Slant Six Forum
https://slantsix.org/forum/

Targa top A body?
https://slantsix.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=48247		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  Nongan [ Mon Mar 19, 2012 8:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Targa top A body?
Has anyone considered making a Targa top on a late A body? I think a duster or dart sport would look sweet. The biggest question for me would be how does it compromise safety? Most targa tops I see have a roll bar across the back seat, but with our A bodies I think it would need subframe connectors and maybe some re-enforcement in the A pillar area, because essentially your taking away a structural support point for the car. I think it would be a cool project to do for a show car, I may test the idea with my '74 since its still sitting in the yard, I really like customizing bodies of cars in my free time. Any input on the safety and looks of a targa top would be appreciated.

Image

Thanks,
Seth
Author:  Fopar [ Mon Mar 19, 2012 8:40 pm ]
Post subject: 
Put the body on a full frame, no real way to stiffen the uni-body.

Richard
Author:  DusterIdiot [ Mon Mar 19, 2012 9:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Yep...
Quote:
Put the body on a full frame, no real way to stiffen the uni-body.
Even with Frame connectors, and if you gussetted the floor pans like the big block convertibles in the late 60's there is still some body flex and twist.

-D.Idiot
Author:  Reed [ Mon Mar 19, 2012 9:30 pm ]
Post subject: 
T-tops? Like the Volares and Aspens?
Author:  wjajr [ Tue Mar 20, 2012 5:06 am ]
Post subject: 
About the only change or addition to structure to A Body convertibles was addition of torque boxes. I added sub frame connectors to mine which stiffened things up a bit more, but the car still a shaking quivering mess compared to a modern car. The 300 feels like a block of granite after driving either of the old convertibles.

T Tops, Sun Roofs, and Targa tops are all lousy substitutions for a fully retractable rag top. Why make a hole for water and air to penetrate in a perfectly good steal roof? I ordered my 300 without a sun roof, the sales guy though I was nuts. I had considered sending the car to Florida to chop off its top, but picked up the Dart instead.

Structural rigidity of our A Bodies, and my topless K Car are on a pair with red gummy worms, but that sun on a warm day is worth it all. Shake your stuff baby.

Side note:
And, nothing says dork better than driving with top down, and side windows up… LOL
Author:  Danarchy [ Tue Mar 20, 2012 7:49 pm ]
Post subject: 
How about something like this?
Image
Author:  neilskiw [ Wed Mar 21, 2012 9:34 am ]
Post subject: 
How about making it into a ChumpCar?

Big race at PIR March 31-April 1

I'll be driving the number 19 (sorry everyone,not my choice of vehicle) '81 Thunderbeast.

C'mon out and give us a bad time... I mean a hand.
Author:  Old Car Scott [ Wed Mar 21, 2012 11:45 am ]
Post subject: 
That would look really, really awful in my opinion.

That said, chop away! Ain't my car! 8) :D
Author:  vynn3 [ Thu Mar 22, 2012 5:58 am ]
Post subject: 
Quote:
I had considered sending the car to Florida to chop off its top,
Yeah, somewhat off topic, I was driving home one night and came up behind and beside a late model 300. He was stopped at a red light, and as I approached, I thought it had one of those dumb faux convertible top covers that were so popular a few years ago. But when I got closer, I noticed it only had 2 doors... It had some gaudy 22" chrome rims that were not my style, but otherwise the car looked completely stock, a VERY professional conversion. Color me impressed. First one I'd ever even heard of, much less seen.

Me, I'd rather have a 2-door Charger conversion. ;)

Anyway, back to your regularly-scheduled topic...
Page 1 of 1 All times are UTC-07:00
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Limited
https://www.phpbb.com/