So, it looks like they don't offer repo 70 'Cuda quarter panels? What is the bext way to replace them? Buy the full quarters and cut to match? Thanks

Hey Jeff,Thats what i'm doing on my wifes Challenger convertible. I had a pair of NOS Challenger rear quarter panels. When Goodmark started reproducing the full OEM style hardtop rear quarter panels,I offered to let them template my convertible Challenger panels,they declined,saying there wasn't enough market for them. So I cut down the repro hardtop panels to repair her car.

Just get in the way back machine, and cut them right below the top body line.....and pop rivet them on! Just kidding. I have to do the same thing to a 69 Dart conv. and plan on butt welding them right below the conv top moulding, and plug welding everywhere else at the factory seams.

Thanks guys, so, since I'll be cutting them anyway, do you still feel I should get the hardtop quarter vs the full quarter skin? Is the repo hardtop quarter that much better in quality?
Thanks

Jeff the Cuda skins had issues with the center body line fading away over the wheelwell. Sometimes as much as two feet of bodyline are missing,depending on how much the stamp was used. I think there was also some fitment issues with the rear valence pan with the skins too. Plus the skin will require welding a seam down the entire length of the panel,instead of just around the top well. I would use the AMD full skins and cut them to fit the convertible.

Are the AMD quarters better than the goodmark? Big price difference. Does anybody have any pictures of where you cut them.

The AMD panels are made of a thicker guage material than the Goodmark panels are.

chargervert do you have any pictures of where you cut them? I will be doing some in the near future and dragging jeff968 into the project (thanks Jeff) any input of things you would have done differently or would have not done would be appreciated.

Hi,
Do not cut them - I have reporduced the tooling that takes an original quarter panel and makes it into a convertible - even an expert could never tell. I have total of 18 convertible quarters for e-body already. No body filler to finish. IF you want to learn more send me an e-mail

Details and pictures of this conversion please, inquiring minds want to know.

You should convert a few sets of each (Challenger/Cuda) and sell them. You could charge what the AMD panels cost,plus whatever labor cost that you feel is fair to do the conversion. There is a small market for ready to install convertible E body rearquarter panels. Metro is going to be offering a kit to convert hardtop E bodies to convertibles. They may be interested in already converted convertible rear quarter panels for their conversion kits.

I have no problem doing this - all you have to do is call or email me. 715-432-5080 - hemis3@yahoo.com. I can sell you the quarters or you can send me yours. I also do the rear dutchman panel.

Ken

Ken,It's great to know that there is someone doing this. I am seroiusly considering converting my 71 340 Cuda hardtop,into a convertible. The car needs a roofskin anyways. I'm sure there are some purists that may think it's crazy to do this to a real Cuda,but the car is a New England car,that is missing it's numbers matching driveline. When Metro told me at Carlsile they were going to offer a convertible conversion kit,I started thinking this may be the way to go with this car. Now that I know you are doing the panel modification,this makes the conversion that much easier. I will be calling you about getting a pair of rear quarters for the conversion. I wish I had known you were doing these panels before I cut down the panels for my wifes Challenger convertible.

Hi,
Yes I am the guy working with metro but metro has a ways to go before any kits are out. I have done 9 cars to factory specs. We just got a 2nd place at nationals with the 8th convertions. The judges doing the car did not even know it was hard top. The car started out as a 71 383 cuda 4-speed hardtop changed into a hemi convertible. I will post a pic later. Right know I 3 convertible kits I can sell. Plus I can make most of the parts. I am almost done writtinf and pics and video with the step by step process of how this done that I will be selling. I wich I could go on cut, job and rebuild show. I starting a another convertion next month. IT the way to go to save money with no rust repair. Best part no one can tell its been done. Ask anyone who saw the car. Mopar collectors guide did two photo shoots onthese conversations and be coming out soon. Ask Rob Wolf he has had closet look so far. I had him take pic of the factory spot welds as the cars go back together. Anyone want one done give me a call 715-432-5080. Ken

What I dont understand is why AMD is not just making the convertible quarters in the first place. All you need to do is cut off the excess roof area and a small amount of metal and flange the appropriate section for the top well. But hey, if they won't someone will. Matter of fact, if any of these converstion folks have a line on a new Challenger Convertible windshield frame center section, please let me know. I need one and it looks like a fairly straight forward peice to make. I even contacted AMD about making it and they said "thanks" but did not seem to think the market was there.

But pics would be nice if anyone has done this conversion (commercially or the hobbiest). I think we would all appreciate some up close "in progress" photos.

So Ken - are you just restamping repo hard top quarters into vert quarters or are you also doing complete kits to change a hardtop into a convertible? Your response seems to indicate the later.

There used to be a startup company Convertible Conversions (?) that advertised in MCG back in 2003 that was making a number of the vert parts. Their website at the time had detailed photos of the chop and conversion. The last email I got from them seemed to indicate that it was too expensive and they were closing shop.

Hi Larry,
Depending on what the customers wants. I do repro's, nos, or originals. AS for kits I just rusty convertible and make the nessary repairs and then transfer the parts into the hardtop. This is not an easy task , but I have done 9 times already. I also do the rear dutchman panels. Ask more questions if any.
I have 3 kits for sale right now.
Ken

Ken, you are really going to need to post some pics.