Hello ThirdGen Convert Owners.
I am looking into adding a roll cage to a 87' Camaro IROC convertible that I changed over from a T-top. I added a set of sub-frame connectors when I made the change but that didn't seem to add much strength, I bought a set of race sub-frame connectors but they wouldn't fit the convertible and I don't believe those would have added much strength, it seem to flex more from the rear of the door openings back. I did the conversion about 15 years ago but parked it because I didn't like the way it drove after the change. Are there any street roll cages that would add some real strength that don't get too much in the way?

Thanks

Tony

 

So you took a t-top car and chopped the roof off?

inner and outer sfcs + a sturdy cage is the only thing I can think of. The true convertibles were built different to account for not having a roof. I'd be worried to drive a t-top made convertible.

 

I believe I sent a reply but not sure where it went? So here it is again. I took a front totaled 88 Camaro IROC removed and restored all the convert parts, then I changed my 87 Camaro IROC into a convertible. While I was at it I decided to make some improvements over the ASC conversion, I added 1-1/2" X 1-1/2" X 1/4" Stainless steel angle irons to both sides of the lower rocker panel trough reinforcements, routed the convert water drains in the rear wheel housing area not in the rocker panel as ASC did and added access holes for the middle ground effect molding rear studs. Third gen F bodied are reworked "T" top cars, so my Camaro is exactly the same as one built by ASC except the 6th digit of my VIN is a 2 instead of a 3. When I did the conversion I added a regular set of sub-frame connectors but I don't think they add much if anything. I am going to try adding tubing on both sides of my interior that runs from the "B" pillar (where the seat belt is now located) forward and downward to about the front of the seats, this might prevent the flex in that area that I feel in the car similar to what the lower tube of a roll cage does. There are a lot of modifications that are done by ASC, such as rocker molding, front fenders, trunk lid wiring, reinforcements for the "B" pillar and so on , this is what I did for fun when I had no other projects all because I liked the look of the convertible top over the hatchback roof line, while I was at it the drive train was upgraded to a 5.7/350 Vortech and a 5 speed to go with the existing TPI.

Tony

 

Get a custom cage made. Or buy a Comp. Eng. 8 point for with a main hoop for a 3rdgen.

Been there done that. if you search my name from Targa top to vert conversion you sill see all the stuff I did with an old car I had. Started life as a T Top car. I went to a TARGA TOP made a custom top for it.

Then bought a totaled vert and used its Inner structure ,etc for the other car.
Heres a link for some pics..
http://www.cecoatings.com/images/Car...20vert%20pics/

P.S.
Its not the current vert I have in my sig.

 

I read what you took off of one car and put it on the other, from what I gather, you used an aftermarket SFC, over the Factory SFC. Was there a reason why?

I know my convertible is twisty, so was my 1995 4th gen convertible. It is the nature of a convertible...

If you do not have the ASC SFC's You might try to get a pair and install them, they appear to be pop riveted on. Actually, If you cannot find a set for the Firebird, I believe they are the similar to the pieces on the Sunbird and Cavalier. However you would have to make them shorter for the Firebird.

 

spohn makes sfc for verts. I used the s&w 8pt roll bar in mine. no twist, no squeaks. car drives like its on rails.


my wifes vert on the other hand, without sfc and a roll bar is like driving a piece of cooked spaghetti. radio barely gets loud enough to mask the squeaks and rattles

 

I put all the parts in the same way ASC did the conversion with inner and outer rocker panel reinforcements including cold galvanizing like ASC conversions, both inner and outer reinforcements rivet together over the existing rocker panel. The sub-frame connectors are the round tubing type, the better rectangular tubing race type that run along the inside of the rockers wouldn't fit the convert so they are on my 85 Camaro. Since I added the angle irons to the outer rocker reinforcements that is an easy place to jack up the convert similar to a stock car, if I put the convert up on 4 jack stands under the rockers the door are difficult to open indicating there is some flex at the door to Q-panel probably normal but I don't like it, that is where I will experiment with a bar from the "B" pillar, if that doesn't work I will look into some sort of roll cage. I am getting ready to paint it is currently in primer. I added a few pics showing before and after conversion if you look at the now trunk area there are studs from the luggage compartment Bose speakers that was there.

Tony

 

Few Pics for ya..

 

Here is my 6 point roll bar with an x brace.

 

I will try some simple tubing and see if that helps, if not then it's time for a basic roll cage, about the same as what is shown.

Thanks

Tony

 

I take it no back seat passengers with that...

 

Spohn & UMI both make subframe connectors that will work with the ASC rocker panel reinforcements. Lots of convertible folks run the inner style like you have (mac or alston) and the outer style to better maximize the rigidness of the car.

 

can you run both? alston and spohn? any pics of that?

 

Do a search on here and you'll find numerous posts and pics about running both inner and out sfc's together.

 

Tony,

What did you end up doing for a roll bar? I'm exploring options now myself.

All third gen 'verts started off as t-top cars.

FSTFBDY, did the rear seat still go up and down ok, before you added the crossbracing?

 

I just finished the exterior body work this summer, next up this winter I will be strengthening the body so no roll bar or mods yet. What I am finding is there is too much body flex in the firewall area at the rear of the front fenders, I have briefly looked at the undercarriage for ways to strengthen the body without intruding on the interior. Currently I am looking into adding laser cut thick plating onto the front sub-frames all the way up to about the engine mounts, If I can fit rectangular tubing in place there it would be my first option.




Tony

 

Well, looking good so far! Keep it up!

 

I have been under My Camaro and did some tests to determine where the car is flexing, it appears there is flex at both ends of the reinforced rocker panels. The only way I can see to add strength and eliminate excessive flex is to reinforce the front and rear sub-frame areas and tie it all together with the add on convertible rocker panel troughs, If the exhaust can be cleared I might also add some bolt on "X" cross bracing underneath from rocker trough to trough. I have access to steel cutting lasers and CNC sheet metal brakes, I will design some heavy gauge steel parts for the job then weld it all in place. When the conversion was done heavy stainless angle iron 1-1/2" X 1-1/2" X 1/4" was added to the bottom corners of the rocker troughs in the event more strength was needed. I will have the parts made before the end of this year and installed by next spring, pictures will follow.

Tony

 

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