Genuine convertible or not?

[chickenjohn]

Besides the originality part, there really is no difference. An original convertible is actually a converted saloon anyway. Then consider virtually every Minor is now severely rusted and need extensive rebuilding. Due to the double metal sills in convertibles (and travelers), they are especially prone to rust and need to be rebuilt correctly. In that regard one can argue that most original convertibles aren't original anymore. If you are choosing a convertible for the enjoyment of the open car, then a converted one is probably the preferred one. The selection of course is dependent on the quality of the repairs/conversions, which is true when buying any vintage vehicle. Without a thorough inspection there is no way of knowing if an original convertible has been repaired properly and a properly done conversion is structurally the same as an out of the factory convertible. As pointed out the door opening changes will clearly identify a compromised convertible.

Very good advice!

As Jaekl quite rightly states, a factory convertible is just a factory converted convertible from a 2-door saloon base. It's just that the factory will have spot welded, rather than Mig welded the strengtheners in place.

As well as jack up the car on the crossmember, if you are going to be paying £5,000 or more on a convertible, whether converted or "original" as Jaekl quite rightly states, I would advise unbolting the sill finisher channel and the sill cover panels and looking inside the sills at the condition of the sills and the quality of any repairs.

If repaired, you want to see butt welded and not overlap welded repairs.

[ManyMinors]

Very good advice!

As Jaekl quite rightly states, a factory convertible is just a factory converted convertible from a 2-door saloon base.

This idea has been put forward in a couple of posts recently for some odd reason.

The factory DID NOT convert saloons into convertibles. The convertible was factory built from scratch using a different bodyshell which was assembled using various different panels to the saloon. This included an additional strengthener which was fitted within the sill box section and would be impossible to fit after the shell had been assembled. Therefore, the aftermarket "convertible kits" offer a strengthener which welds to the OUTSIDE of the inner sill instead and performs a similar function.

Don't forget that the factory offered the 2door saloon and the convertible at the same price when new. This would not have been the case if the convertible was converted from a saloon. How would all the conversion work have been economic?

[jaekl]

Of course the factory knew which metal stampings would become convertibles just like any other brand where the convertible is based on the saloon. Based on the ragged edge of the inner panel behind the rear seat going up to what was the roof and the rear waist rails on mine, I suspected they used the same dies but either used a smaller blank or cut them off prior to welding. Probably the only panels requiring unique dies are the outer and inner windscreen frame and the upper panel of the boot which is formed to create a spot for the wooden tack strip. The bottom line it's a saloon with some pieces cut off, reformed and other pieces added. Is that not the process of a converted example? My point was starting with a rusty convertible or a rusty saloon and doing the proper repairs and reinforcements one will end up with the structurally equivalent Minor convertible, which is ready for open air driving enjoyment.

[chickenjohn]

Very good advice!

As Jaekl quite rightly states, a factory convertible is just a factory converted convertible from a 2-door saloon base.

This idea has been put forward in a couple of posts recently for some odd reason.

The factory DID NOT convert saloons into convertibles. The convertible was factory built from scratch using a different bodyshell which was assembled using various different panels to the saloon. This included an additional strengthener which was fitted within the sill box section and would be impossible to fit after the shell had been assembled. Therefore, the aftermarket "convertible kits" offer a strengthener which welds to the OUTSIDE of the inner sill instead and performs a similar function.

Don't forget that the factory offered the 2door saloon and the convertible at the same price when new. This would not have been the case if the convertible was converted from a saloon. How would all the conversion work have been economic?

Many minors, with due respect I did not say that the factory conveted saloons what I actually said if that they used the same base structure, which apart from the inside sill strengthened, a pillar to dash and b pillar to inner sill step that the 2 door saloon and convertible are , below where the roof would go , are identical in structure.

Hence there is very little difference between a "genuine" and converted convertible is the point I am making, apart from a converted car in the same condition may be a little cheaper.

[chickenjohn]

The chassis legs, front and rear, floor pans,spring hangers, cross members, inner wings, boot surround bulkheads and even sills ( apart from one strengthened piece) is identical between a 2 door saloon and convertible , that is what I meant by " base" that the factory made convertibles from.