T top and hard top bodys
11-14-2010, 10:00 AM
#1
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T top and hard top bodys I was told that a t top and hard top bodys are the same??? To convert a t top car to a hard top all you have to do is unbolt the hard top and bolt one on a t top car?? is this **** true?? thanks for any help
11-14-2010, 11:33 AM
#2
The cars were designed to be TTop cars from the factory. Hard top cars can be made into a TTop car by taking out a side piece of metal on both sides. This process is very easy.
While this piece of metal does provide added structural support, its not much.
This topic is of great debate.
IMO, its that of a 1 or 2% added structural rigidity, AKA something that we cant even feel. Other people will tell you that having a hard top is the reason their rear quarters are not fubared. IMO this complete BS.
While this piece of metal does provide added structural support, its not much.
This topic is of great debate.
IMO, its that of a 1 or 2% added structural rigidity, AKA something that we cant even feel. Other people will tell you that having a hard top is the reason their rear quarters are not fubared. IMO this complete BS.
11-17-2010, 08:42 PM
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i've had my 3rd gen hardtop for about 4 years, about 3 and a half have had no headliner.
as mentioned these cars were born to be t tops, i can see it by the way the framing looks every time i look up.
when there's the morning dew/mist, the outline for t tops is perfect. its like a sign
i'm sure that you would have to just smooth some edges when you cut off the section and drill holes for the locks.
as mentioned these cars were born to be t tops, i can see it by the way the framing looks every time i look up.
when there's the morning dew/mist, the outline for t tops is perfect. its like a sign
i'm sure that you would have to just smooth some edges when you cut off the section and drill holes for the locks.
11-18-2010, 06:08 AM
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1. Get the 2 frame rails that connect the a to b pillars (make sure section on far ends that was welded is intact so it can be welded on your car later), roof skin/sail panel cover, headliner, and a-panel interior cover, and hardtop weatherstripping.
2. Then remove sail panel from your car, weld the frame rails in, glue down the roof skin / sail panel cover, and install the other parts noted above.
Keep in mind I've never done this, so I might be missing some steps above, but what I've listed should give you a good high level summary of the job.
The cars were designed to be TTop cars from the factory. Hard top cars can be made into a TTop car by taking out a side piece of metal on both sides. This process is very easy.
While this piece of metal does provide added structural support, its not much.
This topic is of great debate.
IMO, its that of a 1 or 2% added structural rigidity, AKA something that we cant even feel. Other people will tell you that having a hard top is the reason their rear quarters are not fubared. IMO this complete BS.
While this piece of metal does provide added structural support, its not much.
This topic is of great debate.
IMO, its that of a 1 or 2% added structural rigidity, AKA something that we cant even feel. Other people will tell you that having a hard top is the reason their rear quarters are not fubared. IMO this complete BS.
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11-26-2010, 06:07 AM
#12
T
Those two a-b pillar frame rails in their location should provide a significant increase in torsional and bending rigidity. They are very stiff in compression/tension (have you seen pictures of their cross section?). I'd estimate a 30% increase in torsional rigidty and 15% increase in bending (based on data I've seen from other applications). People install SFCs and get a much lower increase in chassis rigidity and claim they can feel it.
Those two a-b pillar frame rails in their location should provide a significant increase in torsional and bending rigidity. They are very stiff in compression/tension (have you seen pictures of their cross section?). I'd estimate a 30% increase in torsional rigidty and 15% increase in bending (based on data I've seen from other applications). People install SFCs and get a much lower increase in chassis rigidity and claim they can feel it.
As long as everyone has fun with their cars, who really cares.
