Pennock's Fiero Forum
  General Fiero Chat
  Has anyone seen this FIero Targa Top Kit?

Post New Topic  Post A Reply
Email This Page to Someone! | Printable Version


next newest topic | next oldest topic
Has anyone seen this FIero Targa Top Kit? by Dennis LaGrua
Started on: 11-14-2020 07:15 PM
Replies: 16 (1162 views)
Last post by: sourmash on 11-17-2020 10:00 PM
Dennis LaGrua
Member
Posts: 15464
From: Hillsborough, NJ U.S.A.
Registered: May 2000


Feedback score:    (13)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 329
Rate this member

Report this Post11-14-2020 07:15 PM Click Here to See the Profile for Dennis LaGruaSend a Private Message to Dennis LaGruaEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
This Targa top kit was made back in the 1980's by a company called AutoDyne but I have yet to see one that's been installed. The literature claims that it uses a one piece detachable roof section with frame reinforcements. The top piece reportedly is stored on the baggage rack and when installed clamps securely to the top of the windshield and the rear roof section. It looks pretty nice in the picture.
I just wonder how many kits were sold and installed.


------------------
" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

[This message has been edited by Dennis LaGrua (edited 11-14-2020).]

IP: Logged
PFF
System Bot
Raydar
Member
Posts: 40912
From: Carrollton GA. Out in the... country.
Registered: Oct 1999


Feedback score:    (13)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 460
Rate this member

Report this Post11-14-2020 07:43 PM Click Here to See the Profile for RaydarSend a Private Message to RaydarEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Seems like there was a Targa section of some sort at the Fiero Factory, laying in the showroom, but I have no idea what became of it.
Also, at least one person on the forum had a complete - and driving - targa conversion, done on a notchie.

[This message has been edited by Raydar (edited 11-14-2020).]

IP: Logged
fieroguru
Member
Posts: 12300
From: Champaign, IL
Registered: Aug 2003


Feedback score:    (45)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 259
Rate this member

Report this Post11-14-2020 07:54 PM Click Here to See the Profile for fieroguruSend a Private Message to fieroguruEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Corson and B&B Customs made them back in the day.

This is a really old post, and the car was rescued after sitting for 5+ years, so it was likely converted prior to 1996.
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/A...020511-1-012945.html



This is the Corson kit:



This is the B&B Kit



Bloozberry had a cool solution w/o compromising the chassis structure. Enlarge the stock fiero sunroof opening and use a removal targa panel:
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum1/HTML/083063.html
IP: Logged
Dennis LaGrua
Member
Posts: 15464
From: Hillsborough, NJ U.S.A.
Registered: May 2000


Feedback score:    (13)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 329
Rate this member

Report this Post11-14-2020 08:14 PM Click Here to See the Profile for Dennis LaGruaSend a Private Message to Dennis LaGruaEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Interesting info here. If I were to install a Targa top I would definitely install a subframe that ties in front and uniframe members like is done on a convertible. If the price was two grand back in the day, that would be like 4 grand today. Certainly very expensive for basically a fiberglass panel, the windshield header, the reinforcements and some attaching hardware. While this is a novel idea the cost may not be worth the result. Around that time I purchased a complete retractable Califrornia Convertible kit for $1800 including the top.

------------------
" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

IP: Logged
cam-a-lot
Member
Posts: 2170
From: Barrie- Ontario, Canada
Registered: Oct 2010


Feedback score: (3)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 99
Rate this member

Report this Post11-14-2020 09:31 PM Click Here to See the Profile for cam-a-lotSend a Private Message to cam-a-lotEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
I had one of these kits way back in the day, on an 85 GT

Looks cool, but squeaks and rattles, lots of body flex, hard time closing the doors, despite the frames supports that were meant to add rigidity. Definitely would not recommend
IP: Logged
GTGeff
Member
Posts: 2033
From: Up Nort
Registered: Dec 2001


Feedback score:    (6)
Leave feedback

Rate this member

Report this Post11-14-2020 10:44 PM Click Here to See the Profile for GTGeffSend a Private Message to GTGeffEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
I was just looking at my photocopy of their ad yesterday in my collection of Fiero stuff.
IP: Logged
Raydar
Member
Posts: 40912
From: Carrollton GA. Out in the... country.
Registered: Oct 1999


Feedback score:    (13)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 460
Rate this member

Report this Post11-15-2020 07:36 AM Click Here to See the Profile for RaydarSend a Private Message to RaydarEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
I believe that the one in Ed's showroom was the Corson kit.

Edit - I was very wrong about my comment regarding the B&B project, but I still believe it was never completely developed. I have never seen one in the wild.

[This message has been edited by Raydar (edited 11-15-2020).]

IP: Logged
hyperv6
Member
Posts: 6091
From: Clinton, OH, USA
Registered: Mar 2003


Feedback score: N/A
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 94
Rate this member

Report this Post11-15-2020 09:20 AM Click Here to See the Profile for hyperv6Send a Private Message to hyperv6Edit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Well l remember these kits from back in the day. I had considered them.

Roof storage is a problem if you don’t have a luggage rack. Also the flex is horrible.

I went with the C&C t top on my car. The TTop cars have a little more flex than stock but nothing like the targa.

Chassis reinforcement helps but it is still not enough.

Few were sold and very few survived.

The space frame was just not designed for a targa. The T top either but C&C did a good job of coming up with an acceptable solution that would pass GM’s approval not to void the warranty.
IP: Logged
Dennis LaGrua
Member
Posts: 15464
From: Hillsborough, NJ U.S.A.
Registered: May 2000


Feedback score:    (13)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 329
Rate this member

Report this Post11-15-2020 11:02 AM Click Here to See the Profile for Dennis LaGruaSend a Private Message to Dennis LaGruaEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Originally posted by hyperv6 w replies

Roof storage is a problem if you don’t have a luggage rack. Also the flex is horrible.
>>>>>>> That and price is why they probably sold poorly. A fold-able soft top that could fit in the trunk would have been far better. If you didn't have the luggage rack this Targa kit is useless. Rain can happen at any time.
I went with the C&C t top on my car. The TTop cars have a little more flex than stock but nothing like the targa.
>>>>>>>Absolutely, the center roof support will undoubtedly help
Chassis reinforcement helps but it is still not enough.
>>>>>>>I believe that the Targa top conversion would need the welded full under-frame Brisa Convertibe design to work. That under-frame is welded from 1" x 3" steel channel. It welds to the front cross-member, the uni-body front rails, then goes back to attach to the rear frame where the cradle mounts are and also near the jack points. Finally there is a bolted in piece that ties in right and left sides of the frame channels, in order to facilitate gas tank removal if needed.
Few were sold and very few survived.
>>>>>>>I have been to many Fiero events and have never seen one of these. Perhaps the resulting bent frames caused many if not most of these cars to be scrapped.

------------------
" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

IP: Logged
sourmash
Member
Posts: 4558
From:
Registered: Jul 2016


Feedback score: N/A
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 50
User Banned

Report this Post11-15-2020 11:06 AM Click Here to See the Profile for sourmashSend a Private Message to sourmashEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
A one piece top is better for resisting water penetration but a two piece solid top like T-tops would be a way to solve the storage issue without the problems of actual T-tops with their specific and hard to source T-top only parts. That was always my thought. Seems like the Solstice coupe (which is a targa) has an issue of storage of the top. A two piece design would address that issue. A fabric take along top would too. Leave the hard top at home and stow the fabric one for just in case.
IP: Logged
hnthomps
Member
Posts: 5741
From: Columbia, SC
Registered: Jul 2003


Feedback score:    (18)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 51
Rate this member

Report this Post11-15-2020 08:43 PM Click Here to See the Profile for hnthompsSend a Private Message to hnthompsEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Chester and his Dirty Rat vehicle had a number of issues when he tried to get a functional targa top on his show car. I do not think that he was ever really satisfied with the results.

Nelson
IP: Logged
PFF
System Bot
steve308
Member
Posts: 3995
From: Stafford VA
Registered: Jan 2008


Feedback score: (2)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 57
Rate this member

Report this Post11-15-2020 09:13 PM Click Here to See the Profile for steve308Send a Private Message to steve308Edit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Pretty sure Doc John did one of those on his 328 kit. If I recall he did have to correct a bad case of door sag by installing a x-brace to firm things up. It's ashamed his excellent history of ownership was ruined by the photo bucket money grab a few years back.
IP: Logged
steve308
Member
Posts: 3995
From: Stafford VA
Registered: Jan 2008


Feedback score: (2)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 57
Rate this member

Report this Post11-15-2020 09:23 PM Click Here to See the Profile for steve308Send a Private Message to steve308Edit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post

steve308

3995 posts
Member since Jan 2008
deleted duplicate post....

[This message has been edited by steve308 (edited 11-15-2020).]

IP: Logged
fierosound
Member
Posts: 15190
From: Calgary, Canada
Registered: Nov 1999


Feedback score: N/A
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 286
Rate this member

Report this Post11-16-2020 12:24 PM Click Here to See the Profile for fierosoundClick Here to visit fierosound's HomePageSend a Private Message to fierosoundEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by hnthomps:

Chester and his Dirty Rat vehicle had a number of issues when he tried to get a functional targa top on his show car. I do not think that he was ever really satisfied with the results.


He parted a lot of it out, but someone did buy the chassis with the intent on fixing it.
New owner says he made some progress, but then disappeared.

------------------
My World of Wheels Winners (Click on links below)

3.4L Supercharged 87 GT and Super Duty 4 Indy #163

IP: Logged
hnthomps
Member
Posts: 5741
From: Columbia, SC
Registered: Jul 2003


Feedback score:    (18)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 51
Rate this member

Report this Post11-16-2020 07:19 PM Click Here to See the Profile for hnthompsSend a Private Message to hnthompsEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by fierosound:


He parted a lot of it out, but someone did buy the chassis with the intent on fixing it.
New owner says he made some progress, but then disappeared.




I am the person who ended up with the Rat engine and it needed some mods to work better. Fiero Guru did the install and mod work and the engine turned out nice. Now if I could only finish the project Mera that currently has this engine. Maybe in the next year or two if my other car ever gets out of the paint shop.

Nelson

IP: Logged
hyperv6
Member
Posts: 6091
From: Clinton, OH, USA
Registered: Mar 2003


Feedback score: N/A
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 94
Rate this member

Report this Post11-17-2020 07:01 PM Click Here to See the Profile for hyperv6Send a Private Message to hyperv6Edit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
There were several chassis brace items offered in the 80’s. All were not good and many had drawbacks. Hence few were sold. The way to make the chassis is difficult to retrofit correctly.

The TTop as long as you had good seals it did not leak. If it did leak generally it was where the door seals were on the top and glass of the door.
IP: Logged
sourmash
Member
Posts: 4558
From:
Registered: Jul 2016


Feedback score: N/A
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 50
User Banned

Report this Post11-17-2020 10:00 PM Click Here to See the Profile for sourmashSend a Private Message to sourmashEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
T-top car and their notorious leaks, from all makers, are all described exactly the same way.
IP: Logged

next newest topic | next oldest topic

All times are ET (US)

Post New Topic  Post A Reply
Hop to:

Contact Us | Back To Main Page

Advertizing on PFF | Fiero Parts Vendors
PFF Merchandise | Fiero Gallery
Real-Time Chat | Fiero Related Auctions on eBay



Copyright (c) 1999, C. Pennock