Crazy Question, can I modify the Emira have a removable roof?

[zzthechampion]

I know the Exige and Elise had this function where you could remove the roof. It would be awesome to have something like the Corvette where the roof is easily removed. I know it sounds crazy but that is the one thing I wish the Emira had that it doesnt- otherwise its the perfect car for me. Would it be possible with how the car is designed or would that be a huge pain? I especially don’t want to damage any electronics.

 

[DerTheDer]

Yeah, with enough money...I converted my 85 Rx7 into a Targa. Once thing you would have to ensure is you are not destroying the structural integrity of the car. I would be interested in stress tests with G's and how much the roof helps reduce that stress. If you remove that, the stress will be transferred to other parts and potentially causing damage.

gh

 

[zzthechampion]

I see, your car looks amazing! How much money are we talking, do you think?

 

[El Chorizo]

I see, your car looks amazing! How much money are we talking, do you think?

For something done properly, you are probably looking at a minimum of $6k, and to do it right probably upwards of $15k.

 

[DerTheDer]

I see, your car looks amazing! How much money are we talking, do you think?

I would feel 10k would be the right price to have a professional do it. That will include designing a latching system so the top does not fly off at speed. I would first start by seeing which business would even take this on.

I did mine myself but I wouldn't recommend it unless you have the knowledge or at least have some friends with the knowledge.

 

[zzthechampion]

For something done properly, you are probably looking at a minimum of $6k, and to do it right probably upwards of $15k.

I would feel 10k would be the right price to have a professional do it. That will include designing a latching system so the top does not fly off at speed. I would first start by seeing which business would even take this on.

I did mine myself but I wouldn't recommend it unless you have the knowledge or at least have some friends with the knowledge.

I am definitely not handy enough to do it myself. I think 10k is very reasonable to upgrade the car is such a meaningful way.

 

[DerTheDer]

I brought this car back from the dead.

 

[seriously]

I yearn for the same mod, but I would worry about rollover safety. Convertibles or targas have to test to ensure the cockpit can withstand a rollover. I don't know how you would test whether or not the windshield or B pillar needed extra support. Realistically, you'd probably just be taking the risk and it would "probably" never be an issue.

 

[Blackthought_]

If you google lotus Evora roadster, you’ll find this was attempted with a first gen lotus Evora a few years back. Tons of time and money went into it and I recall the car being sold after the project was completed and the OP stopped responding to any questions about the car. Not sure if that’s a good sign.

 

[El Chorizo]

I had a Targa top MKIV Supra -- that was a beautiful design. The top fit in the rear hatch area perfectly.

 

[24Emira]

This is the #1 thing I miss with the Emira vs Vettes... the top needs to be removable! The HTC vette was amazing and that would be even better (albeit at a 100# gain).

 

[RyanGphoto]

Who would you even contact to try and make this happen? Where do I start? For $10k, I might be the guinea pig...

Ryan G

 

[Mateo]

If only JC Whitney was still in business...

 

[cyanmauve]

Who would you even contact to try and make this happen? Where do I start? For $10k, I might be the guinea pig...

Ryan G

The people who would confidently say they could make this happen, especially for $10k, are exactly the people who you would NOT want doing this to your car!

 

[cyanmauve]

Also, I can make this happen for less than $10k.

https://www.harborfreight.com/power-tools/power-saws/reciprocating-saws/6-amp-rotating-handle-variable-speed-reciprocating-saw-57806.html

Now, where and when should I pick up your car?

 

[kitkat]

Anything is possible with enough power tools. That doesn’t mean you should though — the roof is a structural component of the chassis.

 

[RyanGphoto]

Anything is possible with enough power tools. That doesn’t mean you should though — the roof is a structural component of the chassis.

I mean who needs a roof... ha..

but in all seriousness.. the odds of it being an issue are pretty slim as this is not my DD.. but yea I would love to have a targa or topless Emira!

Ryan G

 

[allenyao09]

Even McLaren P1 can be converted to a spider.. It's definitely doable but will be super expensive if you want high quality work.

 

[SONOFEMERY]

I assume the Emira heavily relies on the structural integrity of the roof. Anything less than the absolute best conversion, with all the additional design, support structure, testing, etc would likely just result in a very floppy feeling car. That's my feeling, but I also would LOVE to see you attempt it if you're up for the journey. Godspeed!

 

[squish]

I mean who needs a roof... ha..

but in all seriousness.. the odds of it being an issue are pretty slim as this is not my DD.. but yea I would love to have a targa or topless Emira!

I guess you don’t care if your non-DD has doors that can open and close, inconsistent panel gaps, and uneven tire wear, just to name a few problems you will run into.

I used to work at a place that did targa and convertible conversions. You really need someone to engineer and implement proper frame reinforcing before you start cutting roofs off cars. It can be done, but it will cost a lot more than 10k to do it right.