T2 convertible conversion
 

There's a junkyard here selling a T2 that was rolled over for $200. A friend told me about it, I didn't get many details but he said that the roof was the only part with damage and the engine looked intact. How much would it cost to make it into a convertible or to just fix the roof? I'd like to fix it up and make a profit :) I have some goodies from my old T2 that I could put on it for the next lucky owner as well as do some custom work while rebuilding it.

get it, buy a real vert with a blown motor, and do the swap

I've never actually looked at the inside of a vert, but all I could see is chopping the old roof, welding on the parts of the vert roof/top that I'd need, then wiring it up. I'm going to go see if the car will actually start first though. If it starts, it's a buy! If it doesn't, well, I'll go from whatever does or doesn't happen. Once it's finished, it should be a nice resale if the miels aren't to high. With some wheels, replaced/performance parts, tuned and painted I think it could fetch about $6000. That's just a guess, but I've seen nice T2's go for more. Let me know what a good resale price would be so I can figure out if it'll be worth the costs.

I agree with David. Buy a Vert with a blown or tired engin, retro-fit the drivetrain from the TII. If the Vert is in decent shape anyway, you should get $6K. Tons of folks would want a Topless T II :)

Yea, I don't think it can be that hard to do the swap, it'll just take alot of time. I've got a Hayes manual for the FC from when I had two of the T2's. What does everyone think of that maual, is it any good to use for a reference, or should I go somewhere else to get my information?

http://www.rx-7.cc/TII.html
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Speedway/6335/

Just to clarify... the RX-7 convertible, unlike MOST other convertibles, was NOT built on the same production line. Parts interchange, but the actual chassis is different- that's why it's still a pretty stiff platform. (and a LOT heavier!) You can't just chop off the top like they did to make the Mustang convertibles. (Those were aftermarket cars!!)

Buy a dead 'vert and "resurrect" it- you can make it better, stronger, faster... :D