6G Celicas Forums

Has anyone ever attempted making a targa top?

this question has been asked before, I dont think anyone has tough.

answer = no

better answer = search

I owned a Del Sol years ago with the Targa Top.
When the top was off, the car behaved differently.
Like the frame became wobbly or something.
Sounds weird..but there was a real difference and
it hadn't been in an accident or anything.

Didn't like it.

it can be done but im not ballsy enough to do it, better have another vechile if you do. that wobly feeling is due to the change of rigidity/stiffness without the top connected. Our cars are unibody and their is alot of stress that is harnessed in the roof. I know the project sounds simple, cuts weather strips fab hinges, but its not. One thing people never look at is that our cars weren't designed for this. So as soon as you finish the project and take a turn faster you will probably crack the windshield due to the body flexing. So the only thing you can do is reinforce the windshield pillars by welding strong metal which weighs down the car alot. Also you will need SFC's sub frame connectors. Alot of high power RWD drag cars use them to strengthen the frame of the car. lastly would at least need a roll bar to put more strength in the roof. Without the sunroof are roofs are a very thin piece of metal.

so as you see this project is doable you just have to be a kickass ass welder and have another vechile to attempt, because it would probably be a week or two project. I think it would be so awesome if someone could pull it off. but be forewarned once you cut that roof their is no going back thats why i haven't done it

Here is just one of many threads about this: CLICK HERE
I would suggest running a "targa" search in exterior styling. You'll learn a lot from that.

Photoshop taken from yet another thread:



This post has been edited by snapshotgt: Apr 30, 2008 - 2:04 PM

Yeah, if I was ever to do a roof project, I'd probably go
with the old school T-Tops. Not only do I like them,
but they leave some actual roof there for strength.

Like I said, My Del Sol drove/felt like mush with the
top off. However, that Celica looks pretty sweet.


This post has been edited by Lexicon_Devil: Apr 30, 2008 - 4:02 PM

I'd think that someone who REALLY liked 6G Celicas but also REALLY liked targa tops...
ought to start with a vert, and convert it. Find a wrecked coupe and cut the back top off it and put it on the vert.
The vert has already got the bracing built in to overcome the lack of hardtop.