Targa T-top [Merged 7-7] T tops targas conversion

[Flash]

My friend has it done on his GSX. He cut off the roof sheetmetal and welded on a new OEM non-sunroof sheetmetal and then cut out the t-tops. He then repainted everything to look OEM; and it really does look like it came from the factory like that!

 

[XSNRGGST]

I think someone was talking about this particular car before in this thread. I used to love this car. Still like it, it just needs to lose the wing. It also has a Dreamcast installed FTMFW!

 

[dsm-onster]

eh. looks like an mr2 to me. . .

 

[97MitsuEclipse]

Anyone else notice that the roof sticks out a couple inches infront of the rear-side window. Why is this? i think it would look even better cut flush to the window

 

[nightspeed87]

Didnt they do this to a black 1g somewhere in the forums here...

 

[SnoopySLR]

Wow, I log in after a few months and ofcourse I'm flooded with PMs and Threads about the Targa... Run some searches, me and Dre posted so much info on this its not funny. Fair warning... plan on having another car, cause its alot of work to do to your daily.

 

[kre8ive_kustomz]

I did the targa mod a couple years ago on my 95 Tsi. I can easily say if someone isn't very familiar with structural repair/fabrication they shouldnt even attempt this mod. I recently repaired a 1g eclipse whos owner decided to take a sawzall to the roof, long story short when you cut the roof from a unibody car adding strut braces will not even help to prevent flex. In my 95 it took right around 20 hours of work, a spool of welding wire and 1/2 bottle of gas. if by chance someone feels capable of doing this mod there were a couple posts that describe the process quite well. the biggest factor is bracing, cross-bracing, when you think your done add some more. While I don't condone anyone to weld on a chassis its a must here, i read in a post to rip the dash apart to add more bracing, theres no need to there, on a 2g at least, as its already pretty beefed up. as far as leak prevention, if the fabrication was on key there shouldnt be an issue. the use of a seal from a supra or delsol will work, modified of course. I changed directions there, i chose to layer the top from the body with a 1/2" lip on the rear side and pin latches from a nissan pulsar in the front. as far as weatherstriping i chose a rubber gasket for the rear side and a 1/2" oval compression strip up front. another thing as far as bracing, since i forgot to mention it above..... the use of a roll cage is needed for structural support, for the most part atleast. the 1/3 door bars are needed for reducing/preventing flex, the top bar adds little flex protection but adds a whole lot of personal protection. cost to do it yourself if you are so inclined... cost me about $120 bucks for supplies with my own labor, if i had done it for someone else the cost would have been retail material price plus 20 hours labor(right around $3k). the 1g i fixed cost the owner $4200, but that was to fix his oops's. anyway, hope this post helps those with questions, any questions feel free to ask or email me, [email protected]

 

[shades]

Here's a pic of my 1G N/T Targa. You can find some more in my gallery. I've bought it in very poor condition and am now restoring it. All the post that I've read about the leaking roof seals are so true unfortunately. I'm trying to contact the germans in Goeckl (the original engineers of the 1G targa), to find out are there any seal kits left. I'm affraid it will cost an arm and a leg, but on the othere hand there are around 20 targas left in Europe, so it may be a good investment. I like the concept of a 2G targa very much. Speaking of which i think the strengthening under the floor + a bar under the dashboard would be enough to prevent body flexing, at least that's how they made it in the original. The only problem is a light flexing of the pillars holding the windshield.

 

[Scrymerr]

Your car is nice, I really like it.

As far as targa information goes, I am not sure what I have said in the past, or where/when I said it. I can say this though:

-One piece top must suck. PITA to remove alone, rear seat delete required for storage. Would lack structural integrity without adding a cage. It would take an incredible amount of under/inner body reinforcement to match the strength of having a center bar.

-This project takes a lot of work. The idea was not too hard for me to come up with- I had a pretty good idead from the start how I was going to do things. Just be prepared to spend a lot of time making them happen.

-Unless you are experienced in collision repair/bodywork, welding, and have some knowledge of statics, do not undertake this project. You will need quite a bit of equipment and tools to get this job done. In otherwords, don't cut your roof off if all you have is a sawzall and angle grinder.

I think that is it. If you want to know anything else, just feel free to ask me.

Pictures of the car here: http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/hangout/267578-pictures-my-2g-gst-2.html

 

[shades]

Right there with ya, only one small correction. The original Eclipse G1 Targas (like mine) have 2-part T-top which goes perfectly in the trunk. It even has its own leather case

 

[Scrymerr]

Right there with ya, only one small correction. The original Eclipse G1 Targas (like mine) have 2-part T-top which goes perfectly in the trunk. It even has its own leather case

Pics of the case? Would you be able to get another?

 

[shades]

Pics of the case? Would you be able to get another?

Not a chance, unfortunately. All the parts and accessories that are specific for the Targa are discontinued products and can not be purchased by the local dealers, claiming it to be "tuning model", regardless of the fact that the same european dealers sold and repaired the Targas back in 1993-94. I'll make some pics of the case by the weekend and will post them here.

 

[mustang]

Hey Bro!!!
Where are you from?? Here is my baby
NOW:

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BEFORE:

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and I also have "flood" issues . I bought my Targa in June 2007 on mobile.de and I had no clue that I will have so much fun with roof Its quite clear... I love my Targa
I did order all sealants from Germany (where Targa officialy was born), but still.....I have some leaking
I do have manual for roof with original № for all parts.

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So if you need help with it will be glad to talk to you

keep faith

 

[mustang]

Pics of the case? Would you be able to get another?

i have it somewhere in garage! This weekend I guess I can make some pic's if you still want it

shades, btw, I have tel number and email in Germany where you can get all Targa OEM parts

 

[crimsondragon]

Hey Bro!!!
Where are you from?? Here is my baby
NOW:

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BEFORE:

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and I also have "flood" issues . I bought my Targa in June 2007 on mobile.de and I had no clue that I will have so much fun with roof Its quite clear... I love my Targa
I did order all sealants from Germany (where Targa officialy was born), but still.....I have some leaking
I do have manual for roof with original № for all parts.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

So if you need help with it will be glad to talk to you

keep faith

Your car is pure effin' SEX! Have you ever thought about sending in pictures for next year's DSM calendar???!!! I'm saving one of those pictures to the computer.

 

[shades]

@mustangMan, I've lost hope I'd contact another targa owner! We are a rare breed. I'm from Bulgaria and bought the car from Germany in may '07. I'll contact you on PM for further chat. Nice, sleek look!

 

[tattin96]

this 2 targas are from mexico inspireds in dre's dsm

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[97 GSX 97]

The thing I don't get is Dre went through all that work to leave the factory seatbelts in there? Why didn't he just get harnesses onto the already in place roll cage?

 

[endlessMyk]

i have it somewhere in garage! This weekend I guess I can make some pic's if you still want it

shades, btw, I have tel number and email in Germany where you can get all Targa OEM parts

It scares me... but I'd love to find out how much all those parts would cost.

 

[Defiant]

The thing I don't get is Dre went through all that work to leave the factory seatbelts in there? Why didn't he just get harnesses onto the already in place roll cage?

Well, harnesses are illegal on the street. No idea if that had any influence or not.

 

[TurboATM]

Well, harnesses are illegal on the street. No idea if that had any influence or not.

....since when...? at least in SC and MN, i have been pulled over and had no problem with mine.

I even got pulled over on the strip for having no seat belt on...I had on my harnesses, which my shirt was the same shade of blue that day, he didn't see them. I asked to make sure they were legal and he checked how i had them mounted, and he told me i have no problem at all

 

[Defiant]

....since when...? at least in SC and MN, i have been pulled over and had no problem with mine.

See the big label that says, "FOR OFF-ROAD USE ONLY"? Harness manufacturers don't have the money to pay for Department of Transportation testing and certification.

 

[mustang]

It scares me... but I'd love to find out how much all those parts would cost.

1000$ only

 

[Boost_Addict_88]

I'm also really considering converting my 1G to a Targa top. Its either that or I go full convertable (GSS in Japan) or Gull Wing doors (also a feature in Japan).

 

[CFeclipse]

what about this one how much for doing that?

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