stngh8r

I prefer a hardtop 4th gen F body, but how much real difference is there?

Photochop

iTrader: (74)

People claim they weigh the same, but I've seen 100lb difference in the same optioned cars, one was a '98 Z28 the other was a '99 Z28. T-top car weighed 3450, hardtop weighed 3350.

stngh8r

As I was pondering this question, it become apparent to me how difficult it would be to actually compare two cars. EVERYTHING would have to be the same, radio, seats, tires, wheels, amount of fuel, etc...

Thanks for the input

stngh8r

If the T-Top does in fact weight ~100 lbs. more, why? The weight of the glass itself shouldn't account for more than 15-30 lbs. I wouldn't think.

Photochop

iTrader: (74)

Not really sure. The two cars I compared were both leather interior cars, both same options, both didnt have spare tires, both no backseat, both ZR1 wheels.

This car I'm building now is a '01 B4C. In stock form with the only things gone being spare, air pump, headers instead of manifolds, leather seats swapped for the cloth ones, leather door panels, weighed in at 3300. Scale is accurate within 20 lbs. If you're doing any racing in the car, I highly suggest the hardtop for less weight and more structural rigidity.

studderin

iTrader: (28)

Promod1955 did this, took a Ttop car and switched to a hardtop parts car roof. weighted everything, and posted it. I dont remeber the weight, I think it was 14# lighter?

studderin

iTrader: (28)

didnt find the thread but found were I quoted him saying it in the weight reduction sticky

TransAmWS.6

There is not much of a weight difference, the T-Top/hardtop roofs are structured the same from what I've read

stngh8r

Thanks for all the replies. This makes my decision/search much easier.

BennyB

iTrader: (12)

Get a ttop car and buy the carbon filler panel. That would be the lightest

hfthe3rd

iTrader: (1)

I alway wonder why a convertible weighs so much more. Cloth top vs glass t tops vs metal roof.

Blackpanther99

iTrader: (8)

Ive always thought a convertible would be alot lighter. Childhood ruined lool

blue99fbody

iTrader: (5)

yes they are

Boosted Firehawk

iTrader: (11)

I made my car a t top from a hardtop and removed 18# of metal and top. Then installed the t top glass which was 13# of full install over a hardtop. Not much to go off of and I did NOT do it for weight savings. I did it because I HATE hardtop cars and LOVE tops off everyday I can.

stngh8r

BennyB, who sells the carbon filler?

BennyB

iTrader: (12)

6litereater if I remember correctly

EDIT: it is 6litereater, check out 6ledesigns.com it's their carbon fiber targa top

stngh8r

Thanks for the info. I didn't realize those exsisted. Holy moly those things are high though.

5.3LJimmy

iTrader: (10)

The t-top cars have extra bracing in the b-pillar area to stiffen the chassis. I think a realistic difference is between 30-45lbs. Convertibles have extra material in this area as well as a different floor pan design.

I also did the t-top to hardtop swap on my car using a factory roof panel and it took off right at 20lbs. I did not cut anything out of the b pillar area yet, but once I get my 10 point cage in I plan on hacking some of that out.

stngh8r

Thanks for the input 5.3lJimmy. I think I will stick with a factory hardtop. Good to see you on here, been a few years since that long afternoon in Memphis, but I still remember it clearly.