Removable Hard Top?

[DJ-BurN]

Anyone think a removable hard top is possible? Not like a T-Top where there's the body panel on the top of the car in-between the 2 tops, but as in, a hard top, that comes off. Any ideas? Anyone done it?

[Jana]

I don't know too much about this stuff, but I think that would make the body of the car flex even more. The bar that separates the T-tops is probably one of the only things that prevents major body-flex on the F-body T-top cars. Some beefy subframe connectors might help prevent body-flex,... I imagine you'd have to set it up like a convertible (I have no idea what the convertibles have in them that keep them from flexing), but this would add some major weight to the car. I know the convertibles are heavier than the hard top/T-top cars due to this problem. I doubt anyone would want to add a couple 100 extra pounds just to eliminate the bar in the middle IMO. :(

[ May 04, 2002: Message edited by: Jana ]</p>

[NBMA4V6]

yeah but how sweet would it be to have targa top on an F body!!! that would be a one of a kind..It can be done id bet.you would have to invest in some subframe connectors and other bracing parts as well of some kind of bracing for the wind shield

i dont know but it would be awesome

Jeff W

[Domestic Violence]

i'm guessing you have the financial backing of bill gates to pull this off?

[DJ-BurN]

Anyone else got any opinions on this matter? I think I'll look into this a little more... I'd really love to have a targa top. :D lol

[v6maro]

I saw a guy do this with a corvette top. Sorry no pics, but it is possible, you will need a roll cage.
-Steve

[DJ-BurN]

Well, if you were to use a reconditioned Corvette targa top the whole conversion would cost around $2,000+. Remember, these are just estimates... If you did it using your existing roof panel it would cost $1,500+. Then you gotta pay to get beefed up chassis parts... which could cost god knows how much, lol. I dunno... just for the fact that it'd look totally awesome and be completely unique, I think it's worth it; but, then again, that's just me. :D lol

[DeathBuzzz]

No, it cant be done. The Frame was not designed for it. The bar across the middle of the top of the car ( where T-Tops join together ) is a VERY important part of the frame. You should never do something to the frame of a car that was never designed to be done. T-Tops were part of the design of the car and all cars have the T-Top cross bar, so this is an option, but not a targa top.


~Brian

[Mike -Justav6- Anaya]

I figure if you wanted to do this, you would be better off getting a convertible and making a hardtop for it. Kinda like the miatas and C4 Corvettes. I have thought about doing this... The most feasable way would be to chop the top off of another camaro/firebird and en have a window attached at the rear where the hatch glass normally would fit...., doing this though would significantly increase the weight to my already fat convertible....

I am interested in any ideas you all may have. [img]graemlins/burnout.gif[/img]

[v6maro]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by DeathBuzzz:
No, it cant be done.<hr></blockquote>
yes, it can
<blockquote>quote:</font><hr> The Frame was not designed for it. The bar across the middle of the top of the car ( where T-Tops join together ) is a VERY important part of the frame. You should never do something to the frame of a car that was never designed to be done. T-Tops were part of the design of the car and all cars have the T-Top cross bar, so this is an option, but not a targa top.


~Brian<hr></blockquote>

true, but it IS possible and it DOES work.

If you sturdy the frame enough, it will work

IMO it's not worth it, but if you are a show car and want to be completley unique then this would be a good start.
-Steve

[black97cam]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Domestic Violence:
i'm guessing you have the financial backing of bill gates to pull this off?<hr></blockquote>

If he was Bill Gates (or had the $$ as he did)....

im sure he wouldnt own and Fbody........

anyhow, some C4 vettes have the targa top. Just take your car to a custom body shop and see if they can give you a price quote.

[ May 07, 2002: Message edited by: black97cam ]</p>

[DeathBuzzz]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by v6maro:


true, but it IS possible and it DOES work.

If you sturdy the frame enough, it will work

IMO it's not worth it, but if you are a show car and want to be completley unique then this would be a good start.
-Steve<hr></blockquote>


Yea, i really should have said it wasnt feasable( spelling? ). In reality you could do almost anything to a cars frame if you reinforced it a lot in other places. It would be unique, but IMHO not even near worth it.

~Brian