IM Convert D , change windshield to Speedster style ?

Well he would have to change the windshield frame the top,  the side windows and of course make sure the new frame is lined up so that the windows close and the rubbers lign up with the windshield frame.  A lot of work IMO when you guys can simply remove the top for the summer  and drive top down or put it under a cover.  Maybe someone would swap cars with him who wants a D.

He knows he needs to replace the uprights , top bow  , glass , runner and base piece ,

He is just going to leave the doors with the roll up windows installed ..

Just wondering if there is anything  we forgot !

Wipers  

Hmm.

May I suggest some other mods "while he's in there?"

If it's IRS he should consider swapping it to swing axle, for example. And maybe add the auto-stick trans. Four-bolt wheels are an absolute must, as are flared fenders.

I'd also swap out whatever gauges are there for a set of white-faced "Vintage" gauges, like these:

—except the white kind.

I think we have a full crashbox hewland racing transmission  that we can hack into it ,

He don't need no stinking  gauges , take out those 914 ones and put BIG idiot lights

It has 4 bolt rims , but I think we can save some weight by  putting Renault 3 bolt rims on it

Did I forget anything ?

Please don't do it. IM is not making these cars any more, and they're desirable as is.

Buy a basket-case pan car and build the car you want.

Hi ,

it is his car and that is what he wants ,  I will make sure he saves all the original windshield glass and frame so he can change it back later if he wants ,

It is a pan based car , 1969 VIN

@edsnova posted:

Hmm.

May I suggest some other mods "while he's in there?"

If it's IRS he should consider swapping it to swing axle, for example. And maybe add the auto-stick trans. Four-bolt wheels are an absolute must, as are flared fenders.

I'd also swap out whatever gauges are there for a set of white-faced "Vintage" gauges, like these:

—except the white kind.

That's a great list, Ed.  What about air ride suspension?

@imperial posted:

Hi ,

it is his car and that is what he wants ,  I will make sure he saves all the original windshield glass and frame so he can change it back later if he wants ,

It is a pan based car , 1969 VIN

Sure. Just remember - they're only fake once.

@Stan Galat posted:

Sure. Just remember - they're only fake once.

I prefer to refer to our cars as simulacra.

Diamond stitched upholstery on the seats, door panels and the dash would be the cat's meow!

My post was a tad mean and I appreciate @imperial's taking it as I intended.

@edsnova posted:

My post was a tad mean and I appreciate @imperial's taking it as I intended.

Al in fun, Ed.  We really can't take these cars too seriously, especially the true collectable ones.

@imperial

Here's a visual reference in the differences between IM windshield placement (for roll-up windows) as opposed to windshield placement for most every other manufacturer.

IM with roll-up windows. Note arrow pointing out windshield frame positioned next door jam.

Click on pics to enlarge...

IM positions windshield frame butting up to door jam so that rubber window seal (arrow) is aligned to accept window rolling up.

Here is the typical position of a VS windshield frame (and probably other non-IM cars) relative to door jam with approximately 1.75" spacing (arrow).

Hope you find this info useful!

I once asked Henry about switching a Roadster to a Speedster, and he just said it wasn't worth it, considering the work involved and what you end up with.

@Bob: IM S6 posted:

I once asked Henry about switching a Roadster to a Speedster, and he just said it wasn't worth it, considering the work involved and what you end up with.

Funny thing,  I asked to go the other way around and the same response came back

@Bob: IM S6 posted:

I once asked Henry about switching a Roadster to a Speedster, and he just said it wasn't worth it, considering the work involved and what you end up with.

@IaM-Ray posted:

Funny thing,  I asked to go the other way around and the same response came back

… and I once asked how much it would cost to convert my front suspension to early 911, and got the same response.

He was right about all three.

This info is based on later IMs so mileage will differ on older cars and different makes

Just on the windshield aspect;

Holes in body for the windshield posts are in different locations.

The windshield "plate" under the dash is different, same with the "plate" for the mirror rod

Location for mirror rod is different (length of rod is different too)

Base of the speedster windshield is further forward compared to the roadster, so leather will be too short, and the roadster windshield cowl trim holes will be shown (easy fixed with body filler and new leather/vinyl)

Never mind top frame mounting, side glass / curtains, etc .  To have someone do it, it makes no sense, but doing itself maybe? would i do it, knowing what i know, hmm no. 

@91_XR7 posted:

This info is based on later IMs so mileage will differ on older cars and different makes

Just on the windshield aspect;

Holes in body for the windshield posts are in different locations.

The windshield "plate" under the dash is different, same with the "plate" for the mirror rod

Location for mirror rod is different (length of rod is different too)

Base of the speedster windshield is further forward compared to the roadster, so leather will be too short, and the roadster windshield cowl trim holes will be shown (easy fixed with body filler and new leather/vinyl)

Never mind top frame mounting, side glass / curtains, etc .  To have someone do it, it makes no sense, but doing itself maybe? would i do it, knowing what i know, hmm no.

Thanks for your reply ,  I showed your list to my buddy and he still wants to do it !

The dashboard cowl does not have any trim / vinyl so the  thats not a problem , the doors are going to stay Convert D ,

The real problem seems to be the location  of the windshield plate which I assume is where the side posts bolt too , when we get the car out of storage  I will measure where that is ,

I have access to a couple real Speedsters  so I can look at them....

Or he could do a plexiglas race windscreen  like the vintage racer use.....

Thanks again for your reply , I agree that it makes no sense , but its his  choice .

@imperial posted:

The dashboard cowl does not have any trim / vinyl so the  thats not a problem , the doors are going to stay Convert D ,

The real problem seems to be the location  of the windshield plate which I assume is where the side posts bolt too , when we get the car out of storage  I will measure where that is ,

I have access to a couple real Speedsters  so I can look at them....

Or he could do a plexiglas race windscreen  like the vintage racer use.....

Thanks again for your reply , I agree that it makes no sense , but its his  choice .

I know on later IMs, the windshield posts are bolted in different locations (IE the holes in the cowl are not the same)  

on the side glass side with a piece of 1/8" ply as a template, you can even do roll up windows like IM did at the end with their Speedsters instead of side curtains.  (every little bit of visibility added is not a bad thing..)

Windshields, luckily speedster windshields are easier to get then the Convertible D ones (IM was having those custom made for them at the end)

Heh yep i agree, his car his choice.

How much for the Conv D windshield if in good shape ? I'd pay shipping to 13669

If .,.,,is a good question isn’t that car quite old ?  

I have no idea how the windshield  is , and I hope he will save all that stuff he takes off and put it in the garage rafters for when he later changes his mind !

@David Stroud IM Roadster D posted:

How much for the Conv D windshield if in good shape ? I'd pay shipping to 13669

As I recall from the old 356 Registry talk list , Conv D and Roadster windshields  were a real headache to install and the available aftermarket ones did not fit   well ,