I am obsessed with the idea of cutting a targa top into my camaro. Has ANYONE done or seen or even heard of this being done. It must be possible because there are convertable camaros. on the idea of ragtops, where would i go to get a diagram of what their frames look like; this would help a great deal when i am SFCing the current frame to allow for a targa top.

 

I know a guy who's working on a kit. his e-mail is rspire1@yahoo.com

 

Run a search, there was a big thing on it. Here's a "how to" for the targa i riped from somewhere.
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Targa Top

how did you turn it to a targa top???<--very interested. was it hard did u just use all the t-top hardware im sooo interested targas are sweet as hell.



I will have to find the photos of the build up (will post as soon as I do).

1. I cut the t-top bar out of the car first with a cutting wheel.

2. Welded in two peices of metal to create covers where I cut.

3. Ordered the replacement weatherstriping, cut the weatherstriping before the bend, then used the pieces that I cut out to create the missing section of the weather striping. You'll need to use very strong glue to connect the peices of weather striping or else you will have leak city.

4. I created a removable center section out of the metal t-top piece. (The black thin metal piece that bolts on the the car). I fabricated a latch to keep this locked down. Wouldn't want fly away tops!

5. Presto Targa-T-tops!


The cool thing that I like about doing the mod is now I have three different top configurations.
1. I can use my old t-tops with the center section

2. I had a local shop create a full top out of black tinted lexan and attached a set of orginal t-top latches on it.

3. I am also having a local shop create a soft top. This top will be able to roll up and store alot easier than the other two tops.


***One thing that I did fail to mention is that you need to do one of two things when converting you car like this. You will need to either install subframe connectors or an eight point roll bar to strengthen your car back up.

When you cut the t-top section out of your car you will create a flex point. Hence the reason for the subframe connectors/rollbar.

If you don't do this, when you jack up your car you will not be able to open the doors. Believe me I learned the hard way.

 

Pic #2

 

Pic #3

 

If you do make a targa top it won't fit in the back like t-tops. Just something to think about.

 

why would it not fit?

I use to lay my T-tops in the back seats. One in each ad had pleanty of room. So a Targa top should fit in the back ok.

Here are some pic' sof a Targa camaro that was on ebay befor..

 

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3

 

A targa top does not fit in the back because it is one big piece. You will have to leave it at home every time you take off the roof

 

this may date me, but didn't AJ have a targa top on his Z-28( Simon & Simon). Looked like a canvas top on it. Was that a special for that car. Maybe a '83 or '84.

 

That red one I posted is the Simon and Simon car. it was on ebay for sale. I e-mailed the guy and got all them pic's

 

It should be able to lie flat from front to back if you lower the back seats.

 

There is a t-bar in the roof for a reason on t-top cars.

 

Ya, it's to hold the t-tops in place.

Would the underbody crossbrace from a vert bolt up to a t-top car? If it would, that would make the t-top to targa conversion easier.

 

A targa top will fit if you fold down the rear seats and place the top where one side is in the back of the hatch and the other is in the rear seat area.
Just had a thought on how many tops i'm gonna make, 1 fiberglass one painted body color and another one that is made of aluminum plate that I will polish or polish up and then send it off for chrome. I'll use that for car shows and for kick

 

http://www.cecoatings.com/images/92Z/Targatop/

Also look for my TARGA PART 1 post in the body forum

 

Hello I am new on this forum and was wondering do you still need to buy subframe connectors if its a hardtop already? The first Iroc z I saw with a targa top was in the series Simon and Simon

 

Yes, several brands of SFC are available for the thirdgen F-Body hardtop or t-top.

I sell the Alston SFC's which will fit both hartop and convertible. They also can be bolted in or welded in. Welding is preferred.

http://www.top-downsolutions.com/cha...d-(aka-f-body)

Lon

 

Thank you for replying will look into converting mine I thought I was going to get a hardtop but I saw a t-top Trans am and still thinking of doing the conversion. Also do I really need to install a roll cage? I am just not a fan of how they look is there a better way to hide them in the back if I decide to get a roll cage?

 

Personally I would go with adding SFC's instead of a cage. By conparison a convertible had the entire top lopped off. There are some frame reinforcements that are done, but they just formed sheet metal. Nowhere as strong as the aftermarket SFC's. If you were starting from a hardtop car I'd also add the plastic bump piece and mating metal piece that are attached to the door and b-pillar on t-top and convertible cars. This limits the amount of flex of the body.

Lon