Targa to hardtop conversion?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 103
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From: Rayville LA
Targa to hardtop conversion?
Has anybody ever converted a targa top car over to a hardtop like the Z06? I have an ‘05 and absolutely hate the targa top. I haven’t been able to find anything on how to go about doing it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: West coast CA
The fixed roof implementation is very similar. Cast metal roof frame, bonded composite skin, weatherstripping all the way around the windshield and halo (I think the rubber parts even have the same part numbers). The difference being that the fixed roof is bolted and the removable roof has latches. It's a bit like turning a sedan into a coupe by bolting the rear doors shut.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 103
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From: Rayville LA
What do you hate about it?
The fixed roof implementation is very similar. Cast metal roof frame, bonded composite skin, weatherstripping all the way around the windshield and halo (I think the rubber parts even have the same part numbers). The difference being that the fixed roof is bolted and the removable roof has latches. It's a bit like turning a sedan into a coupe by bolting the rear doors shut.
The fixed roof implementation is very similar. Cast metal roof frame, bonded composite skin, weatherstripping all the way around the windshield and halo (I think the rubber parts even have the same part numbers). The difference being that the fixed roof is bolted and the removable roof has latches. It's a bit like turning a sedan into a coupe by bolting the rear doors shut.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,482
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From: West coast CA
As for the fixed roof, there are mounting tabs welded to the Z06 and ZR1 halo that are missing on the steel-framed cars. You'd need to fabricate your own. The front mounting screws *appear* to engage the same holes that are already in the windshield header for the latch receivers. If you had a Z06 roof and were handy with basic metal fabrication you could do it.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 103
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From: Rayville LA
Personally I think chasing down the noise is a better solution. Mine only required a couple of E-clips and it's been quiet ever since.
As for the fixed roof, there are mounting tabs welded to the Z06 and ZR1 halo that are missing on the steel-framed cars. You'd need to fabricate your own. The front mounting screws *appear* to engage the same holes that are already in the windshield header for the latch receivers. If you had a Z06 roof and were handy with basic metal fabrication you could do it.
As for the fixed roof, there are mounting tabs welded to the Z06 and ZR1 halo that are missing on the steel-framed cars. You'd need to fabricate your own. The front mounting screws *appear* to engage the same holes that are already in the windshield header for the latch receivers. If you had a Z06 roof and were handy with basic metal fabrication you could do it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: West coast CA
More information: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ing-noise.html
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2016
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From: Rayville LA
There can be several causes of roof rattles, but one of the big ones is the rollers at the front latches shifting side to side axially. The E-clip takes up the gap.
More information: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ing-noise.html
Man that is perfect. Thank you very much.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,456
Likes: 259
From: Miami Florida
I always wanted to have a lighter frame top for the track I wonder if the fixed zo6 frame is lighter than the regular car with removable top any one can help me here will appreciate it thanks, Dave.
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Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,684
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From: Opelika Alabama
Take the top off and lubricate EVERYTHING with Die-electric silicone grease, put the top back on, My 06 creaked like crazy EVEN after the latch upgrade by GM. got so mad one day I greased everything had not had a peep in 10 years!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2016
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From: Rayville LA
I’ve got another question. Does anyone know where I can eat the three bracket that weld to the b-pillar? I’ve tried lubing everything up in the past and it helped some but never did get rid of all the noise. I did the e-clip and lubed the rollers on my wife’s 2006 so we are gonna see how that works. I really appreciate all the help guys.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: West coast CA
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 103
Likes: 5
From: Rayville LA
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 103
Likes: 5
From: Rayville LA
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 15,344
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From: Texas
Pop the center latch that secures the rear of the targa top, loosen the set-screw, tighten the latch (hook) two turns, tighten the set screw. That often does it, especially when combined with the other fixes.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
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From: Texas
As I recall, the targa frame on the Z cars is magnesium so yes, it saves a tiny bit of weight. There was also a vendor selling a roof with a carbon fiber skin that saved several pounds.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2016
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From: Rayville LA
I will try that too. I put the e-clips in my wife’s ‘06 yeasterday and lubed the rollers also. I drove it for a couple of hours around town and so far not one noise out of the top.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Bethesda MD
I also put a small rubber ring in the the front posts, which seemed to take up the slack that was cause rubbing.
Chances are if it is quiet now and you leave the roof alone, it will stay quiet. I have to play with mine about once a year as I take it off whenever the weather permits.
Chances are if it is quiet now and you leave the roof alone, it will stay quiet. I have to play with mine about once a year as I take it off whenever the weather permits.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 103
Likes: 5
From: Rayville LA
I also put a small rubber ring in the the front posts, which seemed to take up the slack that was cause rubbing.
Chances are if it is quiet now and you leave the roof alone, it will stay quiet. I have to play with mine about once a year as I take it off whenever the weather permits.
Chances are if it is quiet now and you leave the roof alone, it will stay quiet. I have to play with mine about once a year as I take it off whenever the weather permits.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,444
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From: Houston TX
Unfortunately, there is no permanent fix for a noisy top, especially if you remove the roof every so often. I've tried e-clips, o-rings, lubrication, etc. and nothing fixes it. It may make it better for a short time, but that's it. Also, lubricating the points sucks when you take the roof off and get some of that crap on your clothes or on the carpet in the hatch area while trying to seat the top in the holder.