T Top Infill?

  • 260DET
    260DET
    Senior Member
    • 537

    T Top Infill?

    Anyone replaced the removable panel T top setup with something solid? No slick tops available in my country and I'm building a circuit race 2+2 so everything has to be stiffened up including the roof. The first idea is to make up some contour patterns and then trawl a wreckers looking for a donor top that can be welded on. The glass has to go for sure and less weight is important.
  • FlawleZ
    FlawleZ
    Senior Member
    • 1971

    #2
    If less weight is a priority why choose a 2+2?

    Steve Mitchell was probably the first to do this back in the 90s.
    Originally posted by Andrew84zx
    tell her your car is so fast it will make her panties fly off
    545 RWHP & 540 RWTQ
  • 260DET
    260DET
    Senior Member
    • 537

    #3
    No 2+0's available either, all T top 2+2's. But for circuit racing the longer wheelbase 2+2 may be better anyway, going to use S14 suspension and the S14 has a wheelbase almost identical to the Z31 2+2.
  • adamvann3
    adamvann3
    Senior Member
    • 4160

    #4
    Be careful with s14 suspension, rear free length is way to long for the z31.
    86na - BlueZ
    Shiro #366 - Kouki Monster
    85t - Mr Tickles
  • 260DET
    260DET
    Senior Member
    • 537

    #5
    Originally posted by adamvann3 View Post
    Be careful with s14 suspension, rear free length is way to long for the z31.
    Someone (you?) mentioned that in another topic I noticed, handy to know. With the S14 conversion for the 280ZX I got custom parts made to suit the ride height required, because race car.
  • 260DET
    260DET
    Senior Member
    • 537

    #6
    After considering the strong T roof structure Mr Nissan did, I think a length of curved to match the roof line RHS welded across and above the door opening will do for the structural requirements, particularly as there will be roll cage bars running along the top of the door openings too. They will be tagged to the RHS as well to combine the two as one for extra strength. These 2+2's have wide door openings and so need to a lot of support above and below those openings to minimumise body flex. The A pillars don't look relatively strong but once again their strength will be boosted by the cage.

    As for the infill itself, using the glass tops as moulds for made up fiberglass panels should work. These can be bonded into place all round. Any constructive criticism on all this is welcome.
    Last edited by 260DET; 06-07-2016, 01:40 AM.
  • adamvann3
    adamvann3
    Senior Member
    • 4160

    #7
    Originally posted by 260DET View Post

    Someone (you?) mentioned that in another topic I noticed, handy to know. With the S14 conversion for the 280ZX I got custom parts made to suit the ride height required, because race car.
    Probably. Brian is the original one who adopted by raising the rear strut mounts.

    s13 rear strut assemblies (OEM and aftermarket) are much more favorable to the application.
    86na - BlueZ
    Shiro #366 - Kouki Monster
    85t - Mr Tickles