Right, so I have the car. A few select bits are getting sourced over the coming months, no rush really, this car is a lifer.

One thing I have always loved is the idea of a targa top (similar to: www.ssip.net/upload/toyota-supra-turbo-side-1_111.jpg)

I know all the risks of leaking (with enough silicone, shay'll be graaaaand), reduced structural integrity (dash dodger rollcage, shay'll be graaaand) and various other risks, but I honestly think it'd be worth it.

Does anyone know anywhere in the country (or UK) that does reliable fabrication? And I know it's a long shot, but someone that's possibly done this before?

Thoughts/Criticisms/Ideas welcome!

Somebody photoshop this.

Is the car you have atm a t-bar model?
If so, I don't really see the point in having the mid section taken out as well, since it was in fact put there for a very good reason.
If not, then you'd be better just buying a t-bar, or a spider or even a targa top supra because I imagine the cost of having this done professionally and to a high standard would be a lot and its just not going to be the same as a factory built targa top car because it simply wasn't designed for that purpose.

He's looking a targa mr2. As for it being their for a purpose the spider isn't a million miles away from what he's looking. I'd assume it base some sort of extra bracing along the length of the car? Spidey drop some knowledge!?!

To be honest, it's something I can save up for. There is a point, that I want it! It's a hard-top, but I'm after a targa top MR2! I'm not building a track car here anyway.

Cheers for the back-up Harper!

What are you going to use as the lid? Carbon fibre would be my first thought.

At first, I was just going to use the tin top, with fibreglass renforcing the underside, but then I had considered CF, I'm unsure at the moment.

First business is finding someone experienced enough to undergo a task like this!

Yeah I got what he was saying, I just can't see why you would want to do this, from a safety point of view and also from a financial point of view.
The t bar models chasis was strengthened specifically to make up for the fact that it wouldnt have a full roof, a hardtop model was not.
Obviously its your car and you can do as you please, but I personally wouldnt recommend it at all.
Just giving my 2 cents, (since criticism was welcomed).

Might be an idea to find a right off where the roof hasn't been damaged and hack it up. Try and get a look at a targa supra and see of any of the design principles can be used on the 2?

@Infamous - you're right buddy, I did welcome criticism, so I apologise for getting defensive. The chassis can be stiffened up with a dash-dodger anyway so all should be well!

@Harper - That's a good call. I'll have a look at some of the lads T-Tops as well to check out their locking systems as well. I remember the one from the MX5 anyway, and it was nice and heavy duty, and more importantly, removeable

Here are 2 thread you may want to have a read of, supra hard top owners asking if its wise to make their cars into targa tops.

www.toyota-supra.info/forums/mkiii-supra...-roof-off-print.html

www.mkivsupra.net/vbb/showthread.php?14039-targa-top-conversion

SteveH, I like your thinking on a Targa MR2 styling wise, but in every other way all I can say is, no, don't do it.

IMO;

The cost to get the job done correctly, weathering, body panels, seals, window seating at the top etc, I could see not much change from €5k. At that you would have a seriously compromised car.

Resale would be impossible for any reasonable value.

It would be weaker structurally.

It would be an insurance nightmare to try and do it legit. Life altering in an incident, claims / hospital bed scenario.

I commend your vision, but fear the consequences.

Hi i have a targa top on mine i cut the centre piece out with an hacksaw, i then smashed the glass then used the origanal clips tiger sealed them on to my fibreglass targa top so it just works as a one piece roof section, it also fits behind the seats as long as you take out the cubybox i have no scuttle shake or any problems atall i did this 4 years ago hope this helps

Thanks for the input lads. I see what you mean Ray, but resale isn't one thing I'd be worried about. This is a car that I want, I'm not buying it for someone else! But I do get what you mean. Insurance would be the biggest issue.

Hey Replica, is there any chance you could post up or email a few pics of your setup? Or if you're anywhere close to Dublin, I'd love to check it out.

SteveH wrote:
Thanks for the input lads. I see what you mean Ray, but resale isn't one thing I'd be worried about. This is a car that I want, I'm not buying it for someone else! But I do get what you mean. Insurance would be the biggest issue.

Hey Replica, is there any chance you could post up or email a few pics of your setup? Or if you're anywhere close to Dublin, I'd love to check it out. No problem but remember mines a 355 replica but i have v6 init lol

The single wiper conversion looks good aswell and works great easy to do and no money layout let me know if your interested and i will tell you an easy way

replica 355 wrote:
i have v6 init lol
Definitely want to see pics

smurfster wrote:
replica 355 wrote:
i have v6 init lol
Definitely want to see pics tell me how to put photos on and i will i have managed to put 1 on i think this is with roof of being used in a photo shoot for a mag lol there are some of my photos here s442.photobucket.com/albums/qq144/thrillseeker202/

Really appreciate the pics Andy. Whereabouts are you living chief?

I live in pembroke dock west wales about a mile from pembroke to roslare ferry mate if you need any better pics let me know , There are 3 of us in the club i am in who have done this and pete a mate who has done it has the 3.5 avora engine fitted he has no problems with the tbar out he is also a motorway cop so he would not compromise his or anyone elses safety, He acctually rang toyota in japan they recomend that you take of door panels to make sure you have the strenthed doors not ones that have been replaced by a tintop due to rust or accident.

Ah, you see the biggest problem I have is the fact my car is a tintop!!

This may be looking that bit too far out of reach

There is just no way I can let the car go I have now

Yep it may have been a possibility with the TBar version as they were strengthened from the factory to not rely on the roof.

The hardtop is not strengthened and is therefore lighter - I love my hardtop!

Interesting idea - i thought about it before when i had previous t-tops. You will get around the insurance by getting an Engineers report. But, as previously said - you are going to drop a lot of money into getting it done right

I can see from your other threads that you really want a umique, personalised 2. You'll be well on the way with the low rise lights and whatever spoiler you go with making.

But, if you do go for the targa, you will need to replace the interior light. Cheap LED versions with switch on Dealextreme !

www.dealextreme.com/p/18-led-car-ceiling...-light-dc-12v-110483


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