Fiberglass T-Tops
10-15-2007, 05:48 PM
#21
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The Solution Don't Ask Me How Don't ask me where i found this cause it was on here and here is the fiberglass t-top..idk how..we need to find this guy I wanna see more pics of this car anyway. I think its got custom front/rear bumpers, and it appears to have a fender flare feel to it
10-16-2007, 01:54 PM
#24
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As far as that "Camaro thing" goes. Would that be called an El Camarino?
10-16-2007, 05:51 PM
#25
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its an el camarino hahaha. the tops are kool and the quarter flare feel is pretty kool. the w2w build has the flared quarters but it costs a lot of money.
11-28-2007, 11:10 AM
#28
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How about this? Put the t-tops on the car. Then, cover the entire t-top area with plastic wrap, overlapping each piece and extending about 2 feet in every direction. I went all the way down the side of my car with it to cover drips. Then, lay fiberglass. I used a weave, then long-fiber chop, then a weave on top. Squeegee out all the air bubbles and excess resin.
When you remove it after a day of curing, you'll need to trim to fit. Just lay the panel upside-down on the ground and place the t-tops into it. Then, trace around the t-tops to see where to cut. Leave some room - as you can always trim more off later.
What you end up with is a targa panel in the shape you need. You can leave the t-top seals on the car. You'll have to use some spacers to keep the panel up, as it's much thinner than the t-tops. And, you can use the stock weather stipping from the t-tops for the side windows. Just cut it off and glue it to the top. You'll be able to use a tube-sealant to seal the front and rear.
What you end up with is a piece that weighs about 5lbs, is structurally rigid, and fits as well as stock. BTW, this is only the 2nd fiberglass thing I've ever made. And, the first time I made a mold (last time I just laid glass over a matal frame). So, it's pretty easy.
Sorry the pics aren't 100% clear. This was with my phone last night. Just need to spread some mud and sand it all down. Then paint it. This is for my race car, so I'm gonna use rattle-can paint.
When you remove it after a day of curing, you'll need to trim to fit. Just lay the panel upside-down on the ground and place the t-tops into it. Then, trace around the t-tops to see where to cut. Leave some room - as you can always trim more off later.
What you end up with is a targa panel in the shape you need. You can leave the t-top seals on the car. You'll have to use some spacers to keep the panel up, as it's much thinner than the t-tops. And, you can use the stock weather stipping from the t-tops for the side windows. Just cut it off and glue it to the top. You'll be able to use a tube-sealant to seal the front and rear.
What you end up with is a piece that weighs about 5lbs, is structurally rigid, and fits as well as stock. BTW, this is only the 2nd fiberglass thing I've ever made. And, the first time I made a mold (last time I just laid glass over a matal frame). So, it's pretty easy.
Sorry the pics aren't 100% clear. This was with my phone last night. Just need to spread some mud and sand it all down. Then paint it. This is for my race car, so I'm gonna use rattle-can paint.
11-28-2007, 06:00 PM
#29
That looks like something really cool I would want something like that for a race car. Do you think you could of done it without the t top divider in there? Might of made it look flater.
I am interested in finding out what the drop of weight will be.
I am interested in finding out what the drop of weight will be.
11-28-2007, 10:05 PM
#30
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I'm sure you can do it without the divider. However, that ridge in the fiberglass gives it a lot of rigidity. Because it runs front-to-rear, it shouldn't create too much drag.
But, if you want rigidity, you can also glue/bond some aluminum strips or other reinforcement on the underside.
My stock t-tops with center strip weighs 26.2 pounds. The new panel weighs 4.4lbs.
But, if you want rigidity, you can also glue/bond some aluminum strips or other reinforcement on the underside.
My stock t-tops with center strip weighs 26.2 pounds. The new panel weighs 4.4lbs.
11-29-2007, 12:39 AM
#31
Yea that is true. I would like to see pics after it is blocked off and mostly finished! I love the idea. Should the worst happen at least you don't have to worry about the glass and its lighter. Really good work there.
This might be more work but I think it would be cool to get the glass out of the t tops and make a copy of that. Then put the fiberglass "blank" back into the t tops. You could make it more rigid with some kind of gusset and hide it with a custom head liner! Non glass t tops should of been a factory option!
This might be more work but I think it would be cool to get the glass out of the t tops and make a copy of that. Then put the fiberglass "blank" back into the t tops. You could make it more rigid with some kind of gusset and hide it with a custom head liner! Non glass t tops should of been a factory option!
11-29-2007, 01:13 AM
#33
GO TARGA.... they are awesome... but i really do appreciate your idea in the sense that its one off and nothing too harmless... i Think i would be looking into somehting that would cover it like a targa but keep the original T.... idk... something to think about
11-29-2007, 10:51 AM
#34
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Another alternative is to buy a farbon fiber top premade. Alan Blaine (of Blaine Fabrication) makes these, and they look gorgeous. I think they are around $500+shipping.
