Can a non-t-top car be converted to a t-top car (or possibly a targa)? Im assuming i would need to cut the entire roof off of a t-top car and graft it on there. Are there any major differences that make this swap impossible?

 

you would need to cut the roof off and graft a t top one on there.theres a few who have done it and theres some how toos on here somewhere

 

it can be done, but honestly, after all the body work, time, paint and other parts. It would be cheaper to just buy a t-top car if you cant do all the work yourself.

 

Even IF you can do all the work, I'd still think it a better proposition to buy a T-top car to begin with.

 

somewhat related, i saw a 4th gen at a car show a few years ago that was a hardtop. the guy cut the whole roof off to make it a targa top, like the c5 and c6 vette's. he used factory t top latches to attach the top on both sides. so it can be done either way, but i agree with buying a t top car instead of doing all that work. plus a car with a full roof is stronger, especially on a 3rd gen.

 

Well, the only reason im even thinking about it is that ive got so much time/money invested so far in it, i hate to just chuck it and start over..

 

Heck I'd like to go to a hardtop form a t-top.

 

yes sir, ditto!!! the t tops .. well i suppose they look cool .. overall they just suck in my opinion. you lose sooooo much body strength.

 

It's not even that, I think hardtops just look better.

 

I second that. They also attract more rust... a lot more.

 

there is so much you can do to stiffen the car up that the t-tops would really only be a concern if you where planning on racing the car. Check out the ultimate suspension sticky for what to brace up. Personally I love my t-tops. All the perks of a drop top without the worry of some jackass slashing the top to get the stereo.

that being said I would just find a T-top car to do up. I think it would be cheaper and easier in the end.

 

I have t-tops and wish i had gotten a hardtop now, t-tops suck IMO, they leak, they're a pain to take on and off, plus the car looks goofy with them off, but its your car, and like everyone else said your better off getting a t-top car to begin with

 

i gotta ask what kind of t tops are hard to get off? mine are simple and quick. i spend more time putting them in the carry bag in the trunk then i do installing or removing them.

 

Not 3rd gen related at all but keep in mind that all 4th gens started as t tops and were converted to hardtops. If you don't believe me just type in "how to t-top a camaro" on google and it will only show 4th gens. All I'm saying is don't look at 4th gens and say "well it should be easy enough to do it with a 3rd gen then". From what I have seen I think you could t top a 4th gen camaro in about an hour but I have never done it.

 

I never said they were hard to get off, to me its annoying to take them on and off and put them in the bag nicely. Idk to me having the roof off while driving doesn't do anything for me. If I were him (and if he hasn't already) I would drive a t-top car and see if you really like it that much to go through all the work of converting a hardtop car to a t-top car.

 

What on your car other than the paint and body work can't be swapped to another? I can almost assure you that the paint and body work required to cut in t-tops is going to be less than that required to bring a decent t-top car up to your existing car's standards. You got a trailer queen with air-brushed graphics or something?

 

Just search around the forum for t tops that leak or are rusted out under them.

 

When cutting the roof off to convert, do not cut them straight throgh the pilars & sail panels. Make sure you brace the body of the car you are converting. Meaning welding braces in & across the inside od the car. I would weld up a good set of SFC's also. Both roofs will have to be cut the same exact locations. Ive been thinking about this fot awhile my self. Camaro & Firebirds are interchangeable if you were wondering.

 

Good info Karl. Glad to see im not the only one considering this....I just have to make my mind up soon because a new black paint job is just around the corner.

Where would you recommend i make the cut?

 

Thats a hard one, they have to be exact because the windsheild will be a big factor. Someome did it heee & it came out great. Measure twice cut once.

 

I would recomend a sawzall.

 

There's a how-to thread on here somewhere from Madhatter showing the entire process when he swapped his hardtop roof to a t-top. I don't have it saved anymore, otherwise I'd just post the link. A quick search for his username should find it though.

 

OK....bought a VERY straight 91 roller today with t-tops.....probably gonna move all my stuff over to it. My simple build just turned into a MAJOR undertaking......

 

The other is a rs also?

 

yep

 

I would say im 99 percent sure these t-tops arent leaking......



Heres what used to be the "project car"....



Heres the "donor" car, which is now the "project" car.....

 

Imagine all the fun swapping over all the good stuff will be. Much more fun than the PITA all of that metal work would have been.

Keep us updated, with photos.

 

Ive had fun before, and this isnt it........
Removed the passenger side fender so I could access the ECM connector that goes through the firewall. Ive got an ALMOST complete harness from a 1992 SD TPI that im going to use.

Im trying to convince myself this is the right thing to do..(I really want t-tops)...but it has added a LOT of work to my build.