road. Indiana Jones is in your neck of the woods and recalling some of his adventures getting his 'Crab through the WOF every six months suggests that you are going to face some very serious technical challenges if you wish to proceed.
But, how to do it? Regardless of the overall battleship qualities of the original saloon, the roof, B and D pillars are going to go, so the roof bow tying the front to the rear is going to go as well, and that's a pretty substantial bit of front to rear reinforcement. The sills would have to be reinforced to compensate and possibly cross bracing added across the floor pan.
Personally, I think it would look weird as a four door convertible. To give it some sense of proportion, I would seriously consider extending the front doors, moving the stump of the "B" pillar back and getting rid of the rear doors altogether. This would also allow bracing to be added from the rear bulkhead to the sill.
Don't get me wrong here. I'm not suggesting that you shouldn't do it in any way. In fact, I'd be fascinated to see how it could be progressed. I say this as one who has been challenged to build a rotter into an 1800 Moke. Fortunately, that seems to have been quietly forgotten for the moment....
Chris.
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Post by 1800heap on Oct 1, 2022 0:52:37 GMT
Ditto Chris!
What has come to mind and may not be quite such a nightmare to do, and get approved, is a landrover defender style rag top 1800 Ute. Would also look a little better being 2 door and already has some of the strengthened areas required. Bit of a roll bar type of thing instead of the roof and hay it would probably look the goods if done well. You would then be able to see the sky without remortgaging the house!
Nick
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Post by halkyon on Oct 2, 2022 18:54:43 GMT
If I had the skills, time, money and gumption - I would love to do a landcrab estate!  |
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