I'm thinking about buying my buddies 96 GS-T Eclipse. It has a convertable top that has apparently been welded so that it won't retract all the way. I know I can pick up a top for it for about $400.00. My question is since I have to replace it. Is there a way I could convert it into a targa top? I doubt theres a targa top premade for this vehicle, and I was curious if it would be possible to modify one?

 

Plain and simple, no

 

Would be pretty sweet, but that would be a **** load of welding and moding to do that plus the only way i could see that happening would be completely fabricating a back end almost next to impossible, or cutting off the top of a non convertable and welding it on there. I have seen it done but that was on 1936 Chevy. Plus good luck to get it not to leak lol.

 

There are a few people who have made targa GSX eclipses... but they end up that you cant put the top back on

 

Also did I mention the car will have too much torsional flex, lateral flex, and mid-section flex. Even with the roof bolted back on in 4 solid points, the flex will still be there. Even with the 8pt cage, 6 torsional bars under the chassis, stiffened up A pillars, it will still flexe a lot. The door jams can even be seen opening and closing when going up steep driveway curbs on an angle. The front windshield shakes left to right ever so slightly. An X-brace in place of the roof would solve this, but it would ruin the open-air feel. Not to mention good luck trying to get a shop to do this for you.

 

i would think somethingsimilar tothis would solve for most of the problems, and keep functionalityif u are just a daily driver.... obviousely this is not a mod that someone who races or does autox, but i think that the cross braces and the side and top bars, along with the pillar already behind the dash should be enough for daily driving, the only problem u have with these cars are the roofs are just sheet meatal, and especialy with the 1g, youd have a pretty rough time sealing it and fabricating a latch mechanism.... also you have to relocate the seat belt strap, and cut the door frame on the 1 g, so you would have a rough time with your windows leaking even if everything else is ok... i want badly to do this to my laser.... if u have ur own equipment, its more time than money(alot more time!!)