Looking for a hardtop convertible technician

[dfiore]

Does anyone know where I can have my Insight turned into a convertible, preferrably hardtop, and for how much? I live in the Tampa Florida area so that would be preferred.

Dan

Tampabay Florida

[Philosophy]

I think that is such a great idea. I've heard people talk about this before and say that it wouldn't pass crash tests without the roof because it's an integral part of the crash protection, though a hard top design might overcome this.
With that in mind, no I don't know anyone, but good luck.
Why doesn't Honda catch on to this idea? *hint hint*

[Foxpaw]

I don't think that passing crash tests would matter, as insurance companies don't usually make you crash test your vehicle after every modification you make to it.

Seriously though, to make a hardtop car into a convertible you basically just have to hack off the top, reinforce the frame between the A pillar and the B pillar, (if you have a C pillar, then the A pillar and the C pillar) and of course pretty up the sheared off metal where there used to be roof. Reinforcing the frame is important as most cars will start to "sag" in the middle without the roof holding it together. Though it sounds like it would decrease weight, the frame reinforcement will result in a net increase in weight, even with a rag top. If you want a hard top convertible it's a little more complicated because you need some mechanism to hold the top on.

A targa top is simpler and just as cool, if you ask me. I don't think the frame reinforcement is necesary with a targa top. Either way, the best bet would probrably be to ask around reputable body shops, and see what they say.

[boogetyboogety]

Keep in mind that the Insight has a very strong metal cage surrounding the cabin. Cutting and hacking into this carefully-engineered box would have detrimental effects on the integrity of the body. On top of that, any type of mods to strengthen the body and/or attach a removable top would result in more weight and poorer aerodynamics.

I have never understood the desire of some drivers to radically alter a specialty vehicle not intended exclusively for the show circuit. Removable tops, lambo doors, aero add ons on an Insight... geez, that makes your wonderful little machine into an anti-Insight. I just don't see the point. But I guess divorce courts are clogged with couples who fell in love with looks and then decided to try and change the personality...

[dfiore]

Actually, I was thinking of "van" doors. There's nothing wrong with trying to make it even more unique. I'm just the kind of person that HAS to have total uniqueness and change. Especially as I see more Insights.