Hello and a techy question, GT4 Convertible ? Options

[carlosfandango]

Hi, some of you guys may know me from Celicatech / GT4OC / Celica Club UK / TOC etc etc.

I test drove a ST205 a couple of weeks ago and have a unusual question, perhaps its been discussed here before?

its been on my mind for a while, a St205 and ST202 Convertible modification.

using the st205 as the project car and getting hold of a crash damaged cabby to molest and take bits off.

I cant find any info regarding chassis strengthening on the st202 cabby. I know that my convertible was sent from Japan to germany in coupe form and converted by a german coachbuilder, they did all the gen 4 convertibles for the european market and differ from usa version, our hood is manual and has a targe top.

i'm assuming the st202 vert left japan as a convertible and need to know what was done to the chassis.

any ideas?

This post has been edited by carlosfandango: Mar 31, 2005 - 11:43 AM

[jgreening]

It seems to me that modding the convertible to be a awd would be easier than modding a hatchback to be a convertible. I hate to be a pessimist, but I think you should think again about the wisdom of this project. Again, there are plenty of cool high powered convertibles out there to choose from.

Also, Lagos, fast car and drop top are not mutually exclusive. See porsche 911, corvette, ferrari, m3, the list goes on...

[blu94gt]

It seems to me that modding the convertible to be a awd would be easier than modding a hatchback to be a convertible.  I hate to be a pessimist, but I think you should think again about the wisdom of this project.  Again, there are plenty of cool high powered convertibles out there to choose from. 

Also, Lagos, fast car and drop top are not mutually exclusive.  See porsche 911, corvette, ferrari, m3, the list goes on...
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The convertible to AWD would be a much bigger pain. Where would the driveshaft, differential and rear axle go? They have completely different suspension setups and mounting points, not to mention chassis reinforcements etc etc. I've read about even converting a regular GT liftback to an AWD setup and it's pretty much impossible without dumping tons of money and fabrication into it. The frames aren't alike at all under the car for suspension mounts, differential mounts, transfer case, etc. Plus different gas tank and all that.

Given the facts I would rather have a car where the suspension is made for it and mounted to the stock brackets than a car with fabricated brackets and such.