You and the rest of the GT-loving world would be much happier if you
simply bought a roadster. For starters:
Fenders & windshield: The roadster's windshield is part of the
stiffening strength of the front end. Each side column ends in a dog leg
that passes through holes cut in the fenders and then bolts undrneath the
dash. Even if you didn't have to change out the side vents, door skins,
trunk, rear wings, and make sure your rockers and sills were in good
shape, the cost & availability of the fenders and windshield assembly
alone should be enough to deter you -- you'll need a used windshield
frame (can't find new) and 2 new fenders @ $350 or so apiece.
There are plenty of roadsters to be had for reasonable prices still -- no
need to put yourself through hell and incidentally destroy what sounds
like a perfectly nice GT.
Whatever you decide, best of luck...
-- Marc
'63 B, in the body shop for 16 months, 13 days
______________________________________________
On Tue, 25 Jun 1996, Trevor Boicey wrote:
> Ok, weak stomachs, turn your head.
>
> I am looking at pulling the roof off of a 1971 MGB GT. The car is worn
> but salvageable and available for a decent price.
>
> What structural strength does the roof on an MGB GT provide? Is the
> bottom of the car structurally changed on the convertible models to add
> support?
>
> What would I be looking at to perform this brutal modification? What
> structural problems would I have, or modifications would be required so
> that the car did not fold in half?
>
> The car is a very possible restoration, but for the work I'd be
> investing, having a convertible would be high on my list of wants.
>
>
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