[valiant67]

I'd love to hear more about the conversion process here. There's a beater 89 convertible a few hours away from me for sale and I was genuinely thinking about it

You need to make sure it's complete, especially the glass. Other than that, you swap cabs or convert a standard cab the way ASC did it for Dodge.

 

[valiant67]

I saw a 'Shelby-ized' Dakota Convertible (1989 only) at a car show some years back. I don't know if it was real or a clone.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shelby_Dakota

The Ramcharger/Traildusters had a removable top also. Fun in the sun. View attachment 116103

The made Shelby Dakotas, and convertible Dakotas, but none were both.
My ideal build would be a convertible cab on a newer frame (92-96) to get the Magnum engine and OD auto but with a Leer step side bed.