Targa Top G-Body

[kingcolbert83]

Ok fellas. I will be graduating from auto tech program and will be taking auto collision repair. I am seriously debating doing a targa top for my car. I think it would look bad a$$ seeing as t-tops look hot. By doing it up here I know it will be right in my view and with the help of the instructors.

My question is what about weatherstripping and latching? Would I have to order a custom weatherstrip or could I use something from another car and fabricate it? And latching? Hmm? I was thinking using the latch kits they use for the lamborghini kitcars.

Another hot idea I thought about is doing it so its manual or even electric. Alot of fabrication would be need for brackets and stuff but its been done in a similar manner with cars adding sunroofs to there car.

It must not leak or work properly. Just want to get all the kinks out before I start next quarter.

 

[clean8485]

A T roof car does keep a certain amount of structural integrity because of the section of roof that remains between the removable T top panels. If you're talking about creating a single removable panel that goes across the entire width of the roof, then the structure of the car will be weakened further. You may have to look at ways of strengthening the body structure of the car to compensate for the modification that you're proposing. Possibly some kind of roll bar or roll cage? Just a thought.

 

[kingcolbert83]

yeah I know I will have to do some more structural support. Not really worried about that part because I have to take those classes anyway and will know exact what other braces I will have to add. I planned on doing the roll cage any but until then I will probably just strengthen the frame.

 

[srercrcr]

There's a pic in my gallery of a 80 Grand Prix Concept car that had a targa top, but it kept the center bar from the t-top.

 

[85 Cutlass Brougham]

I would x brace the frame and box the C channel to improve structural rigidity if you do it.

 

[Blake442]

I wouldn't do it to be honest.

If you do, boxing the frame rails should be sufficient as far as the frame goes, especially if you're planning on adding a roll cage.

My concern would be cowl strength, and the potential for the windsheild frame to move backwards. Some significant bracing may be needed to keep the car from losing it's shape, resulting in doors that don't open/close, and a targa top that will no longer fit. Not to mention coming up with weatherstripping that will keep the elements out.

 

[BBC_cutty]

personally i dont see the need to box in the frame, if people are making convertibles out of gbodys without boxing the frame, and having no issues, there is less stress with the balkhalf of the roof still attached

ive seen a targa top regal, IMO its cool, something ive pondered doing with my next project

 

[Blake442]

...if people are making convertibles out of gbodys without boxing the frame, and having no issues, there is less stress with the balkhalf of the roof still attached...

I dunno about that... I've seen a number of converts with the doors so tweaked that I'm suprised they even open or close. And these weren't lowriders. These cars were sagging in the middle like a rotted out mustang convertible.

And you can pretty much plan on it leaking.

 

[85 Cutlass Brougham]

When GM built a convertible A body, they always used a boxed frame. This is because these cars do not have the structural rigidity to last very long under the repeated stresses of driving. If you want it to last, you will have to box it at minimum.

 

[kingcolbert83]

I appreciate all the replys but you guys are missing what I ask. I am not worried about the frame stregthening part, I got that covered. I need help on weatherstripping and how I am going to lock it in. It will not leak because I am going to do it right and if I do run into a problem I will do it the right way and not half a$$.

It can be done. Heck there is a g-body custom convertible riding around my town with 26" RIMS!! His car is not flexing or nothing even with the big rims.

It will leak if not done properly. I could say the same thing about somebody rebuilding their motor. Don't rebuild your motor because it will leak. Yea it will leak if not sealed properly or if the seals are worn out. Same concepts goes with t-tops and this targa top.