Possible to do a Choptop Trans Am?
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,814
Likes: 3
From: Hou. TX.
Jason, I'm glad I'm not the only one who's thought about this!! Maybe WE'RE the normal ones after all! Everybody else must be screwy in the head! lol
Anyway, I had this in mind.. The side windows have a straight vertical edge in front by the mirrors, so I would use that as my measurement for how far the chop would go. They simply wouldn't roll up as far as they used to..kinda solves that glass problem and that's where I'd make the front cut-away. How much do the windows widen at that small distance? Would you need to widen the roof? Wouldn't a different weather strip solve that gap problem? As far as the windshield; I think cutting the glass would seem the easiest and most do-able. The rear-glass on the other hand is different as it is curved more and mounted to a seperate part, ie the hatch. So for the rear cut-away, I think maybe cutting the sail panel long ways (across the car) you could allow that to sit lower to level out. Angling the top part to slope from the stock placement at the window to the lowered section at the T-tops makes sense but may not look very refined. That lead to my other plan, just cut the front part out and let the roof slope forward slightly, cutting a LITTLE off the top edge of the side glass for the angle and the top edge of the windshield. Well, that's my Theory...lol Swat
Anyway, I had this in mind.. The side windows have a straight vertical edge in front by the mirrors, so I would use that as my measurement for how far the chop would go. They simply wouldn't roll up as far as they used to..kinda solves that glass problem and that's where I'd make the front cut-away. How much do the windows widen at that small distance? Would you need to widen the roof? Wouldn't a different weather strip solve that gap problem? As far as the windshield; I think cutting the glass would seem the easiest and most do-able. The rear-glass on the other hand is different as it is curved more and mounted to a seperate part, ie the hatch. So for the rear cut-away, I think maybe cutting the sail panel long ways (across the car) you could allow that to sit lower to level out. Angling the top part to slope from the stock placement at the window to the lowered section at the T-tops makes sense but may not look very refined. That lead to my other plan, just cut the front part out and let the roof slope forward slightly, cutting a LITTLE off the top edge of the side glass for the angle and the top edge of the windshield. Well, that's my Theory...lol Swat
Then we position the glass where it best fits in the new fiberglass back "window". Flush mount it and seal it up.
Last edited by JasonWW; Jan 22, 2008 at 11:36 PM.
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,814
Likes: 3
From: Hou. TX.
That looks good as well! It makes the stock wing look taller as well. Very unique. I love it.
I have some pics of a 4th gen with that style rear hatch. I think it was a blue Camaro. It may have had a bowtie etched in the glass as well. The pics are on my main PC which is tore down at the moment. I'll post them as soon as I can.
I have some pics of a 4th gen with that style rear hatch. I think it was a blue Camaro. It may have had a bowtie etched in the glass as well. The pics are on my main PC which is tore down at the moment. I'll post them as soon as I can.
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,814
Likes: 3
From: Hou. TX.
Where have you been? The "Nay Sayers" club seems to follow me around, but you guys are kinda late. I'm surprised.
BTW, I'm trying to ruin the look. Or the "stock look". That's the point of a custom car.
BTW, I'm trying to ruin the look. Or the "stock look". That's the point of a custom car.
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,814
Likes: 3
From: Hou. TX.
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Verdad Gallardo Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,814
Likes: 3
From: Hou. TX.
Remove front windshield.
Cut top of frame off.
Slice top portion in half in center.
Weld both left and right tops of window frame to new lowered posts.
Ah, I know. Fill in the 3"-4" center gap with a section from a wrecked car.
Then lay the glass over the top of it and mark your cutting lines.
Once cut, it should drop into position flush. The only thing that may look funny is that a thin portion of the factory tint may be showing. That can probably be fixed with a thin strip of dark tint across the top 2" of the window.
Btw, it may be best to take 3" out of the front and 2" out of the rear. That way the roofline will be parallel to the door line.
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,814
Likes: 3
From: Hou. TX.
Here's another interesting thought. What if you took 2"-3" out of the front wind shield and then made a new terga section to cover it? Leave the rear roofline stock. It should create a wedge looking shape.
Can some one do a quick mod to this pic?
Can some one do a quick mod to this pic?
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,814
Likes: 3
From: Hou. TX.
Someone tell me if this image shows up. It's blocked on my server.
Several targa topped 3rd gens here.
http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/fa...brication.html
I swear I remember a member here doing a targa top conversion on his 4th gen.
Several targa topped 3rd gens here.
http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/fa...brication.html
I swear I remember a member here doing a targa top conversion on his 4th gen.
Last edited by JasonWW; Jan 23, 2008 at 01:45 AM.
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,814
Likes: 3
From: Hou. TX.
Last edited by JasonWW; Jan 23, 2008 at 03:49 AM.
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,814
Likes: 3
From: Hou. TX.
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,814
Likes: 3
From: Hou. TX.
Links to Targa related stuff on LS1tech.
https://ls1tech.com/forums/appearance-detailing/445174-targa-top-update-1-30-06-a.html
https://ls1tech.com/forums/appearance-detailing/606756-quick-targa-top-question.html
https://ls1tech.com/forums/appearance-detailing/344707-quick-targa-top-photoshop-job-pic.html
https://ls1tech.com/forums/appearance-detailing/445174-targa-top-update-1-30-06-a.html
https://ls1tech.com/forums/appearance-detailing/606756-quick-targa-top-question.html
https://ls1tech.com/forums/appearance-detailing/344707-quick-targa-top-photoshop-job-pic.html
Last edited by JasonWW; Jan 23, 2008 at 05:01 AM.
What I was trying to get at with my idea was to NOT touch the hatch or rear window at all. Just cut the front A pillars and let the front down. The back edge of the sail panel would be the pivot point so the hatch and hinges wouldn't be affected. I think the top of the sail panel looks slightly higher than the front of the roof anyway and lowering just the front will give it a slight forward rake.
The custom hatches with a vertical rear window are your best bet to lowering the ENTIRE roof.
The custom hatches with a vertical rear window are your best bet to lowering the ENTIRE roof.
i think it would look sick. PLUS WHO SAID CUSTOM CARS ARE EASY TO BUILD!?!?!?!?!?!? for all you people talking about the glass is gonna be HARD (not IMPOSSIBLE) to do .if u have the time money and another car do it!! (fall for the peer presure) i would really like to see this. i think kepping the t-top roof would look best!
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,814
Likes: 3
From: Hou. TX.
What I was trying to get at with my idea was to NOT touch the hatch or rear window at all. Just cut the front A pillars and let the front down. The back edge of the sail panel would be the pivot point so the hatch and hinges wouldn't be affected. I think the top of the sail panel looks slightly higher than the front of the roof anyway and lowering just the front will give it a slight forward rake.
I'm not sure how it would look, though. I wish Someone would take the pic I posted and stretch the roof forward and down. I can't do it on my laptop. Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,814
Likes: 3
From: Hou. TX.