I've got a line on a '92 Trans Am convertible that I want to buy. I'm curious about what chassis modifications were made to strengthen the drop-top? Also, I've noticed that many SFCs won't work on convertible cars. Which ones do? (KB, Alston, any others).

Thanks, Dave '91 T/A

 

They have sub frames on them already. I had a friend that took them off a convertible Camaro and installed them on this 84 Trans Am. I dont think anything changed from 91 to 92 due to the 4 gen cars coming out in 93

 

Ah...I don't think they had them on from factory if that's what you're saying. SFC are an aftermarket addition. They're basically a piece of a roll cage on the underside. I don't see why some SFC wouldn't fit. I know Alstons attach to the frame near the inside. Global West are longer and stick out near the side panels.

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, Jon (91 RS too many mods to list), getting new engine in summer

 

The convertibles have subframe supports as already mentioned... They're heavy guage steel running the entire length of the rockers. Adding aftermarket SFC's would be a waste of time.

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Drew
The lone Thirdgenner of the Apocalypse
predatorman@hotmail.com
My Website
87 Iroc
91 Formula 14.3@98mph
91 RS Convertible
91 Firebird V6FOR SALE!
92 S10FOR SALE!
98 Grand Am GT

 

Disagree Drew. The "factory" ASC rocker braces are a joke. All f-bodies with any kind of performanc mods or spirited driving need SFC's. Rivited on plates don't amount to squat.

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Kenney
82 Trans Am WS7 notchback
83 Trans Am WS6 T-tops
72 Vista Cruiser 455
90 Olds Trofeo
80 K-10 w/snow plow
Painter @ Chevy dealer
GM junkie

 

82 TA's right. I had a 92 rs with t-tops before I bought my 91 TA conv. The rs drove like a totally different car. The convt. is a ws6, but it has a lot of body flex. The rs would really stick in a turn and you could drive a lot harder. The ride was rougher in the rs, but who cares I don't drive sports cars for comfort.

 

Owning a hardtop, a ttop, and a convertible thirdgen I can tell you that the convertible is the stiffest of the bunch. The TTop is the worst, and the hardtop is somewhere in the middle with the Alston SFC's. The ASC subframes on my convertible aren't rivetted but rather are fully welded. For reference my Formula also has the alstons welded in place. Pulling into a driveway you can feel and see the Iroc bending, the formula's quite a bit better, and the convertible is stiff as a board.

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Drew
The lone Thirdgenner of the Apocalypse
predatorman@hotmail.com
My Website
87 Iroc
91 Formula 14.3@98mph
91 RS Convertible
91 Firebird V6Sold
92 S10FOR SALE!
98 Grand Am GT