Nissan 370Z Forum

Nissan 370Z Forum (http://www.the370z.com/)
-   Exterior & Interior (http://www.the370z.com/exterior-interior/)
-   -   Transparent Roof. (http://www.the370z.com/exterior-interior/35314-transparent-roof.html)

m4a1mustang 04-25-2011 02:59 PM

Found this picture from the AM Performance build.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._7645146_n.jpg

Looks like we've got a simple aluminum body panel with a brace to support the panel itself from caving in at the centerline, but not to provide structural support to the actual frame. We should be able to cut this out and install a glass roof without any (structural) issues.

m4a1mustang 04-25-2011 03:04 PM

Of course we probably should just talk to Shell. :stirthepot:

shadoquad 04-25-2011 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang (Post 1073048)
Of course we probably should just talk to Shell. :stirthepot:

http://www.2dayblog.com/images/2010/...ransparent.jpg

Lemers 04-25-2011 03:10 PM

TopGone did a targa for the Z. I'm sure there is enough research there to tell you what can be cut and what needs reinforcement.

Mike 04-25-2011 03:34 PM

and remember, the corvette has a removable roof panel to begin with, so its just a lexan skin on the same frame. comes as an option from the factory, solid roof, transparent roof or both, your choice

Cmike2780 04-25-2011 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lemers (Post 1073057)
TopGone did a targa for the Z. I'm sure there is enough research there to tell you what can be cut and what needs reinforcement.

This?

[IMG]http://jpmcgphotography.smugmug.com/...7_43Pjz-XL.jpg[/IMG]

AdobePhil 04-25-2011 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cmike2780 (Post 1073086)

I was thinking of the same exact car. I would think you'd need the side supports for this implementation though.

Econ 04-25-2011 04:01 PM

i'm sorry but that T-Top is pretty ugly imo

m4a1mustang 04-25-2011 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Econ (Post 1073143)
i'm sorry but that T-Top is pretty ugly imo

Agreed. The roof line is lost.

A nice tinted glass roof would look sick, though. And the driving experience would be totally different. An open air driving experience without all of that nasty pollen. :tup:

spearfish25 04-25-2011 04:06 PM

I'd leave the supports running along the tops of the windows (A pillar to B pillar). Then just pull off the glass rectangular panel that forms the roof.

An easy way to know is to pull the interior roof liner. Apparently, it's easy to pull off once the rear mirror is removed.

Econ 04-25-2011 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang (Post 1073151)
Agreed. The roof line is lost.

A nice tinted glass roof would look sick, though. And the driving experience would be totally different. An open air driving experience without all of that nasty pollen. :tup:

I agree. The only things that would worry me in regards to the glass roof:

1) Cost (can we do it for under $2k)
2) Functionaility (leaks, aerodynamics, noise issues)
3) Looks (does it maintain the same lines, and does it look right from the outside)
4) Resale Value (could hurt the value of the car a lot)

m4a1mustang 04-25-2011 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spearfish25 (Post 1073162)
I'd leave the supports running along the tops of the windows (A pillar to B pillar). Then just pull off the glass rectangular panel that forms the roof.

An easy way to know is to pull the interior roof liner. Apparently, it's easy to pull off once the rear mirror is removed.

Yep, those are definitely important structural pieces, and they provide for a very dramatic roofline.

If someone makes a glass roof kit for the Z I would hope they included a pull-out blind for when you wanted to close things up and block the light.

m4a1mustang 04-25-2011 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Econ (Post 1073164)
I agree. The only things that would worry me in regards to the glass roof:

1) Cost (can we do it for under $2k)
2) Functionaility (leaks, aerodynamics, noise issues)
3) Looks (does it maintain the same lines, and does it look right from the outside)
4) Resale Value (could hurt the value of the car a lot)

All valid points. If a Mustang kit cost $1,000 a number of years ago I would expect the Z kit to cost at least $500 more due to likely fewer sales and the more complex roof design. There's a lot more curvature to the Z's roof.

I think as long as the replacement glass mirrored the stock roof's shape there would be no aero issues. If the seals are good there shouldn't be any leaking but obviously over time who knows how well it would hold up.

Looks would be fine, I think. I'd assume the glass would be tinted so it should look like the cars that have their roofs painted or overlayed in black.

Resale... I suppose it could be a blessing or a curse!

spearfish25 04-25-2011 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang (Post 1073170)
If someone makes a glass roof kit for the Z I would hope they included a pull-out blind for when you wanted to close things up and block the light.

Something nice like this:
http://media4.px.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/...eMCOYnF9a2oA/l

m4a1mustang 04-25-2011 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spearfish25 (Post 1073196)

Gotta keep it classy. ;)


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