Should I do a T-top conversion?

[dwbarnes]

So about a month ago I found this coupe on Facebook Marketplace. It is a 1986, with a 4 cylinder and an automatic. Its nothing special, but it's a mostly original, un-molested, 99% rust free car. I was thinking its an excellent candidate for a nice little built. My initial thoughts are: brake and suspension upgrade, mild 5.0 with 5 speed, fresh black paint, and a T-top conversion. I currently have all the parts and a donor car for the T-top conversion.

Now here's where I need your opinions. Should I do the T-top conversion, or just leave the roof alone? I have been driving it almost daily for the past month, and my goodness, its a great little car. It doesn't have any squeaks, rattles, or moans. It just "feels" solid all around. I am having second thoughts on cutting the roof for a T-top. I am afraid the results will leave squeaks, rattles, and minor leaks. I have had 3 T-tops, and every one of them leaked just a little. However, the thought of having a nice T-top coupe is just flat-out cool to me. I am torn on what direction to go.

So what are your thoughts? What would you do? Am I over-thinking this?

Thanks for the opinions and advice!
-Dustin

[erratic50]

Usually T tops are a good fix for idiots cutting up the roof with an aftermarket sunroof

Notches with ttops are sexy

but so are solid roofs

if the roof is good, leave it alone

[massacre]

Looks great as is

[dtmilsap]

Leave the roof like it is.

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[wraithracing]

If you are going to keep the car and you want the T-tops then I say go for it.

If you are planning on selling the car in the future, I would leave it as it. Some will find the T-tops cool, but since not an original install may they may shy away. Others will not be interested due to the T-top leaks, squeaks, and rattles. Good Luck!

[webestang]

My 85 notch is the same....mostly original, un-molested, 99% rust free car. I thought it would be cool to have a sunroof or T-Tops but I could not bring myself to cut anything on mine as I saved it from being torn up into another drag car. Instead I just repainted it and now saving money for a 5.0 swap.
Besides I have a 88 vert so I already have a roofless Pony.

[mudgepondexpress]

It is a freaking 4 cylinder / automatic car you are converting. It will not drop the value putting in T-Tops since the VIN won't support the V8 anyway. I say go for it! If you like it and it is what you want, jump on in! I have an 82 5.0 GLX that has the rusty sunroof issue. I purchased all the items for the conversion and plan on completing it over the winter.

It will be a cool car when finished!

Kenny

[JTurbo]

My thoughts - if you want to daily drive it, keep the solid roof.
If you plan on turning it into a cruiser, show car, or weekend ride, go for the T-Tops.

[plumkrazy]

If you ttop it I would weld in frame connecters before you cut.

[TNT]

i wouldn't even attempt this. But that's because I've never welded anything and have no idea how to pull it off.

But this thread got me thinking. Anyone have an idea on if it would be possible to add a removable targa roof, like on a Corvette, to something never meant to have a feature like that?

I was babysitting my niece recently and watching one of her cartoons gave me a crazy idea. But it's definitely something I'd have to pay someone else to do.

[wraithracing]

i wouldn't even attempt this. But that's because I've never welded anything and have no idea how to pull it off.

But this thread got me thinking. Anyone have an idea on if it would be possible to add a removable targa roof, like on a Corvette, to something never meant to have a feature like that?

I was babysitting my niece recently and watching one of her cartoons gave me a crazy idea. But it's definitely something I'd have to pay someone else to do.

The issue with a targa top and even the T-top on the Mustang is that the roof has virtually no structure supporting it in the middle. The mid brace is no real structurs in that it literally clips into the side rails and is expanding foam glued to the roof skin. The stucture is more there for the dome light than any real structure or support of the roof. The T-Top adds in a structure to support the glass panels and add back some structure/strength lost when the side roof rails are cut. The same reinforcement would be needed for a Targa top. You would need to build a reinforcement for both the front and back of the Targa roof opening. The targa top would also have to be fabricated. You could use the end seals from a T Top and some custom weatherstripping from side to side on the body to make it all work. A ton of work that would be cool and unique, but doubt its worth the headaches and expenses when a T-top does essentially the same thing without all the added custom work and fabrication. Just my .02 and I am constantly doing custom/crazy/stupid stuff.

[NAVYCAT]

I have 1 word for you...... Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! dont do it IMO

[84zorro]

If it was me I wouldn't do it to a car that looks nice like your coupe,but if it needed body and paint u dam right I'll put T-tops lol

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[thecornerman]

They do look good

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