Sport Coup Convertable

S

Steve_KS

Member
Hello, as someone new to the A's Ive never seen a sport coup in person and I was wondering since it already has the cloth top and all that what keeps it from being a convertible? is it just some simple hardware to lock the top down and functional landeau bars?

Has anyone make a sport coup into a convertible?

Also what would drive folks to buy them back when new, it functionally the same as a coup so I would think the coup is better if you don't want a convertible.

Thanks
 
Lots of hardware to change, doors ,look at some photos of cabriolets to get an idea of work needed. also when you done it would not be stock and value would suffer ? but would be fun to look at.
 
The top on the Sport Coupe was never intended to "move" and is bolted and screwed in position. Compare it to the 68 series Cabriolet and you will find major differences in structure, including the doors. I suspect the main attraction to the Sport Coupe was price vs. the cost of a Cabriolet. They do have a similar appearance to many folks that are not aware of the details.

Gar Williams
 
Radical body differences.

The cabriolet body is set up to handle the body flex with special reinforcements. It is also setup to handle weather sealing the back and top edge of the door glass. As you can see they do not use the full coupe doors.

The sport coupe has the rear of the body connected to the front structurally and uses the full coupe doors. So the flimsy steel frame does the job.

The sport coupe is all the hassles of a cabriolet (having to put the cloth top on) and none of the benefits (can't put the top down).
 
The cloth top is covering a wood frame that does not collapse into a convertible and the Landau irons are for looks not functionality.
The 31 Sport Coupe I have was turned into a convertible by removing all the top parts and cutting the window frames off the doors. I am in the process of putting it back to a real Sport Coupe.

I think if someone wanted a sporty look but not a convertible, the sport coupe was the way to go. A coupe was more of an "everyday" car.
 
Why would they buy it?

Price, you get the look of a more expensive model at a lower price.
It would probably be cooler than a metal coupe during a hot summer day.
They like the style.
 
I like the sport coupe for it's looks and you can also open the back window for more airflow during the summer. Looks like a Cabriolet for less money.
 
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