Need new roof options - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

ytown87 · 09-28-2016, 10:05 AM

Sun roof options are great and all but I'd like to see T-tops, panoramic roof, or even a targa option like the Vettes have on a modern Camaro. I'm no engineer or automotive designer but it'd seem like something that shouldn't be so far fetched for a Gen6 or even Gen5 Camaro back when it was refreshed.

Dmpsix · 09-28-2016, 10:19 AM

Probably not enough space, these cars were designed for short people like myself.

So sunroofs are excellent for me because my head isn't anywhere near the roof.

Targa option like the Vette would be amazing, but again, probably not enough room.

Junior · 09-28-2016, 10:43 AM

I would imagine integrity would be an issue such as the verts. I believe additional frame support would be needed weighing the car down. Might not be an issue for T-Tops, as I've seen custom jobs before, but still may be.

ytown87 · 09-28-2016, 11:02 AM

Yeah I've been quoted on this job. The kit alone was 8k. A few shops gave about 10-11k total quote to do this and I laughed. If GM couldn't do T-tops or targa....panoramic would be cool to have. Just something to open it up and keep the coupe like look

Quote:

Originally Posted by Junior

I would imagine integrity would be an issue such as the verts. I believe additional frame support would be needed weighing the car down. Might not be an issue for T-Tops, as I've seen custom jobs before, but still may be.

Orange skid mark · 09-28-2016, 11:07 AM

That's cool. I would probably bang my head on the corner of the windshield getting into the car though.

ZED SLED · 09-28-2016, 11:12 AM

And then there's the side airbag curtain to deal with.

zr1chris · 09-28-2016, 11:55 AM

Retractable hard top convertible anyone? I'm really surprised more convertibles aren't hard tops. The soft top is just so ugly in most cases.

TangoMike · 09-29-2016, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Junior

I would imagine integrity would be an issue such as the verts. I believe additional frame support would be needed weighing the car down. Might not be an issue for T-Tops, as I've seen custom jobs before, but still may be.

No, structural integrity is not an issue (from factory. A DIY isna different story) That's because it would be designed as such. The easiest solution would be to use the convertible frame and body. The existing roof would be cosmetic, rather than structural. It would only need to support itself with a tradition T-Top. A power version would be a bit more heavy (think some form of dual sunroof.)

Junior · 09-29-2016, 06:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TangoMike

No, structural integrity is not an issue (from factory. A DIY isna different story) That's because it would be designed as such. The easiest solution would be to use the convertible frame and body. The existing roof would be cosmetic, rather than structural. It would only need to support itself with a tradition T-Top. A power version would be a bit more heavy (think some form of dual sunroof.)

Correct. I was indeed referring to an aftermarket application. Obviously factory would be engineered to consider structural.

Snoman · 09-29-2016, 09:28 AM

The pillars and roof in the 2010+ Camaro offers zero structural integrity.

There have been companies offering T-tops for the 2010+ Camaro for 6 years now.

Mr_Draco · 09-29-2016, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ytown87

Sun roof options are great and all but I'd like to see T-tops, panoramic roof, or even a targa option like the Vettes have on a modern Camaro. I'm no engineer or automotive designer but it'd seem like something that shouldn't be so far fetched for a Gen6 or even Gen5 Camaro back when it was refreshed.

T-top's don't pass modern day crash tests required by NHTSA so manufacturers can't build cars with them anymore.

Targa tops are only viable in 2 seater sports cars because the left over roof section offers just enough protection to just barely pass the crash tests. When installed on a 4 seater sports car (like the Camaro), the targa top does not pass. If the NHTSA becomes any more strict on their testing, then targa tops also will not be an option.

BMR Sales · 09-29-2016, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_Draco

T-top's don't pass modern day crash tests required by NHTSA so manufacturers can't build cars with them anymore.

Targa tops are only viable in 2 seater sports cars because the left over roof section offers just enough protection to just barely pass the crash tests. When installed on a 4 seater sports car (like the Camaro), the targa top does not pass. If the NHTSA becomes any more strict on their testing, then targa tops also will not be an option.

Porsche still offers a Targa on the 911 (4 Seats) and most of it is Glass!

09-28-2016, 10:05 AM	#1
ytown87 Drives: C6 Corvette Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 1,264	Need new roof options Sun roof options are great and all but I'd like to see T-tops, panoramic roof, or even a targa option like the Vettes have on a modern Camaro. I'm no engineer or automotive designer but it'd seem like something that shouldn't be so far fetched for a Gen6 or even Gen5 Camaro back when it was refreshed. __________________ 2008 C6 m6. Carbon creations front/rear carbon fiber wodebody fenders. Carbon fiber hood carbon fiber roof hoop carbon fiber zr1 extreme spoiler. NW 102mm tb. Ported intake manifold. Cometic .040 head gaskets. LG motorsports G6x3 cam. DSX flex fuel sensor. AEM methanol kit. Z06 brakes. Ebiach sway bars. ZR1 rep wheels and Nitto Invo tires. Monster stage 3 twin disc clutch. MGW short shifter. Corbeau race seats. Gforce race harnesses. SLP loudmouth 2 mufflers. Carbon fiber exhaust tips. RPM stage 4 transmission and Stage 3 rear diff. 3.73 gears. Vararam cai. Kooks 1 7/8 headers and x-pipe.

09-28-2016, 11:07 AM	#5
Orange skid mark Just an average Dude Drives: 2015 1LT Grey w/Orange Rally Stripe Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Hickory, NC Posts: 391	That's cool. I would probably bang my head on the corner of the windshield getting into the car though. __________________ So far I like my car the way it came from the factory.

09-28-2016, 11:12 AM	#6
ZED SLED Drives: 2017 Mosaic Bk ZL1 M6 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: South of Raleigh, NC Posts: 9,477 View My Garage	And then there's the side airbag curtain to deal with. __________________

09-29-2016, 09:28 AM	#10
Snoman H-Town Camaro Club Drives: 2013 Dusk Edition 2SS/M6/Sun/NPP Join Date: May 2014 Location: Houston Posts: 2,234 View My Garage	The pillars and roof in the 2010+ Camaro offers zero structural integrity. There have been companies offering T-tops for the 2010+ Camaro for 6 years now. __________________ H-Town Camaro Club / HTCC Facebook / 2013 Dusk Registry

09-28-2016, 10:19 AM	#2
Dmpsix Drives: Black L99 2SS/RS Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 1,862	Probably not enough space, these cars were designed for short people like myself. So sunroofs are excellent for me because my head isn't anywhere near the roof. Targa option like the Vette would be amazing, but again, probably not enough room.

09-28-2016, 10:43 AM	#3
Junior Drives: 2014 2SS/RS A6 AGM Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Maryland Posts: 526	I would imagine integrity would be an issue such as the verts. I believe additional frame support would be needed weighing the car down. Might not be an issue for T-Tops, as I've seen custom jobs before, but still may be.

09-28-2016, 11:55 AM	#7
zr1chris Drives: 2018 Camaro 1SS/1LE Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Port Saint Lucie FL Posts: 1,224	Retractable hard top convertible anyone? I'm really surprised more convertibles aren't hard tops. The soft top is just so ugly in most cases.