C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Targa top upgrade help

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Old Oct 11, 2004 | 08:42 PM
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Default Targa top upgrade help

is there an upgrade to the C4 top to replace the bolts with latches like on the C5 or t-tops on f-bodys
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Old Oct 12, 2004 | 01:24 AM
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a forum member, atotalnincompoop, has designed something, but it is not to market as of yet.
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Old Oct 13, 2004 | 07:58 AM
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I found the the guys who made the original Targa Support bar. Thy are in Cleveland Ohio. They use to be in Ecklers & Mid America. Their Bar looks great and it works. I have one on my car.
The on from R&D Racing looks like crap.

Last edited by Mr Mojo; Oct 15, 2004 at 09:44 AM. Reason: removed link
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Old Oct 13, 2004 | 08:03 AM
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I like the camber brace and other R&D racing products but the square tubing of their roof support just looks bad. I bought the round one when it was made by the now defunct TTR performance. I don't use it very often but when I do I love it.

Last edited by Mr Mojo; Oct 15, 2004 at 09:45 AM. Reason: removed quote
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Old Oct 14, 2004 | 10:31 AM
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Last edited by Mr Mojo; Oct 15, 2004 at 09:45 AM.
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Old Oct 14, 2004 | 11:33 AM
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I think what you are asking is why can't we have latches so that the top can be removed and installed quicker. The answer I have heard is that for the C4, the top is relied on to provide significant structural integrity (versus just being a top) and that the bolt system is needed to provide the attachment. As a structural engineer, it is my opinion that the same thing could have been accomplished with a well designed latch system.
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Old Oct 14, 2004 | 02:53 PM
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I agree DougSilver, although the bolts are not too bad, lifting the roof off is a pain and so is storing it, but what crazy person would design a top to be structural then make it out of see through acrylic?? no wonder the glass tops get so crazed.

S'nut
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Old Oct 14, 2004 | 02:57 PM
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Old Oct 14, 2004 | 04:44 PM
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lossening the four bolts only takes less than a minute, so it would not be as fast as a C5 but in either case, you still have to store it in the hatch.

I've had my roof put on almost as quick as it took the 'vert guys to put their tops up.
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Old Oct 14, 2004 | 05:07 PM
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Originally Posted by Stingraynut
I agree DougSilver, although the bolts are not too bad, lifting the roof off is a pain and so is storing it, but what crazy person would design a top to be structural then make it out of see through acrylic?? no wonder the glass tops get so crazed.

S'nut
Most of the strength is derived from the frame--the acrylic or fiberglass basically just "rides" on the frame.
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Old Oct 15, 2004 | 08:22 AM
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Your all right, The C4 was never designed to have a full targa top. It was design to have a "T" top or T - Bar like the C3's. GM wanted the top to come all the way off. Thats why you have a high step to get into the car. The only way to correct the probem is to bolt in a support bar. That seems to transfer the shock through the car.
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Old Oct 15, 2004 | 10:12 AM
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Originally Posted by Teenangel
I found the the guys who made the original Targa Support bar. Thy are in Cleveland Ohio. They use to be in Ecklers & Mid America. Their Bar looks great and it works. I have one on my car.
The on from R&D Racing looks like crap.

Any chance of sharing their phone number? Do they still make it? Do they still have some old stock left?

I saw some autoX racers with what looked like home made t bars. Do you think it's worth it to make your own? I mean, will it be strong enough?
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