Body Panel Question
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,032
Likes: 4
Body Panel Question
The roof section "halo" on the outside top of the car... is it glued on like the rest of the panels? Or can it be unbolted?
Has anyone taken theirs off before?
Trying to figure this out on my '85...
Has anyone taken theirs off before?
Trying to figure this out on my '85...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
Originally Posted by mikey whipreck
The roof section "halo" on the outside top of the car... is it glued on like the rest of the panels? Or can it be unbolted?
Has anyone taken theirs off before?
Trying to figure this out on my '85...
Has anyone taken theirs off before?
Trying to figure this out on my '85...
Don't understand the part you're referring to.
Jake
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
Originally Posted by mikey whipreck
The body panel between the targa top and the rear hatch glass... it runs from the right rear quarter panel to the left rear quarter panel.
I'm not sure what other description I can give.
I'm not sure what other description I can give.
As far as I know it's welded on. It's important to the structural integrity of the chassis too.
Ever notice how the handling goes away when the roof is off? Think what would happen if you removed that part.
Convertibles have add'l chassis mods to help with the loss of structural support, they're heavier cars too. But (at the risk of starting a war with the vert guys) they still aren't as solid as a coupe with its top bolted on.
Jake
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 16,836
Likes: 337
From: Database Error Indiana
Originally Posted by mikey whipreck
The body panel between the targa top and the rear hatch glass... it runs from the right rear quarter panel to the left rear quarter panel.
I'm not sure what other description I can give.
I'm not sure what other description I can give.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,032
Likes: 4
here we go: The very top fiberglass piece is the one I'm talking about:
Sorry for the confusion, guys- I didn't mean the metal support, just the fiberglass on top of it.
Is it possible to take it off without ruining it?
Sorry for the confusion, guys- I didn't mean the metal support, just the fiberglass on top of it.
Is it possible to take it off without ruining it?
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 16,836
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From: Database Error Indiana
Pretty difficult. Like I said, its glued to the metal under it and the gasket is screwed threw both. Also the 1/4 panels are glued to it at the point where they meet. If you seperate it there its pretty hard not to damage the 1/4s or the roll bar cover. Im not saying its impossible. I do think it would be pretty hard to do unless you maybe do this sort of thing for a living. I replaced everything behind the doors on mine. 
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,032
Likes: 4
1/4's are shot, and they are both getting ripped off- so i don't care about the condition they come off in. I was hoping to be able to at least loosen the top piece enough to get the quarters off...
maybe i'll need to speak a little hebrew at it
Thanks for the input
maybe i'll need to speak a little hebrew at it
Thanks for the input
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 16,836
Likes: 337
From: Database Error Indiana
Mike, yes you can do that. When you remove the 1/4s you will see the lap-over thats glued and be able to seperate the upper part from the 1/4s. A wood chisel works pretty well. Should be ok if the 1/4s are shot anyway. 
I thought you were trying to save them also.
I thought you were trying to save them also.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,107
Likes: 14
From: Lancaster PA
I think this panel is bonded with epoxy. If so you can heat it with a heat gun and it will release with some pesuading. As for putting it back on any SMC bonding adhesive will work. I like 3M automix 8115 or Fiberglass Evercoat SMC Adhesive. Both are available at body and paint supply stores.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 12,109
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From: SW Michigan
the way to get them off its to get a thin chisle and chisle at the epoxy glue, if the quarters are trashed and you just need to replace them then cut just the bottom of the hailo fiberglass of about a 1 and a half then youll be able to get the quarters off, most salvage places just have the quarters since the hailo is a pain to get off.
when th factory install these parts the hail and quarters were pre glued togther then installed as one assembly to the frame.
when th factory install these parts the hail and quarters were pre glued togther then installed as one assembly to the frame.