C4 targa top compatibility
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
C4 targa top compatibility
Recently bought an 85 C4 and it needs a new top. Current top is cracked down the middle (plexiglass top). It's also completely separated from the frame. I found a good deal on an 87 top, but from what I have read, it is a different fit as far as where the frame bolts to the car. Wondering if there's any way I could switch the mounting brackets to the ones on my 85 top or swap out the glass or.... I don't have a pile of money to spend on it, so I'd rather not get a new top if I can help it, and this 87 top is a good deal.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,752
Likes: 276
From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Recently bought an 85 C4 and it needs a new top. Current top is cracked down the middle (plexiglass top). It's also completely separated from the frame. I found a good deal on an 87 top, but from what I have read, it is a different fit as far as where the frame bolts to the car. Wondering if there's any way I could switch the mounting brackets to the ones on my 85 top or swap out the glass or.... I don't have a pile of money to spend on it, so I'd rather not get a new top if I can help it, and this 87 top is a good deal.
It will not fit the 85 (unless you get the windshield header brackets to suit the 87 roof) Below is the targa roof years mounting points to identify the roof.
You can get the header brackets on ebay, you will also need the header trims. will post what you need later.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 7,708
Likes: 266
From: indy indiana
cheap way to go is to get a solid top. 87 will not fit a 85. if you do buy it, you have to switch the moulding around the windshield to match the 87. Look for a 84 thru an 86E (E=early) top.I too bought a car with a bad top. Ended up buying a 91 top and the windshield moulding. Use care when taking off the sun visors. Midway thru the 86 run, they switched to Aluminum heads and that usually is what gets judged as 86L or 86E, which has the iron heads, like your 85.
Last edited by ghoastrider1; Jun 13, 2014 at 09:14 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,590
Likes: 60
From: ft myers FL/Munising MI
cheap way to go is to get a solid top. 87 will not fit a 85. if you do buy it, you have to switch the moulding around the windshield to match the 87. Look for a 84 thru an 86E (E=early) top.I too bought a car with a bad top. Ended up buying a 91 top and the windshield moulding. Use care when taking off the sun visors. Midway thru the 86 run, they switched to Aluminum heads and that usually is what gets judged as 86L or 86E, which has the iron heads, like your 85.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 7,708
Likes: 266
From: indy indiana
craiglist is the place I found mine. put in a wanted to buy ad. I wouldnt pay over a hundred or so for a solid top. The color doesn't match (its white) my gold paint, but that's ok, white goes with anything and I plan to paint next year anyway.
Check out two guys that sale lots of parts in here.. "northern" corvette and also "see4parts". they both strip down c-4s and sell off the parts..have good reps and aint trying to get rich off one part.
Check out two guys that sale lots of parts in here.. "northern" corvette and also "see4parts". they both strip down c-4s and sell off the parts..have good reps and aint trying to get rich off one part.
Last edited by ghoastrider1; Jun 15, 2014 at 10:58 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,735
Likes: 413
From: WV
with getting a solid top... Almost everyone that gets an aftermarket plexy top will have problems down the road...The Corvette tops get alot of pressure exerted on them because of the flex in the C4 frame, the solid tops can take it, the glass tops eventually crack or craze...WW
