Posted by DS on January 13, 1999 at 14:22:06:
In Reply to: Re: Turning Maverick into a convertable?--legal posted by T.L. on January 13, 1999 at 14:08:21:
True, she handled like crap and moaned and groaned a lot. Although I'm not sure how much better it was before we chopped it (she had one foot in the grave when we got her). I don't remember having any problems with the doors.
: It is true that the roof is a substantial part of a unibody structure, however it can be successfully done by someone who knows what they're doing. For one thing; you could (and should) weld sub-frame connectors underneath to increase rigidity and safety in case of collision. Of course the car will handle like krap and God help you if you ever rolled the car but such is the case with ANY convertable. The doors would actually be lighter after removing the window frames which would reduce sag and preserve the hinges. Personally, I wouldn't do it simply because I don't think it would look as good as a Maverick with its top...
: : Well, as far as I know, I have been pulled over driving the aformentioned Maverick (DS is my brother) by a California cop and all he wanted from me was to look at the car to see if it was legal. He was more interested in making sure the back seat had seatbelts then the fact that there was no stinking top on the car! It was also insured. How could I get a CLAIM DENIED statement if I got in a wreck if the insurance company had a photo of the beast in there files? What do you mean the doors won't open properly? They suited us fine for four years.
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: : : Sorry to rain on your Maverick Convertible parade....but I doubt if it is legal. You probably can't get insurance on it so you can drive it. I suppose you could neglect to tell the insurance company you cut the top off, but if you ever had a wreck, you will see the words.....CLAIM DENIED.......and then you have to pay for the other's guy car, hospital bills, lost wages, etc.
: : : Also, I doubt if you could get the doors to open properly or not. You would have to crawl over the edge to get it. I am sure DS can enlighten us here. The roof is a supstantial part of the structure on a uni-body car. Over all we are talking safety.
: : : On a side note, I am going to do this to a Maverick sometime....just before it goes to the junkyard!!
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: : : : I own a 77' Maverick and iv been toying around with options to do to it.
: : : : Has anybody tried goin from HT to convertible? Has it been done? Some help
: : : : would be nice.