R4 Cabrio - My project (still an idea)

[cocou]

I sent a PM to Clementine the cat, saying this:

Hi! I've searching about the quatrelle, and found this cool page!! I've no one yet, but I'm saving money for buy one.

I want to modify an R4, in one of two ways. The first, is follow a draw that i've found on google images. I'll try to use that draw as an avatar (indeed, i did it).

It's something like a R4 cabrio, and for me (talking about structure) it's just like a Ford Escort cabrio (the old one) or an (old) Mini Cooper cabrio that i saw one time, or an Peugeot 205 cabrio. I hope you can see it.

The other way, it's just pierce the roof top, and cover it with a vinyl or something (well finished, obviusly!!), for leaving it without cover (roof) in sunny days.

Well, i'll not explain more in a PM. If you're interested to hear my ideas, and if my (too bad) english don't kill you before, i hope you answer me! jajajajaja.

I've a lot of doubts. Will the structure support the cut of the roof? Or i'll must reforce the chassis ? I saw a lot of plenairs, but thats no my idea.

If you want, i'll post the both projects, for you can see it together.

I've contacted R4 clubs nearly for me, but they dont answer =(

Thanxs anyway!!!

Guido (From Mar del Plata, Argentina)

 

[cocou]

I've thinking, that, my idea, has a little mistake. In my avatar the R4 has the 4 doors, but it must be coupe, a 2+2 maybe, but with only 2 doors... And maybe it must have a "antiupset" bar (antiupset, it's a google translation, i want to say: the bar that protects you if the car turns roof to the ground) for two reason: security and structure strength.

Well... I'm specting for your answers !! :roll:

 

[malcolm]

Hello again Guido,

Here's the photo:

John Doe posted about a Renault 4 Tropic Cabrio which looks similar to your idea.

The pillars that support the rear doors would become very weak when the roof is removed, but it you add a roll hoop (probably what you mean by the antiupset bar) then you could use that to support the rear door mountings.

Most of the strength of a Renault 4 is in the chassis, and that shouldn't need any reinforcements when you remove the roof. The Plein air didn't have any extra reinforcements in the chassis (as far as I am aware).

You would probably need to learn how to weld for either of your options. Once you have cut the roof off there will be a lot of sharp edges you would need to weld plates over. Also the roll hoop would need to be bent and welded together.

Making a frame for the fabric roof will be difficult. The frames are quite complicated and would take a long time to design and make.

Ideas from others much appreciated.

 

[cocou]

Hello again!! I'm happy by reading your answer so soon. I guess you linked my avatar's picture, but i couldn't open it. So, uploaded my avatar again.

I saw the other link, the R4 cabrio manufactured. It's not exactly what i want, but its too close. It made me realize that it must be coupe, (is coupe in english too? i mean, 2 doors). And i dont like that two oblique "pipes" in the back.

I think it will be nicer with a roll hoop (thanxs clem!!) much more solid and plain or wineglass (again, a regional expression. Google's translation for "chato" is "wineglass"). I'll make a draw to upload and explain you more & better about what i whant, without language problems

I keep saving money, everyday my piggi bank (another google translation) is fatter.

Thanxs a lot. It's useful for me for practice (of english) and wonder what will i do.

Sincerelly yours.

 

[cocou]

Drawing

It's me again !! Like i've said, i'll post a draw about my new ideas. Dont laugh, please. I made it * 2 a.m., after 26 hours without sleep :smile:

Like I wrote in the draw, I made it with an ermintrude's pic in my screen. I reflected it, like in a mirror.

 

[malcolm]

I think it would called a convertible here, though cabrio works too.

I saw a photograph of a car that looks very like your drawing, but I can't find it any more. You would need to buy a welder to do the modifications. MIG welding is easy to learn and fairly cheap.

You might get some ideas from the Plein Air. The doors were cut away on that car, but you might be able to find enough information on the internet to copy the roof.

One other thought - the windscreen supports wouldn't be stiff enough to support the car if it rolled onto it's roof. I don't think the Plein air had extra support (people didn't seem to worry as much in those days) but a T-bar (support from the rool hoop to the centre of the windscreen frame) might add strength.

 

[cocou]

Mmmm 1 question? The Plein Air, it has been made by Renault himself ??? I thought that it was an user modification (very popular by the way!!). But, i readed the post that you linked, and now i have the doubt.

Well, Clementine, you're a very claver cat, and i can't follow your speed. I couldn't find the photo you said! I've already see that Plein Air. I've one of the last pictures as an Msn avatar =D. And i don't want to cut the doors that way, but i'll look it much closer, and see what is useful to me. Specially the T-Bar idea, you're right, if the car rolls upside down, the roll hoop will be scrap. I just spect that it dont ever happent !!!

Thanxs a lot. Guido

 

[malcolm]

The Plein Air cars were built as normal saloon cars and converted by a company called Sinpar (the same company that made 4 wheel drive Renault 4s). There are fairly detailed plans for the Plein air body in the early 1970s workshop manuals.

I don't like the cut away sides in the Plein air either - I think that car would be uncomfortable in side winds.

For rolling over - I don't think the saloon Renault 4 roof would be very strong either.

 

[cocou]

Better keep it in his wheels =D

I'm speaking with an R4 owner !! It's in good shape, works good, and has all the papers in rule... Wish me luck !!!

And... I saw an R4 totally crap, no capot ("the engine door"), 1 door less, i think that it has no engine... Bad business??

 

[Pieter]

Sinpar also did a very nice 4 door convertible, like your avatar. The Renault 4 Book "La Renault 4 de Mon Pere" has a motor show photo of one.

 

[SWIFT]

Heres one we made earlier !

Built this about 10 years ago