Convertible Pickup Trucks

Roofless trucks were more prevalent over a hundred years ago when the automobile was more basic and less hindered by amenities like covered roofs. Although Ford’s American truck history started about a decade earlier, the two-seat 1925 Ford Model T pickup truck was Ford’s first factory-produced light-duty pickup. This 40hp light-duty pickup-bodied runabout truck had a 4-foot, 8-inch long factory-installed steel pickup bed with an adjustable tailgate and four stake pockets. We see many pictured with canvas tops, classifying this little pickup-that-could as America’s unofficial first convertible pickup that you could just go and buy. It cost about $280 and nearly 33,800 sold that first year. Chevrolet followed suit a few years later in 1931.

Dodge Dakota Convertible: Short-Lived But Iconic

This just might be the most talked-about oddball convertible pickup truck. If you ever see a convertible Dakota in the wild, take a picture. It’s rare, which makes it all the more lovable. The conversion, which consisted of a fixed roll bar and a manual-folding vinyl convertible roof, was manufactured by the American Sunroof Company (ASC) out of Southgate, Michigan–not Dodge. 

Production lasted from 1989 to 1991–if you count the eight made in 1991. Allegedly 2,842 were built the first year, 909 the next, and eight the final year, for a total shy of 3,800. How much are they worth now? A fantastic 1990 Dodge Dakota Sport convertible sold for $13,200 at Mecum Las Vegas 2022. 

The Sport trim (1989-1990) and SE trim (1990) were used for the conversion, configured as two- or four-wheel drive two-door regular-cab trucks with 125hp 3.9-liter V-6 engines mated to four-speed automatic transmissions. The ragtop could apparently be had for a $3,000 premium. 

The project may have been killed due to slow demand, but its claim-to-fame (first production convertible pickup built since 1931) remains.

Ford SkyRanger: The Quintessential Mini Truck

Professional Autocrafters Group Inc. describes its Ford SkyRanger as “the luxury convertible sport truck.” From graphics to ground effects to that targa surround (with an integrated high-mounted stop lamp), the SkyRanger is the quintessential mini truck. Heck, it even has a wing–ahem, aerodynamic tail fin. We’d love to get our hands on one of these rad Rangers to see exactly how the Haartz Stayfast cloth top works, but it seems to tuck nicely into the extended cab portion behind the driver and passenger seats courtesy of the “boot cover.” If speculations are true, there’s a chance you could use your own fingers and toes to count how many were built.

Chevrolet SSR: Oh Yeah, That Happened

You can’t have a list of convertible trucks without including the Chevrolet SSR (Super Sport Roadster), Chevy’s retro two-door roadster utility. The SSR looks like a more swoopy, modernized 1947-1955 Chevy Advance Design pickup. The SSR was fitted with a 5.3-liter V-8 or 6.0-liter V-8 backed by a four-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission. 

For the sake of this article, its claim to fame was its power-retractable hardtop convertible roof. A flap in the tonneau cover flips up and the hard roof (split in two pieces) folds into the bed, directly behind (but separate from) the driver and passenger area. The flap flips back down to cover the two roof panels, and wha-laa, convertible. 

It’s believed that about 24,000 SSRs were produced in total from 2003 to 2006, making the SSR a relatively rare site. But when you do see them, is the top up or down? 

Jeep Gladiator: A Convertible Truck You Can Actually Buy Today

Top off, doors off, windshield lowered. From soft- to hard-top, whatever kind of Jeep Gladiator roof you have, it comes off or fully retracts to provide ultimate open-top driving. This makes the Jeep Gladiator–the midsize truck version of the venerable Jeep Wrangler SUV–a convertible truck that you can go buy today. A hearty roll cage remains, but that’s what it takes to make a four-door convertible safe.

The four-door, five-passenger Jeep Gladiator debuted in 2020. It’s powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 engine backed by a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission; the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel has been discontinued and a 4xe plug-in hybrid is coming for 2025.

GMC Hummer EV Pickup: A Convertible EV Truck You Can Actually Buy Today

You may have overlooked the GMC Hummer EV Pickup (there’s also the SUV version) when thinking of convertible trucks. That’s understandable, considering this new electric truck starts at $98,000 and is more unicorn than common horse. It’s hard to believe that the Hummer EV Pickup is already in its third year of production.

The Infinity Roof’s four Sky Panels unclamp and can be stored modularly in the eTrunk (frunk), should a freak rainstorm threaten your Lunar Horizon interior. The front I-bar that runs North/South can also be removed for even more freedom.

Convertible F-150, Maverick, and Chevy Silverado: Those Were Jokes, Right?

If you see a particular news outlet pushing details about supposed late-model convertible trucks like the Ford F-150, Ford Maverick, or Chevy Silverado, they were all April Fool’s Day stunts. Yet, why do we all feel duped and strangely intrigued by these topless renderings? The fact that this outlet ran similar stories for three years straight shows that y’all kept clicking like you hoped it was real. Apologies to those whose bubbles we just burst. 

For better or worse, late-model convertible trucks (besides the Gladiator and Hummer EV) don’t exist in real life. If they did, would you buy one? History tells us no, but trends can bounce back without warning.

All Trucks Can Be Convertibles: Good On Ya, DIYer!

Even though the internet is replete with fake convertible pickup truck renderings, there are bountiful examples of truck customizers who have created both accidental and purposeful real-life custom convertible trucks in the comfort of their backyards or shops. We don’t suggest it, but with tools and more importantly courage, any truck can be topless in no time. 

If your heart’s set on going topless, it’s wise to really do your research and take your time. There are some removable hardtop and convertible kits out there. If you don’t really have a plan, consult a shop or find a new LEGO set to build instead.    

Kindig Convertible Truck: The Sickest Drop-Top on Earth

We can’t help but refer to this custom chop-top 1967 Chevy C-10 drop-top convertible when talking about topless pickup trucks. The team at Kindig-it Design went above and beyond when it came to the convertible hardtop–one of its many, many mods. With a flip of a switch, a portion of the tonneau cover flips up. The roofline buckles at a natural seam, pushing the rear window downward followed by the roof. Top up or top down, this has to be one of the coolest, smoothest convertible pickups out there.

Convertible SUVs: Classic Vehicles, But Not Trucks

There have been plenty of convertible SUVs throughout time: International Harvester Scout, Ford Bronco, Kaiser Jeep Jeepster Commando, Jeep Scrambler CJ-8, Willys MB, Volkswagen Thing, Land Rover Defender 90, Toyota Land Cruiser FJ, Jeep Wrangler, Suzuki Jimny, Suzuki Samurai, and Subaru Brat (does its T-top count?). If you adamantly consider any of these trucks, we willingly give them honorable mention. 

Convertible Polaris Slingshot: That’s a Trike, Not a Truck

Neither truck nor SUV, we end with the Polaris Slingshot, an unconventional three-wheeled convertible. Blurring the line between motorcycle and automobile, the Slingshot puts you face-level with everything on the road and a fingertip drag away from the tarmac. You can get a roof, but that kills the ultimate convertible feel that’ll have topless truck and SUV owners staring–along with everyone else on the road.

Convertible Pickup Truck Conclusion

Now that you’ve explored some convertible pickup trucks with us, it’s time to get to work on your own (convertible?) truck. Luckily, RealTruck has you covered! Check out our big three manufacturers including the RAM 1500, Ford F-150, and Chevy Silverado. And as always, contact our knowledgeable sales team for product inquiries and order assistance.