By Robert Emslie
Welcome to Craigslist Crapshoot, our weekly search for the most bizarre, awesome, and/or terrible vehicles that the online classifieds has to offer. Last week I asked you to find brown, rear-wheel drive station wagons with row-yer-owns, a personal request of our own Kamil Kaluski. We’ll get to the winner of that hunt after the jump, but first let’s get to this week’s assignment.
This week, I want you to find for me just what the purchase opportunities are in. . . aftermarket conversion convertibles. That’s right, none of that factory baloney, I want chop jobs- but real convertibles, not just. . . well, you know, chop jobs.
And as usual, we want your finds to go down in infamy and not in the site’s spam filter. Follow any of the following advice and you’re crap will be known far and wide.
- Easiest way to not get caught in the spam filters is to create an IntenseDebate account. If you do so and your posts aren’t appearing, let us know at ti**@ho********.info and we can put you on the whitelist
- If you don’t want an IDC account, you can create a wordpress.com account and do the same thing.
- If you’re the Ted Kaczynski type and don’t want any kind of account, then try to place only a single link in a comment and just drop any outgoing link in via its raw URL and not as a text link
Jeff Glucker
Let's start this one off with something flashy!
<img src="http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa364/brian9259800484/mini/photo6.jpg" width="550">
<img src="http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa364/brian9259800484/mini/photo15.jpg" width="550">
<a href="http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/3726823157.html” target=”_blank”>http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/3726823157.html
Dat motor! :B
I actually like the whole thing.
Related, in Atlanta some time ago, Greg and I saw a Mini Cooper with a similar engine, turbo'd, and with CR-V AWD system.
I wanted that really badly.
That sounds like an awesome handful.
The above example… I foresee severe traction issues.
Glorious traction issues…
They didn't actually make second gen Firebirds in convertible form, right?
<img src="http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/ODAwWDYwMA==/$(KGrHqFHJEYFEj9coF)bBRMo+yLvoQ~~48_20.JPG">
This one counts then
GM stopped making convertibles in '76 during the 2nd gen's run but I don't remember it having a convertible version at all actually.
Correct. The T-top was actually GM's response to no-convertibles.
Nope, no factory 2nd-gen F-Body convertibles. But, there were some aftermarket cars. Bet that thing is pretty flexible.
Yup, I've seen a Camaro convertible, near me. Definitely aftermarket.
I know this isn't what you are looking for with "custom convertibles"… But I can't not share this… I'll make the pics really small so as to not sear your eyes or distract from the main purpose here…
<img src="http://oi34.tinypic.com/14obu5j.jpg" width="200">
<img src="http://oi38.tinypic.com/2dt0qz8.jpg" width="200">
<a href="http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/cto/3758572899.html” target=”_blank”>http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/cto/3758572899.html
Same deal here…
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/3La3Jc3H85N85Ea5M9d4i21a72591b81e1ba4.jpg" width="200">
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/3Ec3J93H25Nd5O65J3d4ic3c68ad21b3f19a0.jpg" width="200">
<a href="http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/cto/3751887853.html” target=”_blank”>http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/cto/3751887853.html
As an owner of two MG's this makes me very ill.
As an owner of two functioning eyes this makes me very ill as well.
When did that happen?
When did what happen? The swap from the Mustang to the Midgets?
I think I've missed a lot of Fodder updates…
I thought you were on Google+. I sold the Mustang because it needed work above my capabilities. Honestly my heart wasn't into the Mustang either. So I took some tax money and went after a running British car. Which naturally didn't end that way. Instead I don't own one project car, I own two.
I went to buy the yellow 76 Midget in this picture for $1200. He also had the red one for $600. The yellow is complete but has a sized engine. Last inspected in 2008 and sitting outside since then.
The red is a 78 with rust issues in the trunk. Its been stored inside but looks like it had a battery underneath it. The acid vapors ate the metal. It has no engine, no transmission but does have a hardtop and roll cage. Its last inspection was in 1986. A sticker I plan on keeping separate from the car.
The previous owner asked if I would take both for $1500. Oh and he has two new doors, a third hood, five extra wheels, a couple new quarterpanels, and a couple boxes of new in box replacement parts. Did I mention the two engines and one transmission as well that came with the red one?
So I did what any hoon would do and bought it. Because I didn't want anything that would be running in the next couple of years.
So the plan is to either get the yellow running for as cheaply as possibly and to do a proper restoration on the red one or to frankenstein them together.
I probably should make this into a hooniverse post shouldn't i? Oh see the Mustang in the picture? I listed it in Craigslist for $400 and sold it for $750. I probably should do a post about that as well. Especially since I paid $100 for it.
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a6GdLlwDWdc/UTz4inoREZI/AAAAAAAAXuI/Glf_HG4fHp4/s1367/100_0787.JPG" width=500 />
So you ended up spending 850 for two project midgets… not a bad deal. I know you'll be interested to find out that I'm thinking about finding a TR7. What I want to end up doing with it will be both sacrilegious and hilarious if I can make it happen. Don't want anyone stealing my idea though so I'm keeping it a bit under wraps until I figure out if its feasible or not.
Dafuq is this…? "Based on the popular S10 Blazer, this is #80 in the very limited production run."
<img src="http://oi38.tinypic.com/2po5nx2.jpg" width="550">
<a href="http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/cto/3734670058.html” target=”_blank”>http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/cto/3734670058.html
They used to be a little more common when the supply of donor first-gen S-10 pickups and blazers was more plentiful.
http://www.rodster.com/home.htm
Huh, today I learned…
Thanks for the knowledge bomb.
Words fail…
<img src="http://www.rodster.com/assets/PICKUP3-.jpg">
They should have sent a poet.
Even Robert Frost would be reduced to simple vulgarities.
the amount of drugs needed to make this would kill an elephant or even Keith Richards.
Apparently, the limited production run wasn't short enough.
My newish longerroof may just lose it one of these days. Thanks for the heads up about this sweetie.
How 'bout this once-upon-a-time-Fiero for only $7500? http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/rds/cto/3709840…
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/3E83Gc3Nf5H95M35J6d3sdb11dbf772cb1aa5.jpg">
1972 Ford F350 Custom Convertible 4 Door Crew Cab Truck F-350 LOOK!!
<img src="http://oi37.tinypic.com/fu3wgm.jpg" width="550">
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/3L83Ie3Nb5Hb5M45J2d2q0e2ef59d258b18ca.jpg" width="250">
<a href="http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/3645112151.html” target=”_blank”>http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/3645112151.html
<img src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lvv4jvx4xj1qemoij.png">
Absolutely glorious. If that's wrong, I want to drive the wrong truck.
You misspelled Rong.
The stripe really ties it all together.
Possibly literally…
Load-bearing stripe tape?
How can you go Rong with this?
What could possibly be better than a longroof? A Longwithnoroof.
This is the perfect cruise vehicle. It only needs a "hot tub" made from a livestock stock tank or water trough.
I'm tempted to drive out and buy that right now…
DO IT!
I'd be on my way if I had the cash.
This has got to be in consideration for HCOTY for damn sure.
This is not an entry, but a public service announcement: Nissan Figaro, $8,000.
<img src="http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NzUwWDEwMDA=/$(KGrHqEOKooE6eSJZcMkBRcdDD1n3g~~48_20.JPG" width="500">
It's so precious!
This is home made and its open air. So it should qualify. Did I mention its also pretty inexpensive and will only kill you once?
Note the number in his listing
Ratrod old school doodlebug 400 am block manual trans – $1450 (Berks county)
Yes kids this is a 400ci lawn mower.
http://reading.craigslist.org/cto/3756925547.html
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/3Ed3Fa3Nd5N55Ge5E4d4la66e766b062b109e.jpg" width="500">
The wheel weights and the rear tires probably help.
That left front doesn't look like it is doing much helping.
Its probably for the dually conversion. Because all hyperpowered lawn mowers should have six wheels.
Duh. What is this, "State the Obvious Day"?
Buy it and take it to your local lawn mower races. I wounder if thed let it race?
Olds 88, missing a few parts, but apparently you can hear it running, so that's good.
<img src="http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NjAwWDgwMA==/$T2eC16dHJGwE9n)yUsnQBQEL(IMsuw~~48_20.JPG" width="500">
I bet you could plate it in SK.
I would chase Zap Rosdower all day long with that.
Take your money and yourself
And buy something foolish
Before the opportunity came and went
Don't believe the ad listing
And everything it tells you
Believe in you, and your bad judgement
Can you hear it, can you hear it running?
Can you hear it running, can you hear it calling you?
Can you hear it, can you hear it running?
Can you hear it running, can you hear it calling you?
This a very entertaining post!
This one is factory but it is sooo rare and awesome it has to be considered…
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/3E23K53Lc5K75H85J1d471e75a44ee1c51a7e.jpg">
Apparently ebay doesn't like you to link pictures. Here is a 1981 Camaro convertible: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1981-CAMARO-Z28-CO…
Ok, so it was technically a 'vert from the factory. It was not a pickup. I couldn't help but share this piece of awesome.
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/3E43G93L65Nb5G95Edd3pb56b3297f9f11c0e.jpg">
<a href="http://maine.craigslist.org/pts/3703815364.html” target=”_blank”>http://maine.craigslist.org/pts/3703815364.html
You'd think they would use a Wrangler with a 4.0 for this…
Yeah, I'm not sure the point of using the 2.5. My guess is that it wasn't intended for off road use at all. Any ideas where the frame came from? S-10?
Cut, add, weld.
The 2.5 is great for crawling. Anything over 70 mph is a bit of a challenge though.
I've never done any offroading so I'll take you word on that. Good low end torque and light?
Wouldn't the extended wheelbase make it worse for the task?
Yeah, it'll hurt your breakover angle, but you can compensate for that with a decent lift and some bigger tires. Or my method, which is hit it harder/faster.
My method is expensive and painful.
Mercadolivre is offering this Peugeot 404 "convertible" http://carro.mercadolivre.com.br/MLB-475199248-pe…
<img src="http://bimg2.mlstatic.com/peugeot-404-1968-raridade-das-raridades_MLB-F-3918204704_032013.jpg" width="600">
not to be confused with the original
<img src="http://www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Peugeot-404-cabrio-red.jpg" width="600">
Aww yeah diamond plate rockers
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/3G53Kf3N45N25F85Hcd4j88be14cd9bb71aa5.jpg">
1975 Mercedes Custom Made Convertible – $3000 (Freeburg, IL.)
"From what I understand, the top was professionally removed, & has a boot to make it appear to
be a convertible, however, a convertible top & mechanism were never installed. As a result, it has
been kept inside since then to protect it from the weather. "
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/3754032457.html
That's… a potential winner IMO!
So that's how it's gonna be. You take the one good option from the St. Louis craigslist, I'll take one from Kansas City! Ha!
…
…
Dammit, nothing is coming up. So I'll just post something that is factory, and is cool. Except this isn't a convertible, it's a convertable. Which must be better. I think.
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/3G53F43He5L65H15M3d3b4dbff559f7451814.jpg">
Link: <a href="http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/3674494453.html” target=”_blank”>http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/3674494453.html
As a side note to the whole convertible/convertable thing, there is a surprising number of "Seabring convertables" for sale. I'm not quite sure why those challenged by spelling seem to gravitate toward the Sebring. Maybe it's the Michael Scott effect.
<img src="http://cache2.asset-cache.net/xt/75547117.jpg?v=1&g=fs1|0|STK|47|117&s=1">
…MUST…NOT…CALL…
DO IT!
Think how awesome that would be with your custom bike in the back.
What could go wrong? If TR7s are nice cars, a restored one for only $4900 should be just like new.*
http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/cto/3737280204….
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/3E43K23Mb5L75Ee5F6d4b425cf7e5ebae19a5.jpg">
*New TR7s were crap. Wedgtastic crap, but crap nonetheless. I'm just glad I already have a British convertible or I'd be tempted to pay this one a visit.
The late build TR7s weren't that bad.
This one is pretty friggin' awesome.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but they never made this generation Cutlass as a convertible. They also never made this generation Cutlass with tacky oversized wheels.
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/3E33I53Jc5N85Eb5H9d3ma79b3aa4fc0e1080.jpg">
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/3K73Ne3H85K95Fd5Mfd3me6f479b1cd65169d.jpg"> http://madison.craigslist.org/cto/3697788808.html
And now that I've gotten the TR7 out of my system. Here's one that's actually relevant to the task at hand. While it's unknown what type of Type 1 supplied the pan for this one, we can all agree that Dune Buggies are among the best topless vehicles ever conceived. This one has spent its life enjoying beach jaunts in Ocean Shores WA. The owner appears to love it so much that he wears color matching tank tops.
http://seattle.craigslist.org/oly/cto/3759341164….
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/3G63M73Jb5Ec5H55J6d4mbd0bb5c0c57017f6.jpg">
Of course, there's no way I could leave out this monstrosity that used to be a Mazda B2200.
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/3M23J83N25L85Nd5G3d3f76e2734767ec189b.jpg">
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/3F23L43I25Nc5L95G1d3f0a95b96bfed91805.jpg">
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/3Ka3M73o85L85Ie5G1d3f81b3693083361499.jpg">
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/3E93La3Hc5Ed5K35F1d3f736f6580251a1a9a.jpg"> http://madison.craigslist.org/cto/3684034499.html
Tell me, little Mazda, who hurt you like this? WHO HURT YOU???
Amazing. Just. Amazing.
I believe these were converted from coupes by ASC.
http://nashville.craigslist.org/cto/3664726083.ht…
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/3E23Le3Ff5H95M15Jfd37b6e6b41511d01c2b.jpg" width=500>
1985 Oldsmobile Toronado Convertable Brougham Coupe 5.0 V8 4BBL OHV White Car White Top Burgundy Interior(Cherry Hill Edition) Built for the PGA tour in 1985 Car in fair shape body needs a little tlc. Starts and runs and drivable.
That is most likely the work of Hess & Eisenhardt. I had a black with red leather '82 Toro Convert. Body lines math up with it. ASC usually brought the body line down from the back of the top, unlike this one which drops behind the rear side window, following the factory bodywork.
I would actually buy this. Look at that dog! So happy!
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/3Ke3F93I45Lf5Gf5J4d3j3980cb03186416b9.jpg">
1972 VW bettle convertable – $5800
<a href="http://austin.craigslist.org/cto/3678489084.html” target=”_blank”>http://austin.craigslist.org/cto/3678489084.html
Has been in lowrider magazine. Awesome.
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/3J43Nc3H25Ia5Na5H4d4fe0f22eccf5ff1716.jpg">
84 Cadillac drop top – $2500
<a href="http://austin.craigslist.org/cto/3745348206.html” target=”_blank”>http://austin.craigslist.org/cto/3745348206.html
His classy car next to his classy home… the guy's got class…
I can't tell for sure, but it almost looks like the entire rear end of the car is bent downwards at the rear wheel well…
I would think it was a trick of the light and an unfortunate dent… except the trunk lid isn't closed and I don't think it ever will be again…
Meh. Structural integrity is way overrated.
never mind "drop top" …this thing is about to drop its ass end
Yay! I guess Mom is right: It does pay to follow directions!
Anyway, this thing is not just an Eldorado convertible conversion, but an Eldorado Pierre Cardin Evolution I convertible conversion (alleged to be the only one of its type).
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/3K93M13J95G25Ea5Mad4k8c32eb4cddb4112a.jpg" width="500">
Also: Dig those keywords at the end.
That's pretty tragic.
I like it!
Only one of it's type? That's the best thing I've heard all day.
One of these in fixed-roof form was featured on the Hemmings blog in Oct 2010, which echoed a claim that 100 were built… It's worth going there to read the comments: http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2010/10/28/hem…
[edited to remove wrongness]
Only $17,500? Hmmmmmmmm…. I'll pass; I'd prefer mine to have the black cherry paint.
How is this any less cool, desirable, and valuable than other long-nose conversions like the Daytona?
A convertible conversion–of a car already available as a factory convertible.
http://greensboro.craigslist.org/cto/3757374175.h…
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/3Ec3K13H85I15Ke5Hcd4n1fc7c99c7f6c103c.jpg" width=500>
Actually not an uncommon conversion. Convertible 1st gen Camaros were less than 10% of production and much more expensive than coupes and probably much harder to find a rust free example. If you are doing a full restoration, it probably isn't that much more to turn it into a convertible.
I'll just leave this here: http://newportconvertible.com/gallery/
Hey, Muthaluvin'! Sup?
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/W0IEUf9.jpg" width="500">
<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m1utcqu1Wn1qc8jh0o1_r1_500.gif">
The Chevy van conversion/convertible is beyond words. Appears they will make a convertible out of any vehicle you want done.
There are a couple of them that I suspect only exist in Photoshop right now, but yeah, pretty much anything.
Must be some talented craftsmen to carve into a New vehicle with a sawzall.
I like how they have no problem doing any body work involving the removal of large panels, but can't do the work involved in lowering the tailights down a foot.
"Must be some cocksure craftsmen to carve into a New vehicle with a sawzall."
Fixed it for you. Because from the looks of that van, talent is not the prerequisite you might think.
I have to say, I think the FJ Cruiser kinda rocks.
<img src="http://newportconvertible.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/TOY-FJ-wh-td2.jpg" width="500">
<img src="http://newportconvertible.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/TOY-FJ-be-td7.jpg" width="500">
Of course, those wheels must die.
MUTO! MUTO! MUUUUUTOOOOOOO!
<img src="http://newportconvertible.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/2012-Porsche-Panamera-TU8.jpg" width="512">
Oh my god oh my god yes.
<img src="http://newportconvertible.com/wp-content/plugins/slider-pro/includes/timthumb/timthumb.php?q=100&w=704&h=380&a=tl&src=/wp-content/uploads/subaru-sti/03b.jpg" width=500>
Should come with a warning: "Safety goggles and a helmet are advised when driving with the top down, due to the risk of flying gravel and dirt while performing fucking rad drifts."
Looking at that gallery I remembered the WRX STI convertible from a few years ago: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/27/2011-subaru-im…
These are all awesome. that FJ Cruiser is by far and away the most terrific thing I have seen, ever.
There are a few factory offerings of non-factory convertibles from which to choose.
How about a 1981 Toyota Celica Sunchaser?
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/3E13Kb3I35L95F25M7d4953ec48221f6a13ea.jpg"width=500>
<a href="http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/cto/3709834916.html” target=”_blank”>http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/cto/3709834916.html
No? How about a Baur BMW?
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/3Ed3Kd3Ld5Le5K95F9d4i74ef591d3a721f34.jpg" width-55="">
http://poconos.craigslist.org/cto/3751865876.html
Neither of those are your bag? How about an XJS-C?
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/3L63Jc3Nd5N45G95M8d3k13f334b2aaf511e6.jpg"width=500>
<a href="http://cleveland.craigslist.org/cto/3692587779.html” target=”_blank”>http://cleveland.craigslist.org/cto/3692587779.html
Another late gem here
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/3K33I13Le5Ie5M15J3d4md75158d304981169.jpg">
<a href="http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/3760392204.html” target=”_blank”>http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/3760392204.html
Shorty Sevilles have always been on of my guilty pleasures.
This is all I can find in my neck of the woods, which I suppose is a good thing.
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/3E13G73Ff5Nc5La5E8d3pde966181dbba153b.jpg" width="600"> http://mansfield.craigslist.org/cto/3702902273.ht…
1971 AMC Gremlin with 1966 L79 327-350 Chevy II SS engine.
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/3Kd3Fe3Hf5K95H85Jfd4l8b7acc63d70a1211.jpg" width="600">
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/3Kd3Fe3Hf5K95H85Jfd4l8b7acc63d70a1211.jpg" width="600">
<a href="http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/cto/3758323162.html” target=”_blank”>http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/cto/3758323162.html
Other than the wheels- this actually rocks pretty hard.
Well, isn't this just wondertastic.
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/3M63I43Hc5Ib5Le5Gfd3h0424f9f94b2414fa.jpg">
I actually don't mind it… it certainly beats the competition.
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/3E23I23Nd5N15Eb5M1d4if51b24b1dcc915b2.jpg">
I just wish the "1969 JEEP/ Datsun 4X4 Convertible" ad was still up.
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/3K23M13F15L45K55F2d4n11dc157a3e7718c8.jpg"/>
O_O http://worcester.craigslist.org/cto/3761211844.ht…
This also come up when I search for Datsuns
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/3G43M53N55K35He5Mcd4nf7c59b04ed7018cc.jpg"/> <a href="http://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/3761565621.html” target=”_blank”>http://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/3761565621.html
I sort of really want both of those in very different ways.
The Jeep needs knobbier tires, though.
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/3Ic3Lc3N15E75K75Mbd4cdfb63c6038601deb.jpg" width="600"/>
Totally a real convertible http://worcester.craigslist.org/cto/3740163048.ht…
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/3M53J73H45Ne5I85Fed3q5785b10c5f7e19d8.jpg" width="600"/>
This is an ASC car? <a href="http://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/3705071299.html” target=”_blank”>http://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/3705071299.html
I suppose the Toyota would make an interesting drift car.
Hell yes, add Bosozoku pipes and you'd have 3 JDM themes in one car!
Hachi landau!