Hardtop, T-top, sunroof or....

[TechX]

I have seen the top chopped and replaced with a t-top 89, but I have a 85 with sunroof that is really aching for a targa modification, has anyone tried this or seen it done to a comparable car, and if so, what kind of structural changes were made to support the change? If it's never been done to an MR2, I'd love to be the first, but I highly doubt it. Any info appreciated.

[Wangan_X]

HT FTW no need for t tops

[LokiRx7]

Have you ever done a modification like this? I worked at a company that did convertible conversions, and now work installing aftermarket sunroofs. It is NOT easy unless you have alot of prior experience, I was in training for a year an a half before they let me touch a car.

If I were you, I would enjoy your sunroof... I enjoy mine

[TechX]

Of course I love my hardtop and sunroof. I own a 02 Mitsu Eclipse GT, and it has sunroof too, but I'm interested in making my cars somewhat unique. I have yet to hear about a conversion like this. I've been party to the typical HT to T-top conversion, and I have seen people chop lowrider S-10's in this manner, but the hardest part of the principle is the structural integrity of the car. Removing the top provides 2 problems, sagging the structure in the middle and leaking in the top. The structural part can possible be corrected by welding or bolting a X-member into the structure beneath the door frames that extends further than the roof cut out. But it is a little more complicated than the explanation, the weight of the top of the car is much lighter than some, as well as overall weight on the frame, so that has to all be taken into account, also the power of the engine needs taken into account as well. I've seen old school muscle cars with torqued engines twist frames. I was asking if someone had already done it because I might gain a better insite for what has been tried and worked or not, but if noone has, then I may be the first, and since I own 2 bodies(86 and 85), it may be a learning experience. The top itself will be made from the HT as a mold. I will make it from fiberglass similar to the concept of the jeep HT. A Jeep HT sits overtop the windshield and this prevents the leaking in the fashion that you deal with in a sunroof installation. The rear would have to mount ontop of the rear glass frame. Since we are working with a structural piece, even after reinforcing the frame, I'm counting in a 10-15 layer fiberglass piece for the top and possibly a couple integral carbon fiber layers for some variety in the reinforcement. I personally dont know how well it would work, and if the top fits well and looks good and the car doesnt start to sag in the middle, I may use the top as a mold for True Carbon Fiber top. This is all just in the planning phase, but I think its a great idea, if the car can handle it. The supra was structurally sound enough to have it done, why couldnt the mr2? I'm going to get some more research done on it and will post for those who have more experience with body mods and see what kind of input I can get. Thanks.

[SP1TF1R3M4N]

i've wanted to convert my sunroof to a t top too. but i dont think i could make it look as good as i want it too. good luck on making yours though

[TechX]

Anyone have a color code for Matte Black?

[kbrew8991]

I'm sure you could find someone (like a racer) that would trade...