Convert a coupe into a cab?

[GSpreeman]

How impossible is it to convert a coupe into a cabriolet? Where they structually the same except for the whole roof thing and some misc. parts?

[C. Clark]

The 356 Registry has a "Technical amd Restoration Guide", volume 2 that covers going topless.
http://www.356registry.org/Links/GS_vendor_page.html
and I believe Amazon.com sells it if your not a registry member.
Chas.
356
912

[JohnKo]

I actually asked some knowledgable folks about this recently, and was told that a Karmann Notchback is essentially a Cab. with a roof, but a Coupe is a different animal.

Hope this helps!

[aylanco]

Originally posted by JohnKo
I actually asked some knowledgable folks about this recently, and was told that a Karmann Notchback is essentially a Cab. with a roof, but a Coupe is a different animal.

You are mostly correct. Yes they are cabs with the hardtop welded on, but there is a difference among notchbacks.

The T-5 notchback can be made into a cab but the T-6 notchback--"she-a not so easy".

Remember, T-6 coupes got the taller windshields while the T-6 cabs did not. They kept the shorter T-5 windshield (for whatever reason, probably for looks {have you seen those Brazilian cabriolet replicas with the T-6 windshields?--not good looking at all}).

Anyway, a T-5 notchback roof will come right off if you grind the spotwelds. You are then ready for a removeable hardtop or a folding cabriolet top(after some body and paint work). Neither one of these would work if you cut the top off of a T-6 Notchback, it is just too tall.