Targa top conversion?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Targa top conversion?
I have a targa top and I want to know is there a targa top latch conversion? The screw get annoying and I want to be lazy. I've looked online and can't find anything. Any ideas? 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 995
Likes: 1
From: Naples Campania
I've thought about this for a long time, but I'm an electronics guru, not a mechanical engineer. As far as I can see, it could definatley be possible. However, I don't have the facilities, resources or a spare car to mess with.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 11,770
Likes: 175
From: Rolla Missouri
2021 C4 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist
St. Jude Donor '10 thru '25
If you want that type of system, you'll have to design and engineer it yourself.
GM engineers did this when the C5 came out.
GM engineers did this when the C5 came out.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
If you ever figure something out let me know! Ill be the first to try it lol
Pro
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 658
Likes: 7
From: Perth Amboy New Jersey
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,816
Likes: 2
From: Austin, TX
I've thought about this too. To me, a quick-release with a lever would do the trick but I can't find anything the right size on the market. Basically type type of quick-release pin that has two ball-bearings that release the pin when you press a button, coupled with a tensioning lever like on a Bike rim quick-release. You'd just need four of them for the existing holes. Of course you'd also have to modify the female threads on the car / top or come up with some kind of insert.
I searched around in the typical catalogs (Grainger, McMaster-Carr, etc), but couldn't find anything like it.
I'd love to design something but probably not worth the effort to manufacture.
I searched around in the typical catalogs (Grainger, McMaster-Carr, etc), but couldn't find anything like it.
I'd love to design something but probably not worth the effort to manufacture.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,772
Likes: 64
From: Mystic CT
I have always thought if they went with the C3 roof of around 1970 it would still be a good looking car and stiff as well. I am thinking the drone can be attributed to the big glass roof and echo chamber under it. That along with the turbulance over 60 with the targa off is not plaeasant at all. I did notice opening the side windows does decrease the drone and what made me think about the space under it. I wish I was a body and paint guy so I could take a try at it.
dave
dave
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 201
Likes: 6
From: Atlanta Georgia
I was thinking about this the other day, and don't see why the cars couldn't be converted to a T-top style relatively easily. The saratoga top is just awkward to get on and off, even though it doesn't take that long. It seems that someone could take an old top, cut it in half, install a T bar, and be good to go.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
GM initially designed the C5 as a convertible so there was extra stiffness built into the frame and the C5 coupe got the benefit of the added strength. That's why the C5 doesn't have the so-called "cowl-shake" that is common to the C4.
I have always thought if they went with the C3 roof of around 1970 it would still be a good looking car and stiff as well. I am thinking the drone can be attributed to the big glass roof and echo chamber under it. That along with the turbulence over 60 with the targa off is not pleasant at all. I did notice opening the side windows does decrease the drone and what made me think about the space under it. I wish I was a body and paint guy so I could take a try at it.
dave
dave
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,752
Likes: 190
From: Indiana PA
GM initially designed the C5 as a convertible so there was extra stiffness built into the frame and the C5 coupe got the benefit of the added strength. That's why the C5 doesn't have the so-called "cowl-shake" that is common to the C4.
The original C4 design did use the old C3 68-81 Targa design. As the C4 was refined in the engineering group, it was decided to move away from the C3 T-top design and go to a true Targa design like the Porsche had. Was that a good idea? That's hard to say but I would think that Dave McLellan must have ridden in C4 prototypes that exhibited the cowl shake either on rough roads or when the tires were cold.
The original C4 design did use the old C3 68-81 Targa design. As the C4 was refined in the engineering group, it was decided to move away from the C3 T-top design and go to a true Targa design like the Porsche had. Was that a good idea? That's hard to say but I would think that Dave McLellan must have ridden in C4 prototypes that exhibited the cowl shake either on rough roads or when the tires were cold.
Your correct in regards to the C4 was originally a t-top design. However, it was not Dave that wanted it. It was GM executive Ruess Lloyd. By the time he "suggested" the targa the frame was about done and the money spent designing it. All Dave and Co. could do was find the stresses in the frame and reinforce it. Hence the tall sills and reinforcements in certain areas. Also why the targa BOLTS on, it is a structural element.
The prototype cars where all t-top, it was that late when Lloyd "suggested" it be a targa. Typical, GM executives screwing things up.
To Lloyd's credit he did get the convertible back and supported the ZR1 program from the get go.
The C5 and up is as good as it is because of the lessons learned from the C4. I think the C4 is a transitional generation from old school C1-C3 to new school C5-current.
You all need to read Dave McLellan's book Corvette From the Inside, answers a lot of questions. Creates a few new ones too.