Mista Blazer

iTrader: (4)

So i was looking around at some of the conversion, and i read some where about the debate but i dont ever remember there being a conclusion. looking at this conversion thread LINK once the Hard top piece itself is removed it looks just like a t-top aside from the side suppourt. which is later replaced with the t-top itself.


So the question is, Is there any structural sacrifice when making the conversion? i feel like there isnt.

96z28_lt1

iTrader: (3)

there should be some structural sacrifice in making the move, granted the t tops go were the hard top use to be its not a weld in and can cause movement ever so slightly, hence cars with t tops sometimes leak water through the t tops seals

Mista Blazer

iTrader: (4)

So my what you are saying is:

My T/A has t-tops from factory

And the other car has had the conversion done. Mine and the other is still equal when it comes to.the structure integrety. I figured a hard top would be less prone to body flex like the T-tops are. Or is that a myth as well

nomasterase

iTrader: (4)

Youre basically talking about the structural integrity of a very thin piece of sheet mold composite vs a couple pieces of glass. Pretty insignificant if you ask me

Mista Blazer

iTrader: (4)

See that's what I thought, I wanted clarification that there was not any difference between the mod and factory. Somethk.g that has been itching at me lol

1320Chicken

iTrader: (4)

T top and hard top cars really aren't all that different. The roof wouldn't be the structural concern for me. It would be the piece that runs above the door glass from the a pillar to the sail panel. You go from a piece that is tied in to a removable piece. Wouldn't stop me from doing it though.

96z28_lt1

iTrader: (3)

this is what i was trying to explain haha, thanks for clarifying that up, youll loose some structural integrity with t tops, but what can't subframe connectors and a rollcage not fix haha

Mista Blazer

iTrader: (4)

lol ok, so i was just making this harder then it really is i have actually thought about sub frame on my 98' TA, but issue is i will be running 3" dual pipes when i do my exhaust, and since she is already dropped 3" id feel like clearence will be an issue

96z28_lt1

iTrader: (3)

if your exhaust will clear subframe connectors should clear as well, im not sure on which ones clear best but im sure a quick search will give you some answer

nascarnate326

iTrader: (1)

Is it even a measurable amount though?

Were comparing a Double Cheeseburger to a McDouble at this point..

justin455

This. Hardtops are a little bit stiffer, but it might be about 1% if you want to quantify it. It's something you'll never notice. Enjoy your t-tops.

roninsonic

iTrader: (3)

Not worth worrying about.

Blk98Vert

iTrader: (2)

Its minimal if anything, I can bend a cut off hardtop piece with my hands

demonspeed

iTrader: (7)

This thread should help quell any concerns of structural integrity of the t-top vs. hardtop...

https://ls1tech.com/forums/appearanc...s-hardtop.html

tuske427

iTrader: (1)

Unlike the 2nd and 3rd gens- the 4th gens were designed as T-top cars. This is why the hard tops have the central structure and it's so easy to convert them into t-top models...