I know the JMS guys fell through and dropped the project. I had spoken to Kevin when he promissed it ready in June.

Are there any other companies anybody knows of working on this idea?

I have read the custom 5-7 thing from some user but that was just talking to some shop.

I live in SFL and don't personally like the lines of the ZR and want a Targa.

Thanks in advance,
Matthew

 

It's simply a function of money. If you want to spend enough money there are "high quality" shops out there that can cut the top, create a targa, and reinforce the chassis. My guess is that you're looking at a minimum of 5k for this kind of work prior to paint.

It will add weight, without "high quality" building the top will probably not seal perfectly, and without a two piece setup, or a crease line in the middle it probably won't fit in the car.

If you have the cash, and are willing to shell it out, it can be done.

If you decide to do it, I want pics. I think this is simply the best mod (non-power) for the coupe based on photochops I;ve seen. Once the car is paid off I'll be looking into this ASAP.

 

Thanks for the $.02.

I talked to my audio installer (done Shaq's and Trick Daddy's cars) and with measuring with a cardboard box found that he could take out the spare tire, build a fiberglass tire well box for the 10W7 and a "snap in" for the one or two piece targa.

I was ready to buy once I got word from Jason that never came through.

Does anybody know of any top notch convert-targa-sunroof shop I can call in FL?

 

I totally agree with you...I'm not crazy about the lines on the ragtop either! I've been into street rods for many years...and a couple of my good friends and I have done quite a few custom targa roofs. They're awesome when done right, and it doesn't kill the original clean lines of the car. Were you thinking hard or soft roof?

 

I love the way the chops like. I'm definatly thinking about doing it myself when I get out of school. Hell, if it doesn't work right I'll just redo the coupe roof. It's not like I haven't done that before anyway. I've also had an idea on how to make the panel two piece and still make it look good.

 

What kind of cars have you targa converted? Really interested if possible to use current roof cut right? Obviously it would be ideal to have the CF one JMS promissed me but they dropped the ball.

There is a guy who does gorgeous new Z06 conversions but for 11Gs, but if you have the cash for a Z06...Says it adds about 100lbs and reinforced underbody extensively.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1415686

 

subscribing

 

What is the idea? Two CF panels would be ideal.

 

How I plan on doing it in the far future is like this. Using the portion you cut out you will cut it in half directly down the middle. Take some thick sheet metal and weld them down the panels perpendicular to the edge. Cut that sheet metal leaving about a 1/4" lip. Then a 1/4" strip parallel with the panel. Then straight down about an inch. Next box in the panel around the edge cutting them even with the stepdown/lip. Do this for both panels, exactly the same. Next get some 3/8" metal tubing. Put the two piece panels together how they would be if they were on the car, but leave just enough space that they aren't touching (around 1/8"). Now measure the distance between the lips of each panel and cut two pieces of the tubing this length. Take one of the panels and weld one of the pieces of tube about a quarter of the way down the lip. Do the same for the other end of the same panel. You now need some rod that will barely slide in the tubing and cut two sections the same length of the tubes you welded. Place the rods in the tube and put the panels together. Tack weld the rods to the opposite panel's lip when you get it placed exactly right. Take the panels apart and weld the rods up. Now place some good thick weatherstripping along the lip of each panel. The way I've envisioned the rods/tube setup will allow you to put the panels together so the seem won't be very thick/visible. The same principle would be used for the back side of the panel so the panels could be secured on the car with a good latch up front. I haven't quite looked at the underbody to decide how reinforcement would be done, but I'm sure that part would be relatively easy. I know that was a long description and my lack of ability to explain surely didn't help, so let me know if there's something that's not clear.

 

Yup...the additional 100lbs. is about right. I've done mostly older street rods in which case the roofs can be built with a piece of cold-rolled steel and and English Wheel. You're right to suggest using the original roof cut for the Z...it will give you all the compound roof curves, hard for a novice to build from scratch. Unless you're adding a supercharger or a bunch of horsepower from add-ons, you wouldn't need to re-inforce a whole bunch. Check out the underside of a Z rag and you'll see what I mean. I have one that I use for parts and it's really not that beefed up underneath. I like the 2-piece carbon fibre idea...that would be killer!!! One of a kind!

 

to be honest am drunk but didn't read the above poasts but a targa 350z will cost you about 8gs. anyways let me know and I'll let you know some more details

 

What about going all Chris Forsberg (350z chop-top Sears drifter) and choptop targa style, not full like his, but still throwing roll bars up there for structural support. I could take rolled metal and even aid in snap in of the targa. I am sure I could have this done for far less money than the 7k plus jobs.

This might cramp the style and clear, clean look of a Targa.