Lately I have been thinking about converting my t-tops car to a targa top, I already have the general idea of how its done, but would like to know if there is a way do it so that the top will make the car more rigid, since I know that factory targa top cars are more rigid with their roofs in than a t-tops car is, I plan to remove the center bar, after putting in SFCs ofc, and I plan to just detach the glass from the t-tops pieces and connect the end pieces with a fiberglass, CF or aluminum panel, I am kind of thinking that if I want this to add some rigidity that my material used for the roof panel will have more of an impact than anything else? I know fiberglass definitely has the most flex, but I am wondering where aluminum vs CF stands on rigidity, I would prefer CF as its lighter and I already know how to work with fiberglass and the processes are more or less the same, I don't have the knowledge or tools for much sheet metal work though. But any input on increasing rigidity with the roof in would be appreciated, I've thought about having bars welded in on each side before but that would kind of get in the way and bug me more than the t-tops bar already does, and I already know all about increasing rigidity in the car in other areas, my main goal here is to add in some rigidity via the targa roof if possible.

 

No matter what material you use, it'll only be as rigid as them little latches the T-Tops go into to since your retaining the stock latch system right?

Only reason that middle bar in a stock TTop system braces the car is its connected to the body straight, not through the latches. So fiberglass/carbon fiber doesn't matter, Choose whatever is the lightest is my opinion.

(All of this is just opinion, im not an engineer.)

Also theres 2 different style SFC's that can be used together because they route differently, read a thread a while back where it was said that it was worth the extra set of sfc's, Noticeably tighter. Maybe its alston sfc's and another kind, I cant recall.

 

I know all about the dual sfcs its pretty much alstons for the inside coupled with pretty much any perimeter style sfc.
And I don't think its a matter of the connection method so much as tying in the windshield frame up top to the bar at the back, if you tie them in well enough you can undoubtedly make it less flexible, just wondering how I might best accomplish that. I mean if you have a non flexible material between the two it pretty much inhibits them from flexing I believe, guess I'm just looking for insight from someone whos done some chassis strengthening or targa conversion or something and might be able to suggest the best way to do it.