Conference terri::cars_uk

    
    Do you have, or know someone who has one?
    
    I prefered the Mk 1 (although I've only actually ever seen 1 in the
    metal) to the Mk 2, but both were nice cars. 
    
    Does anyone know if they'll be a Mk 3 version of the convertible (I
    can't recall ever seeing a 2 door Cavalier Mk 3), or will the next
    convertible be the SAAB built Calibra convertible. If it is it'll be
    a twist, because the Mk 1 'Cavalier' Convertible was in fact a Manta
    badged as a Cavalier.
    
    Mark

    I've seen a few Mk2's around on Jersey and in the UK.
    
    GRant

    Could we please clarify Mk1, Mk2 and Mk3 ...
    
    Mk1 I expect to be the RWD model, which was available as
    	2-door and 4-door saloon (very ugly, Ascona looked better)
    	2-door coupe (Manta with different front panel)
    	2(3)-door 'sports' hatch (as for coupe)
    
    	I do not know what was converted officially, but I have seen a
    	number of coupe convertibles around.  I sent off for details from
    	a company in Bagshot who will chop the roof off of most cars,
    	but they only do what I describe as a glorified sub-roof, they
    	leave the edge of the roof (and therefore window seals) in place.
    	This is obviously easier (doesn't weaken structure so much), but
    	looks downright UGLY !
    
    	I wanted a conversion on my Manta GT/E, but do not want theirs.
    
    Mk2 I imagine to be the FWD cavalier, available as hatch and saloon.
    	Of these, I have seen a fair number of convertibles (2-door body).
    	I would quite like to have one like this, with one of the better
    	versions of GM FWD engines (SRi / 16v).
    
    	This is certainly a much better 'cabrio' than the Golf/Escort
    	brigade, in looks at least.
    
    	I would like to know if the body suffers from 'scuttle shake' or
    	if GM (or whoever did the chop-top) got it right.  It is, after all,
    	a fair bit longer in the wheelbase than the hatch jobs.
    
    Mk3 Must surely mean the latest FWD models, in the smoothy shape.
    
    	I know that Calibra convertibles will be available, but I would
    	not have thought the Cavalier saloon would suit itself to the
    	topless conversion - the bootlid looks more like a hatch, due to
    	the rake of the rear screen.  I do not know if they do a 2-door
    	bodystyle for the latest models either, another problem.
    
    
    
    
    
    In conclusion :
    
    	Have I got the Mk 1/2/3/FWD/RWD models right ?
    
    	Has anyone got a FWD convertible ?
    
    	If not, does anyone know anything about them ?
    
    	Can I have a 16v 4WD Calibra convertible please...
    
    
    John Rutter

	The only Cavalier convertable that I've ever seen was based on the
	old Cavalier (mk II) booted version.  As you say, it looked much
	prettier than the pram-hooded XRn and GTi's.  Maybe soft-tops look
	better on a car with a boot?  Apart that, I know nothing...

	Dave

    But surely they still had that 'bustle; at the back when the hood was
    down to contain all the hood and frame ?
    
    IMHO it's only a drop-top if the hood and mechanism don't spoil the
    bodyline when the hood is down. e.g. BMW 3 series convertable.
    Any other type (cavalier,astra,golf,escort,saab,bmw bahr (sp)) are just
    post-production convertions. (stands back to allow rantings of "cars
    are designed made into convertables on the production line therefore
    they arn't post-production etc etc")  :-)
    
    But then that IMHO
    
    
    AmS

    
    Look at convertibles througout the years and the VAST majority had
    the 'bustle' at the back. OK, it doesn't look great, but it's pretty
    much an integral part of the convertible style. The biggest problem
    with 'hiding' the hood when it's lowered is that it has to compromise
    either boot or rear seat space.
    
    I have to agree, though, that the 3 series BMW convertible is an
    excellent example of how to do it really well. 
    
    Mark

    Re. .3
    
    All Mk II's come with SRi engines etc. as standard. If that is not
    enough power for you there is a garage in Norfolk that will do a turbo
    conversion....
    
    Yes - you do have the Mk I,II,III classifications right
    
    Yes - I have a Cavalier Convertible - hence my original note
    
    Re .5
    
    Sounds like you've not seen a MK II with the hood down. There is no
    'bustle' as the hood folds into a compartment behind the rear seats.
    All the side windows wind down and there is no roll bar giving a
    totally open car.
    
                    ----------------------------------
    
    The MK I was based on the 2 door Cavalier and was called the Centeur
    and the MK II uses SRi floor pan and running gear but with coach built
    body work (by Hammond and ??????). These were both commisioned by
    Vauxhall and were official models. There have also been a number of
    conversions from saloons/hatches by non-official sources but tend to
    look far inferior to the real thing.

    Hi there, P. Frost,
    
    Glad to see you have got one - why not tell us a bit about it then.
    
    Also nice of you to put right reply .5, I thought the Cavalier had
    the rear end tidied up quite well.  In answer to .5, it must be true
    that getting it right will impinge on rear seat or boot space, but it
    is not such a problem when the original car has a boot, witness the
    latest 3-series BMW AND the Cavalier.  If you startf of with a hatch,
    the car will have no rear space, so instead, the conversion is thus
    designed to keep this space and to look plain ugly !
    
    On this point, is the rear seat the same as in the original car ?
    
    Awaiting further replies ...
    
    				John Rutter (@SBP)

    
    Still think the best one is the 944 convertible.  It's also a quick 20
    seconds job (can even do it at traffic lights !).
    
    With the roof up it looks odd, but down it's a dream.
    
    
    Nigel