T-Tops in our S30's

[Zrush]

Looking at the most recent upload of that Z with the T-Tops, I was wondering how it affects the structural integrity of the early Z. I know the ZX's had them everyday, but to me that's a whole different car.

What are some opinions on the T-Tops. Our cars weren't designed for T-Tops so I'm thinking this is not a good idea. But then again our cars weren't designed for V-8's but that's been done.

What are some of your thoughts.

Vicky

[sblake01]

Originally posted by Zrush

What are some opinions on the T-Tops. Our cars weren't designed for T-Tops so I'm thinking this is not a good idea. But then again our cars weren't designed for V-8's but that's been done.

Vicky

A V8Z is really not a good idea either, for the same reason-- Unibody construction. To do either 'properly' you need to do some structural reinforcing. That gets back to that 're-engineering' of the car. I have torches and welders, etc. but I am not an automotive engineer. In my opinion, T-Tops and V8s are for cars that originally had them.

[Dan Baldwin]

V8? No big deal. You don't weaken the structure one iota by installing a V8. Of course the torque load from the drivetrain will be greater, but at least the structure is there.

Butchering the unibody with T-tops is an entirely different story!

[TKR514]

The early Z's had "just enough" strengh to do the job without flexing too much. If you remove that upper member of the body, you remove that minimum strength in the top of the car and things might start bending if you drive it hard.

The ZX had a "doubler" in the roof and heavier "B pillars" to carry that load between front/rear suspension a LOT better than earlier cars by design.

Only guess is that you woulf need a similar structure to carry the loads and stresses that a ZX has.

Here is someone that has the old add for one:

http://www.classiczcars.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=9598

[sblake01]

Originally posted by Dan Baldwin

V8? No big deal. You don't weaken the structure one iota by installing a V8. Of course the torque load from the drivetrain will be greater, but at least the structure is there.

Butchering the unibody with T-tops is an entirely different story!

You might not weaken the structure by 'installing' a V8 but unless you do some reinforcement you will weaken the structure by driving that V8Z!

[datto_240z]

Yeh, I posted that pic. The company probly renforce the roof as part of the deal. Like I said in the pic's disription I donno what company its from. Im not too keen about the chrome strip around the hole... not very matching...

Cheer'z'

Chris

[frank13]

Hey Vicky I think the T-top conversion looks trick. There was a kid who had his red Z in ZCAR.com as car of the month with t tops and some other trick body work. As far as structure I agree the Z is not the strongest unibody and some sort of reenforcement should be made as well as aftermarket safety upgrades. I wouldn't mind this type of conversion on say a 260 Or very early 280 with thin bimbers or the MSA bumber covers. Just my 2 centavos. :devious:

[hls30.com]

I think replacing a Z roof with a ZX t-bar roof would handle the upper strength, but the rockers would need some more ridigidity between the wheels to keep the new opening from flexing. I had thought about doing it to one of my parts cars-already has been under the hatchet for a sunroof, and the rust pirannahs have been knawing at the floors-maybe that project would save the future of an early '70s flintstone...Nice thoughts, too many things inline

Will

[Bambikiller240]

http://www.zhome.com/

See left side of your screen (left frame) scroll down to "Production & Sales History", select "Accessory Items 70-78 "

or click here