Convert Evolution Convertible to Coupe

Convert Evolution Convertible to Coupe

Author
Discussion

Cat420R

Original Poster:

2 posts

62 months

Thursday 23rd February 2023
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How complex / expensive would it be to convert an evo convertible to an evo coupe? Is it even possible?
Is it a case of replacing the rear clams and roof or are other mods required? Has anyone ever done this? Can the Targa roof panels of the convertible be used with the coupe rear clam?

Steve_D

13,795 posts

265 months

Friday 24th February 2023
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Cat420R said:
How complex / expensive would it be to convert an evo convertible to an evo coupe? Is it even possible?
Is it a case of replacing the rear clams and roof or are other mods required? Has anyone ever done this? Can the Targa roof panels of the convertible be used with the coupe rear clam?
The rear clams are completely different, the doors are different, the main body panels are different, the targa panels cannot be used. Add to that the chassis is completely different. So best sell the convertible and start again.

Steve

confusionhunter

449 posts

229 months

Saturday 25th February 2023
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I would ask, for What purpose? We all know Grahams Red Can am that was converted with GTR rear clam (with the perspex cover).
For a road car I think the convertible with hard top, is a better car with a good few advantages like visibility and the mirrors, doors are better for parking/garage etc, and the only real advantage the coupe has is a front roll hoop and you can maybe convince the factory to sell you RS parts.

Cat420R

Original Poster:

2 posts

62 months

Sunday 26th February 2023
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Thanks for the replies, I am in the process of looking for a car and agree that there are practical advantages to a convertible regarding cockpit cooling and rear visibility. To my eye though the coupe is a cleaner design so there are positives to both. The reason for my question was because there is a convertible for sale locally and I wanted to understand if a conversion is feasible but it sounds like it isn’t.

V8Dom

3,546 posts

209 months

Tuesday 14th March 2023
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im going to throw a mix into this discussion

if i was to build one from scratch id consider a GTR centre with rear from a can am

the reason is 917... centre could have a sliding rear window and rear view mirror, with additional roof line extended onto the can am rear...


other than that , converting canam to gtr cant be that hard, just rime consuming and expensive to purchase a GTR centre and rear sections

recon far cheaper to just buy a GTR

dom

T-Rev

111 posts

285 months

Saturday 25th March 2023
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Cat420R

Original Poster:

[report][news]Sunday 26th Februaryquotequote all
Thanks for the replies, I am in the process of looking for a car and agree that there are practical advantages to a convertible regarding cockpit cooling and rear visibility. To my eye though the coupe is a cleaner design so there are positives to both. The reason for my question was because there is a convertible for sale locally and I wanted to understand if a conversion is feasible but it sounds like it isn’t.

Don't be fooled by the perception of cockpit cooling in the Can Am. I've driven a couple (one on track) and air flow over the screen can draw air and fumes from the rear clam into the cockpit. Some builder have installed perspex panels within the roll hoops to help this issue, others have produced removable panels and I believe there is a factory soft top option?

However, as Dom has said, it would be far more cost effective to simply buy a GTR/EVO Coupe. Though, Like Dom, I also do like the idea of the GTR centre, Can Am rear - rear window, removable roof etc. I'm surprised the factory haven't produced this as a third option yet?

Graham-P

1,548 posts

253 months

Tuesday 17th October 2023
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Just seen this as don’t come on here often now. It can be done but it’s expensive, the rear clam does fit but is short to the bulkhead by a couple of inches, you need to build up the rear bulkhead to meet the the top of the clam. We incorporated a window in that as I had the acrylic rear panel, you then have to work out a roof and fixings, whether that be a T bar or split two piece. Hours of labour in just those two items alone. There was a bunch of other stuff done all documented.
Or you could just buy mine as due to an injury this year I’ve decided to sell it now.