91 vert to 2 seater targa top conversion - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

quickkris2006 · 07-11-2009, 03:58 PM

ok ive really been thinking about this for a while and im thinking of starting. i want to custom build a fiberglass top like the notch backs for my vert, but use the ttop bar, ( not the support bar, the ttop handle with no glass) to make as the targa top.. i will make a piece from the taillights to just behind the rear seats around a 4 pt. cage.. the out side will look somthing like this but without the spoiler. i found this pic in another thread..

i want to leave a lil room behind the rear seats.. to mount 4 subs. and the whole i guess we would call it a notchback would raise up using hood hindges,to be able to get to the trunk area and rear seat area and all i got to do to make it lock back down is line up using my convertible lock system... no i know what ur saying... y??? well i have had 2 other camaros and they were both ttops and now that i own a vert i miss my ttops.. y dont i just buy another 3rd gen with ttops.. 1. i cant afford another car, 2. i dont have the room, 3. i want my car to be custom and built by my own hands.

now i know that i can buy a notchback and mount it but again i can afford it.. so im going to make one.. i already have the glass window tho i might switch to lexan. im going to make the main frame out of plywood, metal sheeting and cover it in fiberglass.. i will take a mold for the sale panels from my buddys parts car.. and after i have the basic shap of the sail panels and roof done it shouldnt be to much harder. i just have to figure out forming the fiberglass around the windows to make sure it seals nicely.. i hate the vert cause when ur driving down the interstate and have the roof up all u hear is the wind.. and i cant stand it. plus it feels like the wind just blows u around on the highway.. i like to be able to put the windows up with the top on and not hear anything but whats on the radio or if someone is talking.

now as for the targa top i will make a fiberglass mold from the parts car over the glass.. from side to side that should be the easy part.. i can make it lock down using the regular ttop locks. which means that i will be also able to lock the top with a key for more security.

once i have the mold for the top i will make a frame on the inside and mold it all together.. i love the tops but i hate the bar in the middle... i guess thats what makes them ttops.. i will also make a room under the notchback to put the targa top while it is off the car. like where my vert roof folds down. it should fit there nicely and if not ill make it fit.

now if ur still with me after this novel of a post im going to talk about my ideas for the frame of th notchback.. i will make "ribs" out of plywood to make the support. i will screw it all together and reinforce the area of the hindges.. im also not set all the way on the hood hindges because i want to get the top to rise up as far as i can to get easyier access to the trunk and rear seat area. i was thinking about using the gas struts that are normally on the glass hatch and i could use the hidges from the glass hatch too and just mount them by the taillights. would allow for me to have the notchback raise up away from the cabin and give me enough height to give access.. the hindes will be one of the first things mounted once the frame is done since they will be mounted to the frame and out of sight..

ok i know this sounds like a lot of work and yes i know that it is going to be.. but i really want this and i know that i will be the only one to have it.. i will start building the wood frame hopefully some time this week.. i would use metal but i dont have a welder anymore..

i will keep u up to date on the project and have pics and measurement of every thing that i can.. i also bet that as i go along i will get more crazy ideas to add to this already mountian of work.. let me know what u think i want to know if u guys think im crazy or not lol

for reading chapter one of my novel lol

quickkris2006 · 07-11-2009, 08:31 PM

any comments anyone??

IROCKET4U · 07-12-2009, 10:38 PM

Interesting. I like the idea of a targa top but IMO would probably opt to sell the vert and buy a t-top car.
Good luck with your project--make sure you post pics throughout the build process!

quickkris2006 · 07-13-2009, 07:35 PM

i thought about that but i really dont want to sell my car.i would rather make it custom to what i want.. i will post up pics when work is started.. hopefully soon

usamuscle892 · 07-15-2009, 12:42 AM

I kinda agree, this first thing I thought was,"Why not just a t-top?". I can see you have put alot in your 91 already and dont wanna get rid of it. So continue with your plans or get a t-top car to build up.

JeremyNYR · 07-15-2009, 02:53 PM

It sounds like a risky project for a do-it yourselfer. I do just about anything myself with my car, but this sounds like a job for an experienced professional. If you think the professionally engineered convertible gives lots of wind noise, wait 'til you experience home-made seals! hehe. Pick up a cheap t-top shell and play with it. it'll already have the provisions for weatherstripping along the new targa top and along the backside of the door glass.

blacksunshine'91 · 07-27-2009, 01:11 AM

I like your idea. It would definately help if you have at least one parts car, if not more. That way you can hack them up to see exactly how things will fit before you start cutting up your car. I'll be watching to see if you make a go of it. Ballsy, but I like your desire to have a one-of-a-kind car.

quickkris2006 · 07-27-2009, 07:34 AM

really there wont be much hacking away but more fabing up then anything else since its already a vert theres nothing to cut off so all i really have to do is make the mold from the trunk foward and fab up a roll bar and then make the targa top and so on.. i will keep everyone updated on the progress which wont start till after my move cross country is completed