Idea
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 206
Likes: 3
From: Erie PA
Idea
Hi all, I had my 2003 Vette detailed the other day and I was looking at it and had an idea. It occured to me that as good as it looks with the targa top off, that it might look even better with the rear hatch off as well. I wondered if a easy removal system could be developed to take the window off and store in the garage and possibly a soft cover made to protect the same area in the event of inclement weather. I think the center section would look like a rollbar and the overall look would be very pleasing to the eye . Opinions?????
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2012
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From: Oceanside California
I think you'd just get pulled over allot with it off. But go ahead and remove the hatch and see how you like the look before improvising a quick release. I think you will find that it is way to heavy to be taking on and off.
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I just don't think it would look all that great. One of the things I like about the coupe is the lines the rear hatch provides when looking at the car. And I would agree - it would be very heavy to put the windows on/off and not sure just how easy it would be to come up with a system to do so.
But, if you proceed with this, please document what you do and take some pics.
But, if you proceed with this, please document what you do and take some pics.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: Dayton, Oregon
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Not to mention airflow in that big open area would unbalance the car's aerodynamics. Could cause an very unpleasant, erratic feel at any speed.
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From: SE Pennsylvania
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Rear Hatch ?
I never thought of removing the hatch. But along with the Now famous "Hood Seal" of cheap mods, I found and installed a Hatch seal. It starts at the uppermost corner, runs down and back, across the hatch and forward and up the passengers side. Makes a world of difference in sound from out side the sides and rear of the car.
Along with a new set of Michelin Pilot sport PS/2 ZP tires I can now listen to music or just drive and it's quiet inside the car. It takes awhile to install, but take your time and it's a well-worth-it-mod.
Along with a new set of Michelin Pilot sport PS/2 ZP tires I can now listen to music or just drive and it's quiet inside the car. It takes awhile to install, but take your time and it's a well-worth-it-mod.
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
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OP, I too think it might look better without the rear glass but like the poster said above, the window will be heavy.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 206
Likes: 3
From: Erie PA
Ok guys I get it, I just liked the idea of that center section looking like a cool mod style roll bar. I do appreciate All of your opinions though and you guys definitely thought of some problems that I did not. Allways trying to think of some way to mod the vette though, just one of my many faults.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 568
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From: Dayton, Oregon
Oldtimer
Ok guys I get it, I just liked the idea of that center section looking like a cool mod style roll bar. I do appreciate All of your opinions though and you guys definitely thought of some problems that I did not. Allways trying to think of some way to mod the vette though, just one of my many faults.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 14,678
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From: Prescott Arizona
Well there were some people I knew long ago that got drunk and decided to make an open top Mini.
Did not turn out all that bad, but it flexed like crazy. No torsional strength at all.
Go get a keg of beer, 6 or more friends and have at it.
Did not turn out all that bad, but it flexed like crazy. No torsional strength at all.
Go get a keg of beer, 6 or more friends and have at it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Yuma CO
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