Coupe conversion?

[TMo]

Is there a good reason NOT to convert a cab into a coupe? The car started as a targa and was cut into a cab in the 90's. And had a wide body conversion at the same time.

Besides finding a decent roof clip and having it welded together, along with adding all of the stock parts, what else would I need?

[MConn]

I put a 1969 roof on a 1987 targa. This was the only time I have ever done anything like this. Here's some issues I had to work through:

I made metal jigs for the front windshield, back windshield, and rear quarter glass to make sure the glass openings were close enough.

The A pillars were different widths, and I didn't fix them - so you can see the change in thickness from the inside of the car. I added a metal spline into the pillars to add some strength.

Try to get the headliner rods with the roof, because they seem to vary.

I had a heck of a time getting the roof to the back of the C pillars correct.

The interior trim for coupes is different from the targa so I had to custom make the rear quarter window interior trim.




I don't regret it, and it turned out better than I expected, but it was a lot more work than I expected.

Mike

[Rodsrsr]

What year is it? Might make a difference.

[TMo]

Originally Posted by Rodsrsr

What year is it? Might make a difference.

It's a 1980. It's supposed to be delivered next week so I can't take any measurements yet.

[Rodsrsr]

For a 1980 I don't see an issue with converting to a coupe. Cool project.

[Dpmulvan]

Here’s a 1980 targa I converted using a mid year roof. Had many of the same issues/ concerns as Macon. I used titanium rods inside the A pillars with 3m structural adhesive along with welding. A roll bar at the least I would recommend. I hung an electric winch from the ceiling and used ratchet straps to lower and raise roof about 300 times. Glad I did it came out better than expected, a few what the hell did I get myself into moments but eventually it all worked out. I wouldn’t do it to a nice blue chip car.

[wjdunham]

Before and After shots of my 1969 E (non-numbers matching to start with). I took the same route as others putting rods in the A-Pillars for extra strength. We did the conversion without really touching the rear of the car where the Targa glass once sat.

Bill

[Dpmulvan]

Nice Bill, I too left as much alone as possible.