Removable Hardtop

WhiteSVTSnake · Jul 10, 2009

Ok, this is wayyyy out of left field but I have an interesting question/idea, and I need to know if it is even possible to do.

Can you take a 99' - 04' hardtop and have the middle of the roof cut out like the Corvettes are?

From the windshield to the front of the back seats?

Add in the stylebar for rollover reinforcement....

I was thinking maybe trying to have it done by a professional, but wondering if it is even a good idea....

Just a thought.....please provide honest feedback!

Thanks!

248a · Jul 10, 2009

that's called a targa top. If you want to get one done, you're looking at some mildly difficult fab work, and it's a tad ricey if you ask me. Also you'd effect the structural rigidity of the vehicle by modifying the roof.

It's your car though, so do what makes you happy.

mr.shovels · Jul 10, 2009

Like this?

There are a bunch of them on Google

WhiteSVTSnake · Jul 10, 2009

YES!! Exactly like that....only problem is JMS (who did this car) is out of biz...have been looking all night for a kit or someone who does this.....can't find anyone.....I guess I will have to take some pics and my idea to a custom shop!

V_Eight · Jul 11, 2009

It really messes up the structural integrity of having a coupe. If I wanted that, I would probably start with a convertible. Just an idea.

248a · Jul 11, 2009

V_Eight said:
It really messes up the structural integrity of having a coupe. If I wanted that, I would probably start with a convertible. Just an idea.

Good tip. I'm pretty sure that there was a limited run of 95 cobras that came with a completely removable hardtop roof, so it's entirely possible to start with a vert and make a targa car with it. I'd source the new top from an old v6, considering the 94-04 all had the same upper roof structure. I'm pretty sure the A pillar is little different though in the vert models, but either way you're going to have to (or find something that's willing to) do some seriously good fab work.

Another thing would be to check if it's even street legal to start hacking up the roof on any car. Just a thought...

Mstg05 · Jul 11, 2009

I've always had an idea of doing this with my car, just to make it different than other mustangs out there, however, take into consideration the amount of time, money and custom parts. I don't think I've ever met a GM guy that had factory t-tops that didn't leak, so if your custom jobber srings a leak, your down and out until you come up with a fix. This isn't that big of a problem if you have a DD. However, what would make the whole thing a hell of a lot easier is if your stang wasn't a DD, and you could store the car, you wouldn't have to worry about seals and whatnot.
I don't think you would have to go out of your way buying a convertable for this project, because it would take 2x the amount of fab work, which would add even more weight to the already heavier convertable. You'd be adding a back glass, and the b pillars. As far as structural rigidity of the car (coupe), its nothing that a beefy set of full lenght subframe connectors welded into place can't handle, if you're still worried, a simple, well planned roll cage welded into place would be plenty.

007 · Jul 11, 2009

Id ont see why it matters whether you start with a vert or coupe. I thought all they added were some half assed short sub frames. MM FLSCs and a Strut brace would take care of everything fine.

I think it looks sweet!

D

WhiteSVTSnake · Jul 11, 2009

thanks alot for the advice....yeah it's definatly not my DD so it does see alot of garage time....I'm like MSTG05, I just want something different that very few people have....

Anyways, Thanks for the advice!!

248a · Jul 11, 2009

even with flsfc's you're not going to see the type of rigidity provided by a complete roof, but I'm sure it would help. I think the reason the vert would be a smarter choice is that you're already dealing with a car that was designed to not have a roof, instead of hacking the roof off a car that wasn't. If you roll a coupe with a chopped-up roof and don't have something to brace the "A" pillar, you're not walking out of that car.

007 · Jul 11, 2009

248a said:
the reason the vert would be a smarter choice is that you're already dealing with a car that was designed to not have a roof, instead of hacking the roof off a car that wasn't.

This is what I dont understand. What exactly is different about my vert vs a coupe? Some ****ty stock subframe connectors? I thought it was exactly the same chassis which is why it needs full length subs so badly.

248a · Jul 12, 2009

This is what I dont understand. What exactly is different about my vert vs a coupe? Some ****ty stock subframe connectors? I thought it was exactly the same chassis which is why it needs full length subs so badly.

the verts "A" Pillar (the part that the windsheild is connected to) is beefier and made to hold the weight of the car in the event of a rollover. That's pretty much the only reason I think it'd be a smarter choice. Better safe than sorry.

Mstg05 · Jul 12, 2009

248a said:
even with flsfc's you're not going to see the type of rigidity provided by a complete roof, but I'm sure it would help. I think the reason the vert would be a smarter choice is that you're already dealing with a car that was designed to not have a roof, instead of hacking the roof off a car that wasn't. If you roll a coupe with a chopped-up roof and don't have something to brace the "A" pillar, you're not walking out of that car.

Its the same chassis. All ford did was put those dinky little SFCs in. If you've ever worked in a shop and put a vert on a lift, try opening in the door with the wheels off the ground, you'd see where I'm coming from. If a mustang rolls over, its because it went sideways down a steep hill, or was hit by a VERY large vehicle, in which, either case, you're not likely to walk away anyway. PLUS if you use a coupe for this project, you'll have MORE protection because you'll have the b-pillar, which a very does not have. I dunno, seems pretty simple logic, just by looking at the car. But i'm not gonna go back and forth over which is better to use. Full lenght subframe connectors coupled with rollcages have been in use for track cars for a very long time. If the track cars can get away with it, i'm sure a mildly driven show car can handle it.

I dunno, like I said, seems logical, but

248a · Jul 12, 2009

Mstg05 said:
Its the same chassis. All ford did was put those dinky little SFCs in. If you've ever worked in a shop and put a vert on a lift, try opening in the door with the wheels off the ground, you'd see where I'm coming from. If a mustang rolls over, its because it went sideways down a steep hill, or was hit by a VERY large vehicle, in which, either case, you're not likely to walk away anyway. PLUS if you use a coupe for this project, you'll have MORE protection because you'll have the b-pillar, which a very does not have. I dunno, seems pretty simple logic, just by looking at the car. But i'm not gonna go back and forth over which is better to use. Full lenght subframe connectors coupled with rollcages have been in use for track cars for a very long time. If the track cars can get away with it, i'm sure a mildly driven show car can handle it.

I dunno, like I said, seems logical, but

Listen. You COULD use a coupe for this. Would I? No. You can reinforce the back half of the car all you want (if you make a targa from a vert it will still have a b pillar, it's not a targa top without one) if you rolled the car the front windshield will come down on your skull it would be over for you. If you want to cut the roof off a car to run a 10pt cage, then what's the point?

Track cars also have the benefits of safety gear and paramedics. If you want to call an ambulence to meet you where you want to go and drive around with a helmet on, be my guest.

I'm not arguing for the sake of being right, I think it's a matter of safety and if the guys going to ask for help I'm going to provide him with useful information. The A pillar on a convertible is stronger on the Vert than Coupe, plain and simple.

ErikTheBeast · Jul 12, 2009

Prob not the exact look your going for but if you have a vert you could check out one of these...http://www.smoothline.com/mustang.php

007 · Jul 12, 2009

Mstg05 said:
PLUS if you use a coupe for this project, you'll have MORE protection because you'll have the b-pillar, which a very does not have. I dunno, seems pretty simple logic, just by looking at the car. But i'm not gonna go back and forth over which is better to use. Full lenght subframe connectors coupled with rollcages have been in use for track cars for a very long time. If the track cars can get away with it, i'm sure a mildly driven show car can handle it.

I dunno, like I said, seems logical, but

I agree with you. The coupe still has the rear half of the hard top. B and C pillars.

Earlier in the post someone said a styling bar would help. Forget that. It doesnt do anything for chassis strength. A roll cage would though.

32ValveRom · Jul 12, 2009

mr.shovels said:
Like this?

There are a bunch of them on Google

That actually looks real nice if you ask me. But when I saw hardtop convertible I thought you were referring to the actual hardtop that can drop by pushing a button. Those from my understanding only come in two-seater cars because of their smaller size cockpit.

Mstg05 · Jul 12, 2009

32ValveRom said:
That actually looks real nice if you ask me. But when I saw hardtop convertible I thought you were referring to the actual hardtop that can drop by pushing a button. Those from my understanding only come in two-seater cars because of their smaller size cockpit.

The lexus has this retractable hard top, i think its the sc430...I've worked on one that comes into our shop, and its something to be seen. You push ONE button, the trunk opens, the roof comes up, folds in half, then goes into the trunk, trunk closes. I would HATE to be the lexus tech workin on this electrical nightmare. I cant imagine the relays and modules involved with this little engineering nightmare. It would be cool for a mustang, but holy crap, you'd have to design a new car.

248a
I said I wasn't going to go back and forth with you, but If you think these kenny brown SFCs aren't enough, than I dunno what to tell you http://store.kennybrown.com/files/29550 Extreme kit installed red full view_0.JPG Wether the a pillars are stronger or not, if you welded in a rollbar, what does it matter? And who's gonna roll a showcar mustang anyway??

If you want safety, then go be like those yuppie jackoffs that buy an oversized SUV that think make them unstoppable. If your driving a mustang, chances are your driving it the way its meant to be driven, which isn't safe anyway.

248a · Jul 13, 2009

Mstg05 said:
The lexus has this retractable hard top, i think its the sc430...I've worked on one that comes into our shop, and its something to be seen. You push ONE button, the trunk opens, the roof comes up, folds in half, then goes into the trunk, trunk closes. I would HATE to be the lexus tech workin on this electrical nightmare. I cant imagine the relays and modules involved with this little engineering nightmare. It would be cool for a mustang, but holy crap, you'd have to design a new car.

248a
I said I wasn't going to go back and forth with you, but If you think these kenny brown SFCs aren't enough, than I dunno what to tell you http://store.kennybrown.com/files/29550 Extreme kit installed red full view_0.JPG Wether the a pillars are stronger or not, if you welded in a rollbar, what does it matter? And who's gonna roll a showcar mustang anyway??

If you want safety, then go be like those yuppie jackoffs that buy an oversized SUV that think make them unstoppable. If your driving a mustang, chances are your driving it the way its meant to be driven, which isn't safe anyway.

HAHA - you're a ****ing idiot.

Mstg05 · Jul 13, 2009

248a said:
HAHA - you're a ****ing idiot.

So does that mean I win? :Zip2:

This guy reminds me of that video that was posted that wanted to race everyone in his GTO...

Removable Hardtop

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