targa top Z3

[Andybpowell]

as per the title has anyone made such a roof for the Z3 can't find any but I really like the idea in the past i've had a few fiat x19's and toyotamr2 targe tops and prefer them to a convertible so has anyone made such a roof ? I could be tempted to give it a go

 

[mikeyH]

That sounds like a good idea

 

[elevensies]

so your either going to start by buying a coupe? and chopping the roof or your going to spend a grand on a hard top and then chop that up?

great idea... id fully follow the progress thread

 

[Andybpowell]

so your either going to start by buying a coupe? and chopping the roof or your going to spend a grand on a hard top and then chop that up?

great idea... id fully follow the progress thread

no if i was to do it it would be from scratch

 

[Duncodin]

no if i was to do it it would be from scratch

Buying a genuine hardtop will cost a bit but will save many many (many!) hours of labour and more likely to fit snug around the windscreen and side windows.

 

[Andybpowell]

Buying a genuine hardtop will cost a bit but will save many many (many!) hours of labour and more likely to fit snug around the windscreen and side windows.

but where would be the fun in that

 

[the Nefyn cat]

Some people have their own definition of "fun".

It would make much entertainment on youtube, though, nothing quite like watching grown men swear a lot.

 

[Richard29]

I think there was a targa concept on here. Not sure how far it got.

 

[IainP]

as per the title has anyone made such a roof for the Z3 can't find any but I really like the idea in the past i've had a few fiat x19's and toyotamr2 targe tops and prefer them to a convertible so has anyone made such a roof ? I could be tempted to give it a go

I started making my own top at one time. I’ll probably go the targa route eventually , if I live long enough. The rear window from an mx-5 is near enough the correct curvature it would work with a mould made from the standard hardtop. The standard mounting brackets are easy to make if you wanted to use pin type locks. Actual pin locks are better imo.
The split would need to be behind, or above, the seats, over center clips probably and I’ll use the top cap from the hood I have to lock the front. I’m not going the stupid screw route.

 

[Andybpowell]

I started making my own top at one time. I’ll probably go the targa route eventually , if I live long enough. The rear window from an mx-5 is near enough the correct curvature it would work with a mould made from the standard hardtop. The standard mounting brackets are easy to make if you wanted to use pin type locks. Actual pin locks are better imo.
The split would need to be behind, or above, the seats, over center clips probably and I’ll use the top cap from the hood I have to lock the front. I’m not going the stupid screw route.

Nice I'm not the only one who thinks this is a good idea
I don't have a hardtop to work from and wouldn't spend the money just for that, you could possibly Go with a recessed rear window like the MR2 and make it flat or make it from perspex and put a slight curve in it

 

[mikeyH]

Will you be putting your progress on here, I think it will be of great interest even to Z4 owners.

 

[Pond]

no if i was to do it it would be from scratch

Made from what?

 

[Richard29]

There is a hardtop mould for sale on ebay.

 

[GZed]

as per the title has anyone made such a roof for the Z3 can't find any but I really like the idea in the past i've had a few fiat x19's and toyotamr2 targe tops and prefer them to a convertible so has anyone made such a roof ? I could be tempted to give it a go

@zippyz4 was looking at doing this to a Z4 ( or Z4 coupe?) fairly recently. Maybe worth looking up his thread….?

 

[IainP]

Pardon our interruption...

Easy, if expensive way into it, all the hard work is done.

This is a MX5 glass compared to the rear softop window

Not that far away, it’s thin, light and heated, much better alternative to Perspex. Cheap too, mine was £35 delivered.

Making a template means it’s easy to incorporate into the design with no risk of damage


The MX5 glass isn’t far away compared to this aftermarket top

 

[Andybpowell]

Will you be putting your progress on here, I think it will be of great interest even to Z4 owners.

yes

 

[Andybpowell]

There is a hardtop mould for sale on ebay.

do you have a link, couldn't see one

 

[Andybpowell]

There is a hardtop mould for sale on ebay.

Don't worry i found it

 

[Andybpowell]

Pardon our interruption...

Easy, if expensive way into it, all the hard work is done.

This is a MX5 glass compared to the rear softop window
View attachment 320189
Not that far away, it’s thin, light and heated, much better alternative to Perspex. Cheap too, mine was £35 delivered.
View attachment 320195
Making a template means it’s easy to incorporate into the design with no risk of damage
View attachment 320197

The MX5 glass isn’t far away compared to this aftermarket top
View attachment 320199

the mx5 glass looks like a good idea , I wouldn't be buying a mould either I'll do it myself or i won't do it , it won't be soon as I'm currently trying to move so wouldn't start before next summer at the earliest