Targa Top S13

[rawphusion]

I’m currently collecting parts for my sileighty project S15 front-end conversion along with the rear end widening fenders. Recently came across a picture of a S13 with a targa top. The idea had crossed my mind but I was puzzled by the weight of the rear hatch. Just wondering if anyone else has had these same thoughts or maybe is planning something of this nature

[bj180sx]

That sounds cool but it might be easier to do a coupe. Otherwise you would really need to strengthen up the roof and roof supports so the body doesn't flex alot. You have a link to the pic??????

[rawphusion]

I just wonder about the weight transfer from when you open the hatch.

[1dollar240]

Ive seen that image before, A better route to go would probably be t-tops. I think that pic is photoshopped by the way.

[Garage Battle]

dont do it its ricer...seriously

if u want a supra buy a supra

[chezina]

There was a company over here in Germany that actually did the targa conversion(u were able to get it as an option at most Nissan dealers over here), but these targas are like swimming pools(although it was done by a company), i bought an engine from one of these targas cause the owner was parting the car out(rust problems) and i have never seen a S13 chassis rusted like this before, basically everything(metal) under the window line inside the driver cabin was nearly gone.

[SLIMMY240]

thats gotta be photoshopped. look at the tree pattern where the roof would be and then right above it, just copied and pasted.

[mattback]

thats gotta be photoshopped. look at the tree pattern where the roof would be and then right above it, just copied and pasted.

you are correct sir

[rawphusion]

Ok Photo might be photoshoped I had to shrink to fit on page. However it's a close example of what a targa top 240sx would look like. I like it and thinks it looks nice. I was trying to see what other 240Sx owners thought about it. Thought it would be cool to be doing a buck 50 with the added feature of central air. Don't think it's a ricer look, I mean if porsche who makes such a fine automobile as the Carrera make a convertable and also a Targa Top why not a 240sx.

[rawphusion]

Didn't think about the effects that the weather would have on the body. Well I've seen S13's with the whole roof taken off but don't really like that look how about this look? But then this raises the issue of why have a 240sx. Probally will end up leaving roof alone and just make other listed additions. -S15 sileighty front end conversion-3 inch metal wide body fenders to help porportion out the wider front end.-SR20DET upgrade

[rawphusion]

Pic 1

[rawphusion]

pic 2

[C-Kwik]

Didn't think about the effects that the weather would have on the body. Well I've seen S13's with the whole roof taken off but don't really like that look how about this look? But then this raises the issue of why have a 240sx. Probally will end up leaving roof alone and just make other listed additions. -S15 sileighty front end conversion-3 inch metal wide body fenders to help porportion out the wider front end.-SR20DET upgrade

I've always pondered the idea of a Targa top myself. It would e nice. Probably heavy, which was a biggest deterrent aside from cost for me. As far as weather being an issue, that really just comes down to the quality of craftsmanship. If I had it done, I would go to someone with a lot of experience with building convertibles.

[rawphusion]

It souldn't cost that much I estimate around 1500 to 2000 dollars. yeah that weight of that hatch is the killer. you don't leave much room for support. Sure need some type of reinforcment's but I figure with full role cage and a little extra weight sone the side of the body it would work. Glad to see I wasn't the only one thinking about this. Stock sunroof just teases me.

[C-Kwik]

Some of the costs I've seen for a custom convertible was around $10,000. I'd suspect a Targa might be cheaper to do, but with all the structural support that will be needed, it stil may be closer to $10K than $2K depending on the quality of the job. And unless it wasn't going to be driven, I wouldn't make any sacrifices here. Not only can the body sag in the middle, you could compromise safety as well.

I'm not sure what you mean by the weight of the hatch though. The Hatchback version is only marginally heavier than a coupe, and I doubt there is any significant reduction in structure vs the coupe.

[Emperor240]

they mean when you open the hatch because of the weight of the glass on that little area of support. not the weight of the car but just the hatch part itself

[PapaSmurf2k3]

just weld in a roll bar type thing, that should be able to support the hatch as well as add some rigidity

[C-Kwik]

The weight of the hatch is supported by the B and C Pillars. I'm sure they will have no problems supporting that weight. The bigger issue will really be keeping the car from sagging. Many S13's that I've worked already show signs of weakness in this part of the chassis. Lift the car up by the factory jack points and open a door. You may notice a slight shift. Take the roof off and this could potentially be a big problem. The hatch doesn't add any significant stress to the roof. Keep in mind, the weight is spread over the seal all the way around the opening and the latch as well. All of the weight of the hatch is not on the hinges except when open. And even then, it's only going to be the weight. If you remove the roof, the weaight of the car itself will want to collapse the center of the car. Keeping in mind the center of the car will see plenty of stress while you drive around.

[deez1001]

Hey just found this auction on ebay and it has the type of t_tops i thinku guys want to look at

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...04266

[MainEvent212]

wow...that is pretty awesome...

but i think that the T-tops are do-able on an S13...i think it'd take a lot of extra work though, jsut lots of chassis braces underneath the car...maybe a few in the rear...a HUGE roll cage would help...i think a targa S14 would be sweet...or maybe jus a topless S14....hmm...

[trpower7]

I think with a four point roll cage and some custom steel bracing underneath T-tops ar eperfectly feasable.