Conversion of 461 Ge280 SWB to Cabrio
I have been reading about these engine conversions and transplants in the various bloggs , but not so much about body changes, and I wonder if any of the members has carried out a conversion from the standard swb body to Cabrio, and what sort of reinforcements were needed to the body once most of the roof and rear (C) pillars were removed. I would guess since the body is supported by this massive ladder chassis, there should not be any issues of torsional rigidity, except perhaps of the need for roll over protection??? As far as I can see from photos of the factory made cabrio, they retain the front doors as original and have a modified trapezoidal B pillar., which I would imagine is there for good reasons and not just for the doors to shut on or for aesthetics. However I cannot see how the roof is being reinforced. Any views ???
The bodies are the same, without any additional reinforcements for the cabrio. Mercedes have two B-Pillar designs: a slim one for the canvas-on-frame and a wider one, with inset window, for the fold-up roof (powered or manual).
[quote=Arnie]
The bodies are the same, without any additional reinforcements for the cabrio. Mercedes have two B-Pillar designs: a slim one for the canvas-on-frame and a wider one, with inset window, for the fold-up roof (powered or manual).
Any idea who might take on such a conversion for me?
Step in the Scouse Stihl Saw department.
I have a cheap swb shell if you want to practice your cutting skills.
You need to drill-out the spot welds that affix the roof panel and then those that attach the upper body, where the join-line, crease is, below the windows. Then weld back new, smaller side panels and fit the capping trim to where the upper body was removed.
It shouldn't be too much work.
Excuse me but my stihl saw had been nicked by the cash in transit robbers! I had to make do with a air nibbler and a spot weld drill , photo's ? Stand by ......
here are some photo's, this was done about 10yr ago, if i done another i think i'd do without checker plate and find a better trim bloke to do roof.....
I do miss the old girl though, i believe its still knocking around hastings area
Nice work, there.
I forgot to mention that the rear door in a cabrio is a drop-down tail gate. The rubber cappings for the rear body can be had with holes for the 460, which support the tubular frame for the 'canvas' roofing.
For the 463, small roll-over / seat-belt attachment tubes are available to fit either side of the rear seat.
The rear spare tyre has a swing-out carrier, separately hinged to the rear quarter panel.
The easier option would be to keep the existing side hinged rear door in place and just cut it down to the correct height.
The easier option would be to keep the existing side hinged rear door in place and just cut it down to the correct height.
The easier option would be to keep the existing side hinged rear door in place and just cut it down to the correct height.
I may also be thick as well as blind because I don't know what you mean.
You appear to have cut a side hinged door down to size for your conversion, are you saying that is harder than trying to fit a bottom hinged cabrio rear door ?
some examples
The easier option would be to keep the existing side hinged rear door in place and just cut it down to the correct height.
Food for thought! Informative pictures. Thanks Arnie.
I wonder if it will be possible to convert the rear windows and door window to retractable ones, so that the rear part of the cabin then becomes open , though with a solid roof- which can be cut to allow an oversize sunroof- something like the Citroen 2CV used to have ???
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Any reason why one cannot modify the existing rear door ??