LM Convert top conversion

All Models and Years
gnrand
Posts: 277
Joined: Sun Nov 15, 2015 8:10 am
Location: Wildomar,Ca

LM Convert top conversion

Post by gnrand »

I just bought a 65 manual convert top Corsa; how hard would it be to convert to power top. I have a 68 with a power top and was thinking of transfering from one car to the other.
Thank you
Jeff
1965 140 Corsa
1968 140 Monza convertible 4 speed
1965 Corsa Convertible
1966 Crown V8 383 435hp
1986 Buick GN V6 600hp
notched
Posts: 674
Joined: Wed Jul 25, 2012 8:13 pm
Location: Southern New Jersey

Re: LM Convert top conversion

Post by notched »

Personally I would not go to the effort. Some people make a big deal about the power top BUT wait until it stops working and it is raining and you can't get the top up!
We had one on our 65 Corsa and it was very slow and got worse when we replaced the top with a heavier material. We would typically have to help fold the top when putting it down.
I love the manual top on my current 69. I can drop it in about 15 seconds and put it back up in about the same amount of time.
But hey, if you have to have it then do it. But the side rails on the top frame are different as are the winders, then there is the switch, bracket, wiring, motor assembly, etc.
1966 Corsa turbo
1969 Monza convertible
1987 Buick Grand National
User avatar
azdave
Corvair of the Year
Corvair of the Year
Posts: 2095
Joined: Fri Dec 11, 2009 1:27 pm
Location: Phoenix, AZ

Re: LM Convert top conversion

Post by azdave »

If a Vair came with a power top I would keep it in good operation but I wouldn't go to the trouble of swapping one just to convert to power unless I had a physical reason that prevented me from doing it manually like bad arthritis or such.
Dave W. from Gilbert, AZ

66 Corsa 140/4 Yenko Stinger Tribute
66 Corsa 140 Coupe w/factory A/C
65 Monza 4DR 140/PG w/factory A/C
65 Monza 4DR EJ20T/5
64 Greenbrier 110/PG, Standard 6-Door
66vairguy
Posts: 4531
Joined: Tue Dec 21, 2010 3:44 pm

Re: LM Convert top conversion

Post by 66vairguy »

A power top is a neat option to show off, BUT if you want the top and rear window to last you have to put the top down part way - get out and fold things - than put it the rest of the way down.

A good functioning manual top is easier to deal with.

However, if you are physically limited then the power top may be needed.
gnrand
Posts: 277
Joined: Sun Nov 15, 2015 8:10 am
Location: Wildomar,Ca

Re: LM Convert top conversion

Post by gnrand »

That settles it; I will look for another project. Good points made.
Thank you
Jeff
1965 140 Corsa
1968 140 Monza convertible 4 speed
1965 Corsa Convertible
1966 Crown V8 383 435hp
1986 Buick GN V6 600hp
cnicol
Posts: 546
Joined: Wed Jan 20, 2010 8:11 pm

Re: LM Convert top conversion

Post by cnicol »

I've done the conversion and it's not too bad. You change the entire side rail system (both sides) while the top remains attached to the cross bows and at the rear. While it's in process it's rather like erecting a tent from the inside but overall not too bad.
'61 140 PG Rampside
'66 Rear Alum V8 4-dr
'60 Monza PG coupe (sold, sniff, sniff)
'66 Corsa Fitch Sprint Conv. (First car 1971, recently repurchased)
Post Reply

Return to “Ask your Mechanical Questions here”