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Carbon Fiber T-Top project

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Old Mar 13, 2013 | 11:31 AM
  #51  
Richboll's Avatar
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From: Huntsville, AL
Car: 89 Black IROC-Z convertible
Engine: 305 TBI
Transmission: Auto
Re: Carbon Fiber T-Top project

Looks like this one didn't work out. He was making some real progress too. Maybe he was just interrupted by Uncle Sam.
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Old Apr 11, 2013 | 06:09 PM
  #52  
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From: SoCAL
Re: Carbon Fiber T-Top project

The Project ended in failure months ago. Pretty embarrassing and disappointing. Ended with a set of broken t-tops (luckily they were spares from the junkyard) and a bunch of money down the drain. Maybe someday I'll get it right or somebody else will. Sorry guys.

Last edited by -LateNite89-; Apr 11, 2013 at 06:10 PM. Reason: spelling
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Old Apr 11, 2013 | 06:41 PM
  #53  
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Re: Carbon Fiber T-Top project

So, what happened?
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Old Apr 11, 2013 | 07:15 PM
  #54  
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From: SoCAL
Re: Carbon Fiber T-Top project

somehow they warped. i tried them on and they had flattened out and looked "wavy" around the entire piece . it looked dreadfully awful. the resin was already running low and carbon fiber isnt cheap. I had already spend around 350 dollars trying to make them, and it was money that could have been spent on upgrading my engine and chassis. So I cut my losses and walked away from it. It was a kick in groin, cause I like finishing my projects, but like I said, maybe someday I will try it again with different ideas and better results, but not right now. Right now Im just gonna concentrate on working on my engine.
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Old Apr 11, 2013 | 08:59 PM
  #55  
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From: Toronto
Car: 82 Z28
Engine: 350
Transmission: TH350 for now
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Re: Carbon Fiber T-Top project

Just wondering since I am thinking of taking this one on later this summer...

How many layers did you do?
Did you vacuum bag it?

thanks
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Old Apr 11, 2013 | 11:28 PM
  #56  
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From: Ballwin, MO
Car: 1987 Trans Am
Engine: 355 tpi
Transmission: 5 speed
Re: Carbon Fiber T-Top project

Sorry that they did not work out for you, Do you have pics of them with the problem ?
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Old Apr 12, 2013 | 12:09 AM
  #57  
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From: SoCAL
Re: Carbon Fiber T-Top project

No I didnt take any pics of the failure. I tossed it all.
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Old Apr 12, 2013 | 05:24 AM
  #58  
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Car: '87 Camaro
Engine: '92 Carb'd 350
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: factory stock
Re: Carbon Fiber T-Top project

Props for the attempt!!
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Old Apr 12, 2013 | 10:02 AM
  #59  
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From: Newburg, MD
Car: '89 RS, '89 Iroc
Engine: L03, LB9
Transmission: 700r4, T5
Axle/Gears: 2.73, 3.08
Re: Carbon Fiber T-Top project

definitely a valiant effort
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Old May 5, 2016 | 10:07 AM
  #60  
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From: johannesburg SA
Car: '88 Iroc Z. now rebuilding
Engine: 383 cat crank and rods. etc
Transmission: getrag 262 - until it breaks
Axle/Gears: original borg warner 2.77
Re: Carbon Fiber T-Top project

Hey, was a brilliant idea and attempt. Shaving weight off the roof is certainly well worth the effort if one look at how many high end cars have lightweight aluminum or carbon fibre roofs these days... One of many future plans I have with my '88 is to look into aluminum t-tops.
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Old Jun 15, 2016 | 02:19 PM
  #61  
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From: Benton, Ky
Car: 91 RS Camaro
Engine: 3.1 in the begining and now a 5.7
Transmission: 700r4 w/ 2500 stall
Re: Carbon Fiber T-Top project

That is looking awesome. I Ike it works for you. I was wanting to do something similar but with some lighter metal. Not to good with fiberglass.
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Old Nov 6, 2016 | 12:21 PM
  #62  
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From: Isla del Encanto, P.R.
Car: GTA
Engine: Bone Stock 350ci HSR T-76 Turbo
Transmission: T56 6-speed
Axle/Gears: Stock
Re: Carbon Fiber T-Top project

Guys,
For those interested in a set of carbon fiber T-Tops there's a local guy, and friend of mine who runs a small business making all sorts of carbon fiber parts for mostly race cars.
He made me a pair of carbon fiber t-tops with custom NACA ducts (something I wanted) and ended up and fit perfectly!!!! And they are ultralightweight!!!!!


Carbon fiber t tops with naca ducts.
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Old Nov 6, 2016 | 05:43 PM
  #63  
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Car: '91 GTA, '92 T/A Convertible
Engine: GTA: 350 w/Vortec heads, T/A: 305
Transmission: Pro-built 700R4
Axle/Gears: GTA: 3.27, T/A: 2.73
Re: Carbon Fiber T-Top project

O.K. I'll bite. What did it cost?
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Old Nov 6, 2016 | 07:37 PM
  #64  
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Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: Carbon Fiber T-Top project

Those are pretty darn cool. What is the weight difference between the carbon, lexan and the glass?
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Old Nov 7, 2016 | 06:25 AM
  #65  
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From: Isla del Encanto, P.R.
Car: GTA
Engine: Bone Stock 350ci HSR T-76 Turbo
Transmission: T56 6-speed
Axle/Gears: Stock
Re: Carbon Fiber T-Top project

The weight difference is ridiculous!!!! One T-top weights about 4 pounds, complete with the custom made lightweight holding bracket. About 8 pounds for both.
I'll put them on the scale and let you guys know.
The pair of t-tops complete with the holding brackets cost me $500.00.
I'll talk to the guy later this week and see if a group buy can be done.
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Old Nov 7, 2016 | 01:28 PM
  #66  
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Car: 82 Transam
Engine: 305 soon 383
Transmission: auto.
Re: Carbon Fiber T-Top project

Looks great.

Very interested in the price for a group buy.
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Old Nov 7, 2016 | 01:34 PM
  #67  
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From: WINDSOR, CO
Car: 91 Z28, 87 SC, 90 IROC, 92 RS
Engine: LS1, 305 TPI, L98, NADA
Transmission: T56, 700r4's, and NADA
Axle/Gears: 3.89, 3.42, 3.23, NADA
Re: Carbon Fiber T-Top project

Originally Posted by BBSDesigns
Guys,
For those interested in a set of carbon fiber T-Tops there's a local guy, and friend of mine who runs a small business making all sorts of carbon fiber parts for mostly race cars.
He made me a pair of carbon fiber t-tops with custom NACA ducts (something I wanted) and ended up and fit perfectly!!!! And they are ultralightweight!!!!!


Carbon fiber t tops with naca ducts.
I'm interested in more pics of yours, and the brackets you guys made.

I don't have any interest in the NACA ducts as I sure 95% of us wouldn't, but I'm interested to know if he will build more and the costs.
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Old Nov 11, 2016 | 03:56 PM
  #68  
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From: Vancouver BC
Car: 91 RS
Engine: 350
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3:73
Re: Carbon Fiber T-Top project

I'm interested too. You have any more pics?
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Old Nov 11, 2016 | 08:17 PM
  #69  
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Car: 85 Firebird C&C T-Top
Engine: 347ci LS1
Transmission: 4L60E LS1
Axle/Gears: BW 9 Bolt Posi,3.27,C5+VE Brakes
Re: Carbon Fiber T-Top project

Im guessing these sadly only suit the gm tops ?
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Old Nov 16, 2016 | 08:28 PM
  #70  
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From: Isla del Encanto, P.R.
Car: GTA
Engine: Bone Stock 350ci HSR T-76 Turbo
Transmission: T56 6-speed
Axle/Gears: Stock
Re: Carbon Fiber T-Top project

For those interested in the carbon fiber T-Tops, there's going to be a Group Buy.
Here are some of the preliminary buying terms and conditions:

The Group Buy carbon fiber T-Top offer is for 10+ buyers. Buyers participating in the Group Buy will need to pay in advance thru PayPal. Once the Group Buy reaches the 10+ participants mark, the T-tops fabrication will start for all 10+ group buy participants. Shipping order will be simple; first in, first served.
If for some reason the 10+ mark is not reached all the payments received will be returned minus PalPay charges if applicable. I reserve the right to cancel any transaction at any time.

The Group Buy special offer price for the carbon fiber T-Tops will be $350.00 for the pair, that's $175.00 per piece + shipping. Shipping charges are going to be a fixed price for US, all international shipping will be quoted. An extra charge of $50.00 will be added for NACA ducts, $25.00 per NACA duct on each T-Top.

All transactions will be made thru me, BBSDesigns and I will take full responsability of the sale transaction and the shipping of the parts ONLY. I will not be responsible for the parts use or how do you plan to use it in general.

For those members who dosent know me or the name BBSDesigns, well I've been around this forum for quite some time and ran a turbo business a while back, making turbo kits for our cars and other SBC. If in doubt, ask around who BBSDesigns is. If you still feel doubtfull, well then please dont make any business transactions you may feel uncomfortable with.

Carbon fiber T-Tops and it's usages. The manufacturer of the T-Tops is offering the carbon fiber T-Tops ONLY for non-moving car or as an ornament use only. Carbon fiber T-Tops are not intended nor recomended for regular street use or racing purposes.

The Group Buy is in effect now.
My Paypal address is:
bermudezbrainstormingdesigns@hotmail.com

I will try to take more pics during the weekend
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Old Nov 16, 2016 | 10:38 PM
  #71  
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Car: 85 Firebird C&C T-Top
Engine: 347ci LS1
Transmission: 4L60E LS1
Axle/Gears: BW 9 Bolt Posi,3.27,C5+VE Brakes
Re: Carbon Fiber T-Top project

Are these to suit the Gm t-top or the C&C t-top ?
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Old Nov 17, 2016 | 12:46 PM
  #72  
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From: WINDSOR, CO
Car: 91 Z28, 87 SC, 90 IROC, 92 RS
Engine: LS1, 305 TPI, L98, NADA
Transmission: T56, 700r4's, and NADA
Axle/Gears: 3.89, 3.42, 3.23, NADA
Re: Carbon Fiber T-Top project

Hey BBSDesigns... I'd like to say I'm game to get in on a set, but we gotta see more than one picture of them and need a little clarification of what style they are, and brackets that they had to use to make it work?

I need more info before I trust the design in my car, but I'm very interested.
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Old Nov 17, 2016 | 04:15 PM
  #73  
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From: Isla del Encanto, P.R.
Car: GTA
Engine: Bone Stock 350ci HSR T-76 Turbo
Transmission: T56 6-speed
Axle/Gears: Stock
Re: Carbon Fiber T-Top project

Originally Posted by BADNBLK
Hey BBSDesigns... I'd like to say I'm game to get in on a set, but we gotta see more than one picture of them and need a little clarification of what style they are, and brackets that they had to use to make it work?

I need more info before I trust the design in my car, but I'm very interested.
Yes, I'll definitely take more pictures, just been super busy and still getting the finishing touches for the T-Top latch system. I'll start a Group Buy thread and keep you guys in the loop.
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Old Nov 17, 2016 | 04:35 PM
  #74  
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From: Isla del Encanto, P.R.
Car: GTA
Engine: Bone Stock 350ci HSR T-76 Turbo
Transmission: T56 6-speed
Axle/Gears: Stock
Re: Carbon Fiber T-Top project

Here is the Group Purchase thread:
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/grou...ml#post6092361

From now on I'll be posting there.
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Old Aug 10, 2021 | 07:02 PM
  #75  
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Re: Carbon Fiber T-Top project

Originally Posted by -LateNite89-
I'm going to fabricate a new set of T-tops from my car. They will be made out of carbon fiber and Kevlar. In the end, my goal is to replace my glass T-tops and have the new ones that are lighter, stronger, and blends in to the rest of the roof with a nice paint job. I don't know if its been done before or not, but I'm gonna go for it. If you're interested in how it all plays out, let me know and I will post pics and so you how it goes.

-Chris
Would love to know the cost
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Old Aug 10, 2021 | 10:28 PM
  #76  
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Re: Carbon Fiber T-Top project

Originally Posted by -LateNite89-
I'm going to fabricate a new set of T-tops from my car. They will be made out of carbon fiber and Kevlar. In the end, my goal is to replace my glass T-tops and have the new ones that are lighter, stronger, and blends in to the rest of the roof with a nice paint job. I don't know if its been done before or not, but I'm gonna go for it. If you're interested in how it all plays out, let me know and I will post pics and so you how it goes.

-Chris
There's a company that makes a targa top conversion
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