I am pretty sure people have done this. If ther is anyone here that has done it, can you please post pics?
I think the convertables are nice but I think the roof lines of the fiero are part of what makes it look so good. Thats why I beleive that a Targa Top would be the coolest. TTops are cool too, but Targa would be the S**t.
Any pics?
------------------ -Chris 86 GT 95 Camaro 3.4 swap, Ported and polished heads and intake, Cam, Isuzu 5 speed, Short Shifter, New Exhaust, No Cat, Flowmaster, Polly mounts, Full Polly Suspension, Intrax 2" drop springs, Sencetrack Struts and Shocks, Grand AM brake upgrade, steel braided brake lines, 17" Gun Metal Wheels, Khumo Tires, Racing Seats, Grant carbon fiber Steering wheel, Carbon Fiber Dash and shift knob.
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03:36 PM
PFF
System Bot
intlcutlass Member
Posts: 1431 From: Cleveland,Oh.44067 Registered: Nov 2002
Yea they have been done before.... There were, some time ago, kits available.....
The key to a Targa is beefing up the frame under the car so you don't sag. That would mess up you door jams, and every other thing. Then you would need to cut the top, and fabricate some latches, and finish it all off.The problem with this is details... Making sure the top seals right, and that the bracing is such so that going over bumps you don't hear you door jams or any other unwelcomed chatter......
I would like to see a Chop top Targa!
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04:02 PM
Feb 18th, 2004
Black-Azz-GT Member
Posts: 2326 From: Florida Keys Registered: Oct 2003
One thing to remember with a targa is this. There is no where to store the top in the car.
------------------ Red 88 GT T-Top 3800 INTERCOOLED SUPERCHARGED White 88 GT Stock Please give me a rating if you appreciate my contribution. History of Skitimes Car UPDATED 8-11-03
------------------ Zero C's 86 Gt Fastback "This car is so good looking its almost indecent. - AutoWeek on the new 1986 GT" Lots Of Small Mods Zeros Home Page MSN Messanger tylercaddick@hotmail.com
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11:30 AM
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mrfixit58 Member
Posts: 3330 From: Seffner, Fl, USA Registered: Jul 99
... oh, and where will that top fit when you have it off? inder the front? almost seems to big to fit in the car
From my converations with Bill...
- You can modify the trunk so the top will fit. - You can move the computer below the console and behid the seat and then remove the computer cover to create a flat bulkhead. This will allow the top to be stored on top of the console and behid the seats. - Buy a luggage rack and strap it on (will not work on a GT) - Leave it at home (and take a soft tonneau with you for weather problems) - Modify the top by cutting it in half.
One thing to remember with a targa is this. There is no where to store the top in the car.
Perhaps B&B can fashion a decklid rack to support the targa roof when removed, or maybe the targa roof can be strapped to a regular Fiero decklid rack.
k
------------------ 88 GT T-Top 5-spd #338 of 1252 87 SE 4-cyl 5-spd sunroof, spoiler, performance sound 85 2M4 base coupe T-Top 5-spd, rackless decklid, 15-in 88 GT rims, aero-conversion
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04:23 PM
FIERO JOHN-WI Member
Posts: 2408 From: GREENFIELD, WI, MILWAUKEE Registered: Jun 2001
Here are some answers to everyones questions. The top can be stored behind the seats after locating the brain under the center console or with minor modifications to the trunk area it can be stored there. The fiberglass portion of the kit is going to sell for $700.00 and the reinforcement frame is $500.00. The kit has a channel for the original weather stripping from your Fiero so it is water tight. I would love to put one of these on a chop top I see no reason why it wouldn't work and I can always make some modifications, if needed, to make it work. I appreciate all the comments and feel free to ask any other questions. Bill
[This message has been edited by B&BSpyder (edited 02-19-2004).]
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08:50 PM
bdjones Member
Posts: 153 From: Orange County, CA Registered: Mar 2003
It's ready now and available, shipping depends on where you are. I shipped one to Maryland last week for $25.00 (targa only, no frame). Email me a zip and we'll get you a quote. Bill bill@b-bspyder.com
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11:57 PM
Feb 20th, 2004
Matthian Member
Posts: 634 From: West Hempstead, NY, USA Registered: May 2003
My chop as well as the others have the removable rear window, the major problem is engine heat and fumes literally cascade into the interior compartment. The only way it's bearable is if the side windows are down and I remove my sunroof and am traveling at least 45mph. It's more a show feature.
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06:44 AM
Black-Azz-GT Member
Posts: 2326 From: Florida Keys Registered: Oct 2003
I have been to the B&B shop before, and in the past I have said this as well, his work is second to none, you get what you pay for with this guy, and what you are buying is top quality. His molds were taken off of the car I bought from Cozmo last year, and he has made great improvments over the version I have. Also he has a great covertable conversion that is also a Targa top as well, you can remove the roof and then retract the rest down if you like, the best of both worlds in one kit, check out his site or e-mail him on the current info he has.
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12:52 PM
B&BSpyder Member
Posts: 104 From: Clearwater, FL Registered: Oct 2003
Total price for the kit, frame and install is $2500. It takes about a week (could be done in less time if needed, but would have to be scheduled in advance so we're not working on anything else). Price does not include paint (it will be "paint ready"). If painting also, the price will vary depending on the color, type of paint, etc.
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02:44 PM
B&BSpyder Member
Posts: 104 From: Clearwater, FL Registered: Oct 2003
I have been to the B&B shop before, and in the past I have said this as well, his work is second to none, you get what you pay for with this guy, and what you are buying is top quality. His molds were taken off of the car I bought from Cozmo last year, and he has made great improvments over the version I have. Also he has a great covertable conversion that is also a Targa top as well, you can remove the roof and then retract the rest down if you like, the best of both worlds in one kit, check out his site or e-mail him on the current info he has.
Thanks! We appreciate the positive feedback. I am looking for a picture of my convertible to post, I agree, it is the best of both worlds, that is if you can't have a targa AND a roadster . I'll try to get the pic up tonight (when I find the disc) the car is in pieces right now getting some one off mods and fresh paint for Daytona or I'd take a new pic. Bill
[This message has been edited by B&BSpyder (edited 02-21-2004).]
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02:56 PM
Wholf Member
Posts: 379 From: Cleburne, Texas Registered: Mar 2003
Bill, Could you give a little more detail on how the frame is reinforced, and have you tested the structural integrity of the chasis, in other words is it still rigid enough to keep everything in line without flexing. Is it something your normal shade tree mechanic could do? Also if you do it paint ready for $2500.00, what about the headliner, or basically the inside of the car? Tell me what you think about doing it to my car, and if it could actually be done in a week. How far are you away from Valrico, Florida? -----------------
Which trunk are we talking about, the front or the back? With a few mods I can squeeze my T-tops in the front trunk.
And who is going to start the first "watch me install my Targa Top" thread
Actually, since my father lives in Florida, I would be willing to go there to have B&B do it. This is based on the integrity of the chasis and if they could really do it turn key in one week. I am currently waiting for Bill to respond to the posts that have been put out here, especially about the reinforcement of the chasis. I also figure since they are charging $1,300.00 in labor alone, it must be one hell of a job to do. We will see what comes from this, and hopefully it will be good news .
Actually $1300 for a weeks worth of work is pretty cheap. Less than $40 /hour so the real work probably doesn't take more than a few days, plus setup and tear down.
I too think that the turnkey solution would be worth it, I don't mind the cutting of the roof, (obviously) but welding under the bottom of the car sounds pretty unpleasant, (unless you can get it high up on a lift and not have hot metal dripping in your face).
Hey Wholf, You coming to Wheatstock? We can have a Firebird interior reunion
[This message has been edited by jscott1 (edited 02-21-2004).]
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10:16 PM
newfie Member
Posts: 711 From: Back on the Rock! Registered: Apr 2000
The top looks different than cozmo's even though it was mentioned before the molds were took from it. In cozmo's, which is the same as the kit I have, the top extends all the way back to the rear clip. The last 4" or so lay ontop of the subframe roof. Looks like B&B made a fibreglass piece about 4" wide that covers that. It would make the removable piece smaller and maybe easier to store but I would think it would make leaking more of an issue. Also curious to how it stays in place, and the inner headliner. Here's a link to the kit I was selling. w / pics
Actually $1300 for a weeks worth of work is pretty cheap. Less than $40 /hour so the real work probably doesn't take more than a few days, plus setup and tear down.
I too think that the turnkey solution would be worth it, I don't mind the cutting of the roof, (obviously) but welding under the bottom of the car sounds pretty unpleasant, (unless you can get it high up on a lift and not have hot metal dripping in your face).
I'm not really arguing the price or labor.. My main concern is the overall out come. It appears that they have been doing this kind of work for quite some time and I am only concerned in the quality, and the time it takes to do it. My motor puts one hell of a jerk on the chasis, and I don't want to wind up not being able to open my doors after punching it off the line, or hitting a dip in the road. If the answers are right to my queries, and they could actually start on a Monday and have it ready for me to leave on Friday or Saturday... Then I would be willing to talk a deal. It would be great to have this done and show it off at WheatStock... Hey, maybe B&B would give me a break to be their advertisement at WheatStock, not to mention it would look sweet on a 308 re-body
I have had one of my frames under my convertible since 1992 and the car still does not flex and the gaps are perfect. I welcome anybody to come to my shop or while at the Daytona show to come and see me and I will be more than happy to take you for a ride in order to show how well the reinforcement frame works. here are some pics of the reinforcement frame while under the car. The cost of installation is what it is because I will have to disassemble a good part of the exterior and interior of the car in order to do the job which is very time consuming and labor intense. I have put my frame under approxiamately a dozen or so cars and have never had a problem.
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11:01 PM
OH10fiero Member
Posts: 1541 From: struther OH Registered: Jun 2002
The top looks different than cozmo's even though it was mentioned before the molds were took from it. In cozmo's, which is the same as the kit I have, the top extends all the way back to the rear clip. The last 4" or so lay ontop of the subframe roof. Looks like B&B made a fibreglass piece about 4" wide that covers that. It would make the removable piece smaller and maybe easier to store but I would think it would make leaking more of an issue. Also curious to how it stays in place, and the inner headliner. Here's a link to the kit I was selling. w / pics
As I mentioned before, I bought Cozmo's Targa off of him last year, and if you have the same set up you will notice the flaws that it had. B&B just used the car that I have as a starting point, and improved the design to something more practical and far more functional. I was going to do a retrofit from B&B for my car but I said what the hell why should I??? I do not plan on driving the car in winter or rain so there was no point. But I do have a car that will be getting a convertable conversion done to it and when school is done for me I will have the finaces to get a kit from B&B, they are the only ones I would trust for that kind of conversion.
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11:15 PM
Feb 22nd, 2004
jscott1 Member
Posts: 21676 From: Houston, TX , USA Registered: Dec 2001
Originally posted by B&BSpyder: I have put my frame under approxiamately a dozen or so cars and have never had a problem.
I think the price is very reasonable...is the center section of the frame removeable? If for some reason one has to drop the tank I was wondering if your frame had the removeable center section. It kinda looks like it does but I can't tell for sure. Thanks.
. I'll try to get the pic up tonight (when I find the disc) the car is in pieces right now getting some one off mods and fresh paint for Daytona or I'd take a new pic.
