Converting a Speedster to a Convertible D - maybe ?

CMC made a cabriolet style speedster with roll up windows, I owned one. Back when I owned it in the mid 2000's I didn't know much about the replica speedster world or did I know about this web site. If I had I would have found out how rare the roll up window CMC Speedsters are. At the time I was under the impression all replica Speedsters had roll up windows. I found out this wasn't the case 3 years ago when I was looking to buy a Speedster to replace the one I wish I never sold. The CMC Speedster I had was supposedly one a few built in house by CMC for a special customer. It also was powered by a water cooled Mazda RX7 rotary engine with a Holley 4 barrel carb conversion. The dual mufflers were Harley Davidson motorcycles exhausts. The car really ran well and yes it had a whale tail engine compartment lid that CMC had made and offered, also very rare I think (probably for good reason). Does anyone on the SOC currently own this CMC or know who does. I sold it to someone in South Carolina back around 2011 or so I think.

 It would be great if someone started selling kits to convert our Speedsters to roll up windows and offered the service to do the work as well. 

See

https://www.speedsterowners.co...6#635345856986769046

Funny this similar topic is posted. I have 2 complete roadster/convertible D windshield frames. They weren’t cheap and it took about 2 years to track them down. I’ve discussed with a fellow who does brass casting for me molding them. Problem is shrinkage. He suggested having them 3D scanned and then manipulating the files to enlarge them to account for the shrinkage. If there was enough demand I would consider making some. 

@PaulEnvemo posted:

Funny this similar topic is posted. I have 2 complete roadster/convertible D windshield frames. They weren’t cheap and it took about 2 years to track them down. I’ve discussed with a fellow who does brass casting for me molding them. Problem is shrinkage. He suggested having them 3D scanned and then manipulating the files to enlarge them to account for the shrinkage. If there was enough demand I would consider making some. 

Paul - If you would consider selling one of these frames, I would be interested.

Well you need the windshield frame the windshield the side windows the fGlass work window crank mechanism and a complete new frame and top. 

It’s not an inexpensive proposition. 

no one currently offers the posts and frame so you have to find original (and IM won’t sell you them) Look at between the 2 and 3k usd for a decent used one when they turn up. Then you need to get it chromed for another 1k. Ideally, for a reproduction you would want the price point to be similar to what the current replica speedster frame packages are going for...but there is some more brass so it’s gonna be a little more money if we reproduce  

Windshield $800

side glass pretty pretty reasonable at about $400 for the pair. 

then you have to figure out window mechanisms and channels. I think CMC used something from a chevy chevette. Now the easiest method would be a universal electric kit. 

then you need all the rubber for the windshield and door squeegees. Probably another 500 bucks. 

Used original top frames are in the 4K range. Any of the ones you see for sale for 6k are by sellers who really don’t want to sell them. 

and the list goes on

Actually there’s a US Convertible D made to look like a turbo that has roll up windows for sale29k a lot cheaper 

"The CMC Speedster I had was supposedly one a few built in house by CMC for a special customer."

I've heard that, from time to time, about a few other cars, and from the information I got while sueing the hell out of CMC back in the mid 1990's I can tell you that it is a myth.  CMC never built completed, "turn-key" cars in house.  They weren't equipped for anything like that, nor did they have an in-house car building department.  Bodies and parts, yes  -  Completed cars, no.

They used a couple of autobody/custom shops in the North Miami area that would do builds for them, even some custom builds like yours (which is super-cool, btw), and charged the customer exorbitant prices for the "Custom Assembly work".  Those two shops were kept pretty busy for a few years but only produced 30 or less cars, many of which ended up in Airport terminals as sales attractions (many without engines).  

I also uncovered another shop like that up in Raleigh, NC doing the same stuff on a more limited basis (small handful of cars) and suspect there might have been a few more shops around the country in more populated areas.

@IaM-Ray posted:

Actually there’s a US Convertible D made to look like a turbo that has roll up windows for sale29k a lot cheaper 

I just contacted the owner and it is still for sale. PM me if your interested and I will give you his coordinates.

Okay, Scotty.

Thanks Gordon for the in depth CMC back ground information. 

It seems Chesil in the UK may be willing to sell you part to make doors with roll up windows. 

I corresponded with them 3 years ago and If my memory serves they weren't encouraging of the venture. 

@Jimmy V. posted:

I corresponded with them 3 years ago and If my memory serves they weren't encouraging of the venture. 

Chesil was purchase late 2019 and have new owners. They may be more inclined to help.

FS Not mine.  CMC with rare windup windows in NY $17.5k

https://www.facebook.com/marke...em/1838658239567145/

@WOLFGANG posted:

FS Not mine.  CMC with rare windup windows in NY $17.5k

https://www.facebook.com/marke...em/1838658239567145/

 

Link is to an Austin Healy 3000

Oops --- my other interest!

1957 356 Porsche Replica Speedster C Wide Body https://longisland.craigslist....ster/7143885509.html

The C wide body looks to have good bones but a repaint, upgrade the tires wheels etc would add at least $5,000 plus to the tab

I’ve spoken to the guy. Big minus is that they cracked the windshield on installation and made one out of plexiglass to replace. Needs a real windshield...700 bucks from stoddard.