I think the best solution is to cut down a set of t-tops to the shorter dinensions and add them after the chop. Here is my vision of what it would look like:
Who will be the first to try it??
Here is the non-Chop Top T-top by comparison
------------------ If you find my advice useful, then please give me a positive rating, thanks... 1988 GT (Firebird Interior),1988 Coupe (Daily Driver), 1985 SE (Project Car), 1985 Coupe (parts car), Firebird Interior Installation Website
[This message has been edited by jscott1 (edited 06-23-2004).]
Sounds like it could work... with some trimming of the T glass, T structure, and weatherseals, somebody could make it work. I think it would be neat to drive down the road with the top of your head sticking out catching bugs. A chopped T-Top is a very interesting concept.
------------------ BlueGT
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10:45 PM
datacop Member
Posts: 1426 From: Indianapolis, IN, USA Registered: Jan 2004
Yeah, I know you can't chop a T-top without screwing it up and you can't add regular T-tops to a Chop top Fiero either. But I'm pretty sure you could cut down the H frame and build some new T-tops out of lexan to the proper dimensions. The sealing angle is only off by 9 degrees, I'm sure you could compensate for that.
The problem with the targa is that it's difficult if not impossible to get the panel to fit anywhere in the car when it's out. And when it's in it is a sold piece of fiberglass versus clear glass.
I think it's a matter of time before someone makes it work...
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12:43 AM
PaulJK Member
Posts: 6638 From: Los Angeles Registered: Oct 2001
Yeah, I know you can't chop a T-top without screwing it up and you can't add regular T-tops to a Chop top Fiero either. But I'm pretty sure you could cut down the H frame and build some new T-tops out of lexan to the proper dimensions. The sealing angle is only off by 9 degrees, I'm sure you could compensate for that.
The problem with the targa is that it's difficult if not impossible to get the panel to fit anywhere in the car when it's out. And when it's in it is a sold piece of fiberglass versus clear glass.
I think it's a matter of time before someone makes it work...
How about making a sectional targa that have edges that seal together? It can have a thin center piece that could be removable for the targa look, or left on (bolted) for a T-Top appearance?
PS - There is an 87 GT with T-Tops on E-bay for $650 if someone wants to have at it the other way.
Greg
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12:56 AM
Will-Martin Member
Posts: 1164 From: DFW, TX, USA Registered: Aug 2002
Yeah, I know you can't chop a T-top without screwing it up and you can't add regular T-tops to a Chop top Fiero either. But I'm pretty sure you could cut down the H frame and build some new T-tops out of lexan to the proper dimensions. The sealing angle is only off by 9 degrees, I'm sure you could compensate for that.
The problem with the targa is that it's difficult if not impossible to get the panel to fit anywhere in the car when it's out. And when it's in it is a sold piece of fiberglass versus clear glass.
I think it's a matter of time before someone makes it work...
Actually there are a few options for top storage.
1) The trunk can be modified to fit the top if you're not a nut and got a big bottle bolted back there. 2) The center console can be modified and the top stored behind the seats - I have a center console sub so no dice... 3) You can strap the targa down on the rear deck lid like the lambos do...That’s a system in the works on mine for when I want to carry the hard top. 4) Have a custom soft-top section made that folds up - that’s in the works...
You can have the targa made out of plexi/lexan if you want or even install a clear center - I've been tossing that around. You can have it all - all it takes is $$$$ and time...
But then again with the right amount of $$$ and persuasion, I bet you CAN get a chop top T-Top done.
The one thing I do like about the targa is NO center bar!
Rob D.
------------------ The Dirty Rat Chopped, dropped and just plain NASTY! Choptop Targa #1 383 Stroker MPFI with N2O 1" Drop 3" Chop 11" Brakes 19" Motegi Roja's wrapped in BFGoodrich Gforce T/A KDW-2 rubber RCC Coilover Suspension Updated Jan 21 '04 www.dirtyratracing.org
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07:38 AM
PFF
System Bot
jscott1 Member
Posts: 21676 From: Houston, TX , USA Registered: Dec 2001
Another idea would be a chopped convertible top. Or a chopped roadster with a chopped removable hardtop. I did have Archie install a original sunroof in my car when he chopped it.
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09:16 AM
DL10 Member
Posts: 2350 From: Bloomington IL Registered: Jun 2000
Another idea would be a chopped convertible top. Or a chopped roadster with a chopped removable hardtop. I did have Archie install a original sunroof in my car when he chopped it.
I'm pretty sure that a choptop roadster is comming ..........................who needs a top anyway
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06:43 PM
exoticse Member
Posts: 8654 From: Orlando, Fl Registered: Jun 2003
I built a chopped top t-top. Just had the glass trimmed, but it was not wide enough to be exciting :P Then I'm currently working on a targa top with two ...whats the word (sorry i speak french) with two "rotative" edges lol...that way I can retract the top to put it in the trunk
[This message has been edited by Jordangel (edited 06-24-2004).]
A chopped T-Top is a very interesting concept.
