2+2 roofline mods?

[ZROSSA]

Howdy,

 

Has anyone out there modified the roof of the 2+2 to look more like the coupe. I realise there is a lot of work in it. There are not many Coupes in this part of the world so getting the roof of one is not really the answer. They are very expensive as well.

 

I was thinking of taking a thin wedge out of the side of the roof and then trying to weld it back together. Any better ideas.

 

Cheers

 

Douglas

[Sleek Z]

As far back as 1988, I began working up concept drawings for a 2+2 convertible. Mostly I envisioned a project with no roof replacement, but I did toy with the idea of creating an entire fiberglass, lift off top, reinforced with light weight aluminum, flat box channel embedded in it as a frame adequate for sealing unit to body using slide-in, tensioning latches meant to be sufficiently resistant to wind and water, but not to take structural load after roof was cut off. I think the body, shock towers, etc, would all have to be adequately braced before cutting off top to make it all work. btw, the aluminum box channel was also meant to allow attachment of a false ceiling/headliner that could house experiment Koss flat panel speakers and lighting such as flouresent tubes.

 

 

 

Above is one concept drawing I quickly designed many years ago to show top replacement look I had in mind. This design is stting atop an actual stock 2+2 upper body outline in proper proportions. Lower areas are again a custom concept of that designing period. Kickup rear spoiler was envisioned as being integrated part of one piece fiberglass top.

 

Perhaps the above idea will give you some new ideas. I'd love to see what you come up with because I think the potential of the much ignored 2+2 Z car body needs to be re-examined this point in time.

 

Note, I'll make a shameless plug for the convertible and /or bracing kit that I sell on my website called the Z Spyder, designed by well known designer, Sam Freeman. Another Hybridz member here, working on a 2+2 convertible, has seriously looked into using the rear cap on his car while others have been eyeing the virtues of the pre-fabbed bracing kit for either convertible or V8 projects. You might want to take a look at it for reference. Links to more info are at

 

http://www.zparts.com/home.html

 

http://www.zparts.com/inprogress.html

[ZROSSA]

Sleek Z,

 

I have been through the convertable stage a couple of times now. When I saw that you were going to sell that kit I was pretty keen but in the end I need a roof. You see, IT RAINS HERE.

 

Its also bloody cold in the winter and there are nasty criminals that would want to part me from my z if I leave it buy its self in town. We have 4 cars in the family and only 2 of us that can drive. The z is going to be a gt style very fast tourer. Something my wife a i can jump into and explore quickly and in some comfort. The vert just doesnt work 4 me. Buy the time it would be weather proof i could have a factory vert for the same price.

 

What i really want to do is just modify the existing shape a bit so that it doesnt look so much like a hocky stick. I have the chassis strengh sorted in my head at least. I am going to do a back bone chassis along the trans tunnel that will join the front and rear struts as well.

 

This is still a while away. Really need to finish the race car and its now at the stage when it sucks up money thats not really there. Getting lots of welding practice though.

 

Cheers

 

Douglas

[Trevor]

I always thought a "reverse curve" like a Jaguar XJS would work from a 2+2.

 

Change the hatchback to a decklid.

 

It would have to be black

[ZROSSA]

I want to keep it as simple as possable. If there wasnt rust in the top of the tailgate I would leave it as is. The owner before me did some mods to it so its a little different from stock anyway. Different tailights, no crome, side lights, or bumpers. I just need to get the back of the roof lower so it doesnt look so ass heavy.

 

Douglas