Targa Modification
09-30-2014, 06:49 AM
#21
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The problem with a roof cut out is both twisting and compression. I've been around a few cars that were turned into verts (same as targa structurally ) put the car on a lift watch the door jams either compress or pull away from the doors. It turns the car into a slinky.
09-30-2014, 09:27 AM
#22
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They really only make 2 parts that do anything to the Z chassis. The fender brace and mid chassis brace, the rest are completely useless.
The problem with a roof cut out is both twisting and compression. I've been around a few cars that were turned into verts (same as targa structurally ) put the car on a lift watch the door jams either compress or pull away from the doors. It turns the car into a slinky.
The problem with a roof cut out is both twisting and compression. I've been around a few cars that were turned into verts (same as targa structurally ) put the car on a lift watch the door jams either compress or pull away from the doors. It turns the car into a slinky.
Would you agree that if the frames for my enthusiast and the roadster they made that year are the same then there should be no problem with cutting the car?
09-30-2014, 01:01 PM
#23
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I specialized in machining, welding, and fabrication of support equipment for turbine engines, and I was also a company representative on some missile systems made for the US Navy.
I can guarantee you that the frames for the coupe and roadster are quite different. They didn't just add a roof to make it a coupe.
I'd suggest you study the parts diagrams for the coupe and roadster, and see what they added in the tunnel, side rails, and floor pan to beef up the roadster. If you strip the car down, you might be able to weld in the extra parts before you cut the roof.
It's not going to be a job for a novice welder, though, and you're going to need some good welding equipment to do it properly. You're also going to have to figure out a way to keep the completed assembly from rusting inside and out after all the work is done.
I can guarantee you that the frames for the coupe and roadster are quite different. They didn't just add a roof to make it a coupe.
I'd suggest you study the parts diagrams for the coupe and roadster, and see what they added in the tunnel, side rails, and floor pan to beef up the roadster. If you strip the car down, you might be able to weld in the extra parts before you cut the roof.
It's not going to be a job for a novice welder, though, and you're going to need some good welding equipment to do it properly. You're also going to have to figure out a way to keep the completed assembly from rusting inside and out after all the work is done.
Last edited by winchman; 09-30-2014 at 01:03 PM.
09-30-2014, 01:07 PM
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I specialized in machining, welding, and fabrication of support equipment for turbine engines, and I was also a company representative on some missile systems made for the US Navy.
I can guarantee you that the frames for the coupe and roadster are quite different. They didn't just add a roof to make it a coupe.
I'd suggest you study the parts diagrams for the coupe and roadster, and see what they added in the tunnel, side rails, and floor pan to beef up the roadster. If you strip the car down, you might be able to weld in the extra parts before you cut the roof.
It's not going to be a job for a novice welder, though, and you're going to need some good welding equipment to do it properly. You're also going to have to figure out a way to keep the completed assembly from rusting inside and out after all the work is done.
I can guarantee you that the frames for the coupe and roadster are quite different. They didn't just add a roof to make it a coupe.
I'd suggest you study the parts diagrams for the coupe and roadster, and see what they added in the tunnel, side rails, and floor pan to beef up the roadster. If you strip the car down, you might be able to weld in the extra parts before you cut the roof.
It's not going to be a job for a novice welder, though, and you're going to need some good welding equipment to do it properly. You're also going to have to figure out a way to keep the completed assembly from rusting inside and out after all the work is done.
09-30-2014, 02:35 PM
#25
https://my350z.com/forum/exterior/59...onversion.html
Here is a starting point to Anthony Giambri. lol Never gift a payment on paypal or trust the seller.
I think this project is doomed from inception, it has been discussed and attempted various times since I joined in 2005. Once again it never comes out clean.
Here is a starting point to Anthony Giambri. lol Never gift a payment on paypal or trust the seller.
I think this project is doomed from inception, it has been discussed and attempted various times since I joined in 2005. Once again it never comes out clean.
Last edited by mr. sparco; 09-30-2014 at 02:37 PM.
10-01-2014, 06:20 AM
#26
Yep - stupid rule at that. The Targa conversion has been done, saw it at ZDayZ a few years back and know the couple who owned the car but can't remember the name right now. It looked really clean and they seemed quite happy with it but I can't attest to any handling or rigidity issues.
10-01-2014, 06:43 AM
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https://my350z.com/forum/exterior/59...onversion.html
Here is a starting point to Anthony Giambri. lol Never gift a payment on paypal or trust the seller.
I think this project is doomed from inception, it has been discussed and attempted various times since I joined in 2005. Once again it never comes out clean.
Here is a starting point to Anthony Giambri. lol Never gift a payment on paypal or trust the seller.
I think this project is doomed from inception, it has been discussed and attempted various times since I joined in 2005. Once again it never comes out clean.
10-01-2014, 06:52 AM
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I specialized in machining, welding, and fabrication of support equipment for turbine engines, and I was also a company representative on some missile systems made for the US Navy.
I can guarantee you that the frames for the coupe and roadster are quite different. They didn't just add a roof to make it a coupe.
I'd suggest you study the parts diagrams for the coupe and roadster, and see what they added in the tunnel, side rails, and floor pan to beef up the roadster. If you strip the car down, you might be able to weld in the extra parts before you cut the roof.
It's not going to be a job for a novice welder, though, and you're going to need some good welding equipment to do it properly. You're also going to have to figure out a way to keep the completed assembly from rusting inside and out after all the work is done.
I can guarantee you that the frames for the coupe and roadster are quite different. They didn't just add a roof to make it a coupe.
I'd suggest you study the parts diagrams for the coupe and roadster, and see what they added in the tunnel, side rails, and floor pan to beef up the roadster. If you strip the car down, you might be able to weld in the extra parts before you cut the roof.
It's not going to be a job for a novice welder, though, and you're going to need some good welding equipment to do it properly. You're also going to have to figure out a way to keep the completed assembly from rusting inside and out after all the work is done.
Differentiating the frames on the coupe and roadster was obviously my first step, but I'm telling you that I can't find any evidence that they are different in any way. This is the main reason why I'm still pursuing the project. I've gone to dealerships to have part reps print off pictures and I've looked through OEM catalogs on-line. I can't find any schematics with any evidence what so ever that the frames are any different.
I appreciate your detailed response, do you have any more recommendations?
I'm now considering purchasing every available product from Gtspec. Do you find this feasible or do you think some of their frame supports are useless?
Thanks again for your input.
10-01-2014, 06:54 AM
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Yep - stupid rule at that. The Targa conversion has been done, saw it at ZDayZ a few years back and know the couple who owned the car but can't remember the name right now. It looked really clean and they seemed quite happy with it but I can't attest to any handling or rigidity issues.
10-01-2014, 09:00 AM
#31
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There is definitely a structural difference in the coupe and roadster. If there wasn't explain how replacing a metal roof with a cloth one adds so much weight.
10-01-2014, 09:26 AM
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Do you have any facts that "definitely" support this? Where did you find the weight specs for the coupe and roadster?
10-01-2014, 09:39 AM
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Relax. I just found the curb weight specs on motor trend. This is a very interesting observation. It looks like the difference in weight is between 200 and 250 lbs. I'll keep digging for more details unless you have more helpful insight.
10-01-2014, 10:09 AM
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This has the best frame photo I could find of a coupe.
http://nissanraceshop.com/chassis-build/#lightbox/6/
http://nissanraceshop.com/chassis-build/#lightbox/6/
10-01-2014, 11:21 AM
#36
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Exactly, with this information it's a pretty safe assumption that Nissan had to add around 300lbs of extra support.
10-02-2014, 05:19 AM
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Engineers try not to work off making assumptions, but thanks for the info this really challenged my theory. No matter how hard I search I can't find a picture of a roadster car frame. Let me know if you stumble upon any other useful information.
10-22-2014, 06:36 AM
#38
Targa top 350Z
For what ever reason I can't view the image, so can you try to repost it and email it to me?
libeera@yahoo.com
libeera@yahoo.com
