T-top To Hardtop
07-10-2007, 08:31 PM
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T-top To Hardtop YOU GUYS THINK IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE TO CONVERT A T-TOP TO A HARDTOP. HARDTOP PEOPLE MAKE T-TOP CARS AND PUT SUNROOFS. LIKE THE OLD MONTE CARLO's. COULD I CONVERT MY T-TOPS TO A HARDTOP. WOULD I HAVE TO CHOP THE TOP OF AN OLD F-BODY? WOULD THIS GIVE ME THE STRUCTURE STRENGTH OF A TRUE HARDTOP WHICH IS WHY I'D DO IT. GETTING ALOT OF BODY FLEX NOW WITH HARD LAUNCHES. ANY INPUT IS GREATLY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU
07-10-2007, 08:58 PM
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but wouldn`t putting a sunroof in cancel out any strengths you would gain? I thought the main structural part that is the same in all these cars came from the center piece?
Would you actually have to add more to make up for it? I`ve seen a sunroof on a Camaro before not sure how it was done though.
Would you actually have to add more to make up for it? I`ve seen a sunroof on a Camaro before not sure how it was done though.
07-10-2007, 09:06 PM
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Sorry I'm working at the ER tonight and CAP all instructions for the stupid people here who can't seem to just see a doctor at a doctor's office. Anyways some good points have be made any more thoughts on the subject? I never take my T-Tops off. In 7 yrs I've had the car I've taken them off 5-6 times because of this issue.
07-10-2007, 10:00 PM
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You would have to buy a new roof section from GM which is $$$. The hardtops are glued on so there is no way to seperate from another car and reuse. When my hardtop was replaced for the infamous roof bubbles they had to cut the old roof off with a sawz-all.
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07-10-2007, 10:12 PM
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I went to get that problem fixed but the SOBes at the dealership said the wouldn't do it cause my car had to many miles. Like that had anything to do with it.
07-10-2007, 10:27 PM
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Bro, that is ******* bullshit! My car is a 2001 with 55,000 miles at the time of replacement and I am the second owner. The dealership did the replacement in October of '06. It took me about 4 dealerships and a bunch of calls to the GM 800 number before I found one that was willing to do it.
07-10-2007, 10:31 PM
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That sucks bro, for some reason I thought you had a 2002. Old age has got my eyes playing tricks on me, haha. If they had denied my claim I figured I would have the damn thing repainted every 2 years.
07-11-2007, 02:05 AM
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I wanted to do the conversion on my SS but after ripping up a 94 Formula (and taking the roof off in the process) it seemed like it was just going to be a serious pain in the ***.
So... I bought a B4C
I would've gone with a Z or SS too, had a found a hardtop but that was just what I came across first.
Really... if you want a hardtop I think you're best to buy it, but I'm sure the conversion CAN be done. Best I can guess, you'd have to rip off the roof panel, headliner, and weatherstripping add the braces on each side, and replace hardtop roof, headliner and weatherstripping.
Sounds easy... but I doubt it would be.
So... I bought a B4C
I would've gone with a Z or SS too, had a found a hardtop but that was just what I came across first.Really... if you want a hardtop I think you're best to buy it, but I'm sure the conversion CAN be done. Best I can guess, you'd have to rip off the roof panel, headliner, and weatherstripping add the braces on each side, and replace hardtop roof, headliner and weatherstripping.
Sounds easy... but I doubt it would be.
07-11-2007, 09:07 AM
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Well I was thinking the only thing I would reuse would be the hatch. Everything would be new. Would they have to chop the A-arms too and replace the windshield?
07-11-2007, 11:15 AM
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from what ive seen its all the same (a-arms and wiundshield).
it might be easier to get a roll cage, especially if you are racing. I know this thread isnt about that, but sometimes you have to think outside the box.
it might be easier to get a roll cage, especially if you are racing. I know this thread isnt about that, but sometimes you have to think outside the box.
07-11-2007, 12:53 PM
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That did cross my mind. But will the roll cage strengthen the body and frame. Will it prevent body twist which is what I want. I know even hard-tops have body twist now that I remember. Is there anything that can prevent this or I'm wasting my time with this.
