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Leaner and Meaner Birds [1977-1979] Ford enacts a radical transformation, making the t-bird leaner and meaner, talk about your lean mean bird here.

Should I cut the roof of my '77?

This is a discussion on Should I cut the roof of my '77? within the Leaner and Meaner Birds [1977-1979] forums, part of the Thunderbird Model Years category; I have a crazy idea...I think i want to cut the roof off my bird. Basically where the vinyl is ...

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  #1 (permalink)   IP: 209.148.249.193
Old 05-03-2003, 02:13 AM
 
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Post Should I cut the roof of my '77?

I have a crazy idea...I think i want to cut the roof off my bird. Basically where the vinyl is and all the rear windows.So there's kind of a roll bar look. Anyone ever done any thing like this? I hope the car's solid enough. :confused:
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Old 05-03-2003, 06:01 AM
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ive never done it, but there UsED to be a custom car shop here (northern illinois) that did one. it was a ttop car and looked "different" they made the top removable kind of like a bronco, where it bolts in at the top and locates on pins where the "C" pillars were... its a matter of taste i guess.
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Old 02-14-2006, 09:05 PM
 
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there is one on cardomain with the roof chopped
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Old 03-17-2006, 10:56 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Duff-Man
there is one on cardomain with the roof chopped

link please?
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Old 09-26-2006, 12:26 AM
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In most cases cutting off the roof ruins the structural integrity of the car. I've seen one that was undrivable after a couple years of use. If I were you I'd find out if the t-top cars have extra bracing underneath, like a convertible. If so, then don't cut yours, because that would be proof positive that the frame needs extra support for that style roof. If not, then maybe the frame in stock form is strong enough to handle it. Good luck!
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Old 09-26-2006, 06:42 PM
 
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I have a t-top, and all the crap is torn off the ceiling on the inside and the only reinforcing done is with bends the sheet steel.
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Old 09-27-2006, 05:38 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chuggernaught
I have a t-top, and all the crap is torn off the ceiling on the inside and the only reinforcing done is with bends the sheet steel.
What I meant was that convertibles have crossbraces that cross from one side of the frame to the other on the underside of the car to make up for structural rigidity that is lost when you don't have a full steel roof. Your t-top car may have them as well, where a hard top would not.
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Old 09-28-2006, 02:46 AM
 
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Duh! (SMACK!) It might help if I actually read the whole entry, huh? I'll check that while I'm underthere tomorrow.
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Old 09-28-2006, 05:03 PM
 
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ok. I checked under my car and there doesn't seem to be any extra support for the top.
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Old 09-28-2006, 09:57 PM
 
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Have you looked under a 1977 Thunderbird convertible? That would be interesting.
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Old 04-22-2007, 02:12 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Harley Eaton View Post
Have you looked under a 1977 Thunderbird convertible? That would be interesting.
I've only heard of a 79 convertible
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Old 05-02-2007, 06:04 AM
 
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If done right it might be a nice look.
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Old 05-27-2009, 01:29 AM
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thinking about putting t-tops in my 79 cougar. as far as I know the only extra bracing on the t-tops are from the firewall to the fenders.
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