Convertible 914? Saw on Renegade Site?

[joehahn]

Guy was asking about convertible kits??? Anyone ever done this? Pictures? I apologize to the purists but I think that it would be pretty sweet. Any info. would be appreciated.

BTW, 55 degrees in Cleveland. Westcoasters and Floridians eat your heart out, it's almost time to break out my baby! Can't wait.

[mejulihn]

The forecast from beautiful San Francisco is a sunny and warm 75 degrees today. If it wasn't a work day, I'd be cruisin' in shorts with the roof off!

[TFI]

i think it got to 37 today, and i was tempted to take my roof off and watch the snow melt while i drive.

[djs]

Also in San Francisco. No shorts, but did cruise with the top off. It was rather balmy today!

[mike mueller]

A few companies sell a "kit" or do the conversions, the only one I can think of right now is Red Dawg, http://www.reddawgbytes.twoffice.com/

Personally, I think the full convertibles on the 914's look terrible, heck, I think the 911 convertibles look bad, these two cars do not have the correct lines IMHO,

I also prefer the safety the targa top gives you, unless you put a properly designed rollbar or redesign the front "A" pillars you're not going to have much protection.
The car is already a risk to drive due to it's small size, especially with all the SUV's and minivans zipping around not looking for us that are only a few feet from the ground...


------------------
Mike Mueller
Antioch, CA
1970 1.8
http://www.pelicanparts.com/MotorCity/mmueller/personal.html

[JP Noonan]

I agree with the safty (if you roll over anyway) also the chassis as built isn't the stiffest in the world to begin with. Other problems like 1. If they use the stock cooling passage through the top of the engine lid the interior will be LOUD!!! Beleive me I had my 1.7L running with no back window, and "oh boy" was it annoying.
2. If they instead get cooling air from the side ala "Boxster" style openings, it decreases cooling, and adds expense with further modification of the body.

...but whos car is it anyway, right? If you like go for it.

[TFI]

i kinda like the 940 with the top still on it... only i'd take mine with a different spoiler. YUCK. that's my opinion, though.
i'd like to see what their 994 looks like. that would be interesting to see.
(i also think that if they want THEIR website to look more professional someone should look THERE, at THEIR website, and tell them that THEY'RE using words in the wrong places)

[agent914]

Yet another word on safety and strength, correct me if I'm wrong but the 'b' pillar, the one with the back glass in it, has a built-in roll bar, this is part of what gives the chassis its stiffness? NO? You axe out the roll bar, and that was one of your last saving graces if you where to ever flip the car. Remember, no one ever plans on flipping their car, it just sort of happens. I say keep it safe.
--Just my $.02 ---agent914---

[joehahn]

....thanks for the input, you guys are right I love the car the way it is and don't really want the compromise the "safety".

BTW...66 in Cleveland but me and the Mrs. are down here in Sanibel, Fla., this week. Man, I could get used to this weather!

Joe

[TFI]

on the cooling of the convertibles...
they are running v-8's and v-6s in the cars with the radiator up front. I still like my turbo four with the radiator next to it.


-jim-