Should I cut the roof of my '77?

[jerbird]

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.

 

[Gearworks]

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.

 

[Duff-Man]

there is one on cardomain with the roof chopped

 

[g_lower]

there is one on cardomain with the roof chopped

link please?

 

[fomocoguy]

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!

 

[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.

 

[fomocoguy]

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.

 

[Chuggernaught]

Duh! (SMACK!) It might help if I actually read the whole entry, huh? I'll check that while I'm underthere tomorrow.

 

[Chuggernaught]

ok. I checked under my car and there doesn't seem to be any extra support for the top.

 

[tbird5866]

Have you looked under a 1977 Thunderbird convertible? That would be interesting.

 

[g_lower]

Have you looked under a 1977 Thunderbird convertible? That would be interesting.

I've only heard of a 79 convertible

 

[prostreet bird]

If done right it might be a nice look.

 

[g_lower]

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.