Convertibles- Are they really reinforced? Options

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I own a 95 GT Convertible. Little did I know when I opened the door panel, it had a sticker saying top was installed in california. I then found out all the celica's came oversees with hardtops- then chopped off in the states and made into a convertible. This sounds very shady. I have a tough time believing toyota actually reinforced the structure as well. Ive has so many problems with the "aftermarket" convertible. If I knew toyota outsourced this to some company, I would have never bought this convertible. The fact is was a hard top transformed into convertible makes me wonder how safe the car really is..

Can anyone confirm celica was reinforced??

[coughdrop]

Hiya

I have a Toyota Press Release from 1994 when the vert was launched in Europe (rather long) as follows;

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
18 October 1994

WRAPS COME OFF TOYOTA CELICA CABRIOLET

* European debut at British International Motor Show *
(NEC, Birmingham, 18th-30th October)

The new Toyota Cabriolet, the first convertible Celica in the UK for six years, is unveiled today at the British International Motor Show in Birmingham.

One of the focal points of the Toyota stand, it has a luxury specification including an electrically-powered roof and leather upholstery, and is light and rigid to provide high levels of handling and refinement.

The Cabriolet's body is based an the GT Coupe, a model not sold in Europe, which has different rear-end treatment and lights. Elsewhere it is similar to the GT version of the sixth-generation Celica which was launched in the UK market in February this year.

The conversion work on the car is engineered by the specialist American company ASC, with which Toyota has worked for around ten years. The hood is completely new, and designed for easier operation than the model it replaces (which was not marketed in the UK). It features twin electric motors to power the new gear-driven hood mechanism, giving more precise control than the previous hydraulic system and allowing the top to join perfectly with the windscreen. New vertical latches secure and release the top more easily.

Space in the rear of convertibles is usually restricted, but the new Celica Cabriolet creates significantly more room by employing a roof frame which moves the side-rails outwards as it folds back. The result is 260 mm more rear shoulder room. The die-cast alloy frame also uses new, permanently-lubricated bushings with fine tolerances to reduce squeaks and rattles.

Rear visibility is improved by large, curved quarter windows, and the rear screen is proper tinted glass with demister.

The roof itself is made from a durable cloth, with a headliner to provide sound insulation. Improved weatherstripping takes measures against wind noise and water further, and overlapping top cover seams prevent rain dripping onto the side windows.

The new Cabriolet body shell is 23% more rigid and has improved vibration-damping characteristics. Reinforcements have been added around the doors, to the front pillars and to the roof stowage area, which also features cross-rods. Front and rear suspension sub-frames add further rigidity and aid refinement.

In other respects the Cabriolet mirrors the GT. The Celica is a purpose-designed sports coupe, not simply a re-bodied or two-door version of a saloon. Sleek and purposeful, the front of the car is probably the most dramatic and distinctive visual aspect, with four faired-in headlights replacing the pop-up units of recent Celica models. The separate high and low beam lamps are efficient too, throwing a wider and more penetrating beam of light than the previous model on dipped and main beam.

Under the bonnet, the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, twin-cam, 16 valve 3S-GE engine has a high compression ratio and produces 173bhp at 7,000rpm. Torque is 137 lb ft at 4,800 rpm, and is maintained at high revs, with a flat torque curve. Top speed is 139 mph, and 60 mph comes up in just 7.9 seconds from a standing start. The Celica is front-wheel driven via a five-speed gearbox.

MacPherson strut suspension gives excellent stability, handling and grip. Brakes are ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear with electronic ABS. In addition to the crash-absorbing body structure and rigid cabin, side-impact protection beams are fitted in the doors.

Through extensive use of galvanized and zinc iron alloy double-layer steel sheet, the Celica is highly corrosion resistant.

Inside, the gear lever and important facia controls are located close to the driver, with a wrap-around dashboard design for outstanding clarity and ergonomics. A driver's side airbag is standard equipment. 50 too is leather upholstery, electric windows, power steering with an adjustable column, an RD5/EON radio/cassette unit mated to four full-range speakers, and remote central locking. The car is protected by the state-of-the-art Toyota 5000 security system with immobiliser as assessed by the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre at Thatcham.

In GT-Four (turbocharged, four-wheel drive) form Celicas have won the World Rally Championship for Makes for the past two seasons, and the World Rally Championship for Drivers three times in the 1990s. This year's title will be decided on the RAC Rally in November, and going into the rally the table is led by Toyota's Didier Auriol.

The Celica Cabriolet will cost £27,975. Like all (non-turbo) Toyotas, it requires servicing every 9,000 miles only, and comes with a three-year/60,000 mile warranty and membership of the RAC and Club Toyota.



For further information contact Mark Carbery,
Tel: 01737 768585.