Cuttin the roof off

[dcrusupra]

I was planning to make my car a t-top or a targa top. Which would be easier? And would i need to strengthen the sides of it? I just like the way they look better than the top that i have now. And plus i live by th beach in florida so i would enjoy it more. Thanks.

[joel w]

i know mine seems to flex alot with the top off. . so much so that i dont take the top off anymore and no flex with top installed that i knotice. i hear that installing strut tower bars can help with flex issues, anyone else use strut bars? or have another flex fix cure? do upgraded swaybars help?

also im not a bodyman but ive watched alot in the field. id look for a wrecked car with a good top and cut it out at the windshield post and just past the back of the top so you have the screw inserts and weld it into yours so you have the targa option. just as much work or more but you can still put the top back in for hurricane season and security.

im thinking about getting another targa top to fab in a sun roof or moon roof into the spare top..

i like how toyo did these targas for removal and reinstall. pretty slick, and mine doesnt leak, pretty fart smellers

[Suprazeus]

I have heard that the some downside to having a targa top and that is chassis flex and very rarely leakage during rainy weather. I do not have a targa top however i do have anti-sway bars and i would say they definitely stiffen the chassis very well. AS for the strut tower bars i am getting them soon but i have heard that they help alot as well. I always wanted the targa or the complete cut out or csome version of it tell me how it works.

[joel w]

2 allen bolts in front that point upwards and screw into the windshield post and 2 in the rear that point to the back and screw into the back part of the roof. with holding brackets that securly lock and hold it over the spare tire compartment without damaging the paint!! nice touch..

[SupraMan1784]

though i have a hardtop...i have a question about that...if you convert it wouldnt you have to stiffen up the all teh pillars? since the supra in targa top trim was a little heavier..due to a stiffened chassis to accomodate the targa when it is removed because they are designed to hold all the weight of the supra so roof doesnt..collapse when it rolls over...the hardtops were designed a little differently since there is no removable top

[joel w]

that could be, it was just a thought?

[Littlestan]

Drcusupra,

This is a Do-Luck (RXB) Center Support Bar. I would imagine it would take

most if not all of your flex worries away. Easy to install and fairly cheap.

This is what the manufacturer has to say;

Drastically stiffens up the weakest point in the unibody frame which helps to

eliminate body flex under extreme loading. Increases torsional as well as

overall structural rigidity. Note that the combination of a front, center and

rear bar works to create an approximate 100% increase in structural rigidity.

Only a rollcage helps further. Especially good for targa-equipped cars.

Cheers!,

-=Littlestan=-

[Moonraker]

As a professional bodyman, I wouldn't chance the removal of that hardtop. You will have major structural problems with that job, no matter what you buy aftermarket to install to correct. You'll need to take it to a professional to have it done. Talk about TWEAKing one. Wy to much body twist. An easier job would be to find a targa and make swaps to the new carcass.

[joel w]

hahha ya i figured i stir it up on that post. but what ive seen done,
They welded in cross braces and lateral braces inside to prevent any flexing or warping from occuring, then they chopped it and rewelded the new top in place, then and only then did they removed the temporary braces to ensure the body remained true to form, They made it look easy but talent and skill often does that.

i agree swapping the shell may be easier!! and what i saw done, was not performed on a supra!!!

[Suprazeus]

I have a 1991 Hardtop. Its equipped with anti-sway bars (Front and rear) and i am waiting on my front and rear strut tower bars. For some reason im obssesed with stiffening the chassis i geuss I feel saferwhen im taking corners real fast lol. But that middle Support Bar is COOL!!!!! Can anybody tell me where to get it if its worth it for mine since its a hardtop? And also if they make a roll cage for the mkiii and how much it might run me? Thanks