Convertible?

[skychief]

No Elio convertibles. Because EM chose uni-body construction for the final production. With uni-body, the roof and the A pillars serve as roll-over protection in lieu of a roll cage. If EM had kept its original tubular-steel frame concept, then a convertible could have been feasible.

 

[Ty]

No Elio convertibles. Because EM chose uni-body construction for the final production. With uni-body, the roof and the A pillars serve as roll-over protection in lieu of a roll cage. If EM had kept its original tubular-steel frame concept, then a convertible could have been feasible.

Wait. Isn't the Mustang a Unibody? Yes, it is. The Elio probably wasn't designed for future convertability though.

 

[Maurtis]

The Miata is unibody as well, a couple of those are convertibles

 

[skychief]

Sorry. No Elio convertibles. Unless you want to do the mod yourself. But that might conflict with some autocycle legislation in some areas.

 

[Coss]

Wait. Isn't the Mustang a Unibody? Yes, it is. The Elio probably wasn't designed for future convertability though.

The Mustang Convert is a completely different frame from the Coupes; if you look under them you can see the difference.
The Miata only has the convertible, so it's frame was built for it from the beginning.

I doubt if anyone is going to do an aftermarket "kit" to change it over; besides, the cost would be probably around 60% of the cost of the Elio.
And if you did it custom (which always looks like YUK! closed and leaks like crazy) one off build; you'd be close to doubling or tripling the price of the Elio.