Thinking of making some panels from ali sheet using the original fixing system
Have a pair of spare panels to use for this
The bracket, holding the locking system to the glass seems to be attached using epoxy resin
Has anyone tried to remove the bracket from the glass
Using heat or extreme cold perhaps
Lightweight T-bar Panels
Moderators: IMOC Moderators, IMOC Committee Members
Lightweight T-bar Panels
Peter
1989 MR2 Mk1 NA T-bar
1998 Ssangyong Korando GLS
2011 Honda Civic Type R
1989 MR2 Mk1 NA T-bar
1998 Ssangyong Korando GLS
2011 Honda Civic Type R
Re: Lightweight T-bar Panels
From memory I'm sure its bolted also, I took one apart once but several years ago.
Chris
Chris
Mk1b White T-bar SC 1987, Mk1b White coupe Jan90, Mk1b White coupe Jan90 (spares), Mk1b Mica blue T-bar Mar90, Mk1b Mica blue T-bar,full climate control,Jan90, 5 mk1's
Re: Lightweight T-bar Panels
oukie wrote:From memory I'm sure its bolted also, I took one apart once but several years ago.
Chris
Yes there are a couple of setscrews that fasten into the two "blobs" that are visible on the outside of the glass Chris
Have taken those out
Peter
1989 MR2 Mk1 NA T-bar
1998 Ssangyong Korando GLS
2011 Honda Civic Type R
1989 MR2 Mk1 NA T-bar
1998 Ssangyong Korando GLS
2011 Honda Civic Type R
Re: Lightweight T-bar Panels
I would save your time and effort to be honest.
Mark Edwards had carbon fibre T-bars made up and the weight difference between them and the original glass ones was not particularly different.
Most of the weight of the T-bars is in the locking mechanism and the associated surround.
If you're going to seriously consider losing weight then you should consider alternative ways to fix the T-bars and do away with that weighty lump.
Mark Edwards had carbon fibre T-bars made up and the weight difference between them and the original glass ones was not particularly different.
Most of the weight of the T-bars is in the locking mechanism and the associated surround.
If you're going to seriously consider losing weight then you should consider alternative ways to fix the T-bars and do away with that weighty lump.
I am going to live forever, or die trying!
- Lauren
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Re: Lightweight T-bar Panels
IIRC the difference betweeen a tintop and a t-bar is about 20kgs. Tin top is stiffer too.
2020 GR Yaris - Circuit Pack
Re: Lightweight T-bar Panels
Lauren wrote:IIRC the difference betweeen a tintop and a t-bar is about 20kgs. Tin top is stiffer too.
In the long term I'd like to get a roof panel from a scrap tintop (or modify a sunroof panel)
Remove the windscreen & weld it in
That way I could get rid of the rot above the screen as well
Tintops are like rocking horse manure of course
Peter
1989 MR2 Mk1 NA T-bar
1998 Ssangyong Korando GLS
2011 Honda Civic Type R
1989 MR2 Mk1 NA T-bar
1998 Ssangyong Korando GLS
2011 Honda Civic Type R
- Lauren
- IMOC Committee
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Re: Lightweight T-bar Panels
You'd be far better off re-shelling a sunroof UK car that is clean. But it's a lot of work to save 20kgs so you have to ask yourself if it's worth it.
2020 GR Yaris - Circuit Pack
Re: Lightweight T-bar Panels
Lauren wrote:You'd be far better off re-shelling a sunroof UK car that is clean. But it's a lot of work to save 20kgs so you have to ask yourself if it's worth it.
I agree. Don't see me doing that really, although it's a nice idea
A glass panel complete weighs 4kg according to my bathroom scale
With locking mechanism removed 3.5kg
Looks like a couple of kilos a side could be saved by swapping the glass for plastic or ali.
Peter
1989 MR2 Mk1 NA T-bar
1998 Ssangyong Korando GLS
2011 Honda Civic Type R
1989 MR2 Mk1 NA T-bar
1998 Ssangyong Korando GLS
2011 Honda Civic Type R
- Lauren
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Re: Lightweight T-bar Panels
elbon50 wrote:
Looks like a couple of kilos a side could be saved by swapping the glass for plastic or ali.
Sounds like it''s a complete waste of time!
2020 GR Yaris - Circuit Pack
Re: Lightweight T-bar Panels
Lauren wrote:elbon50 wrote:
Looks like a couple of kilos a side could be saved by swapping the glass for plastic or ali.
Sounds like it''s a complete waste of time!
A lot of the 20kg is in the associated metalwork it seems
The T-bar roof panels and also the extra strengthening in the sills I suppose
Nevertheless, removing bits of weight from all over the car, a little here & a little there, it all subtracts down
Peter
1989 MR2 Mk1 NA T-bar
1998 Ssangyong Korando GLS
2011 Honda Civic Type R
1989 MR2 Mk1 NA T-bar
1998 Ssangyong Korando GLS
2011 Honda Civic Type R
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Re: Lightweight T-bar Panels
How much weight have you actually removed then Peter so far?
Re: Lightweight T-bar Panels
Not wishing to split hairs but the Brian Long MR2 Coupes and Spyders book says the T bar actually added 30kg (66lbs). Interestingly compares with 50kg (110lbs) added by the supercharger installation, he says. Got me thinking with a tin top SC I'm only 20kg above NA T bar weight perhaps. If I gave up beer and exercised more maybe I could reduce the weight even more!
Re: Lightweight T-bar Panels
http://pl-performance.com/products.shtml
they state they do "toyota mr2 mk1 roof panels left and right" in fiberglass , kevlar or CF. if you'll volunteer and confirm good fitment and product quality, I'll be the second one in the queue
they state they do "toyota mr2 mk1 roof panels left and right" in fiberglass , kevlar or CF. if you'll volunteer and confirm good fitment and product quality, I'll be the second one in the queue
Re: Lightweight T-bar Panels
stenky wrote:http://pl-performance.com/products.shtml
they state they do "toyota mr2 mk1 roof panels left and right" in fiberglass , kevlar or CF. if you'll volunteer and confirm good fitment and product quality, I'll be the second one in the queue
I have been in contact with that company a while ago Stenky
Could go & visit him sometime. He's not far from here
Peter
1989 MR2 Mk1 NA T-bar
1998 Ssangyong Korando GLS
2011 Honda Civic Type R
1989 MR2 Mk1 NA T-bar
1998 Ssangyong Korando GLS
2011 Honda Civic Type R
Re: Lightweight T-bar Panels
So, I decided to leave the shallow waters...
Volunteering as a guinea pig for my friend's starting CF company, I have had the T-Bars made of CF.
The weight difference:
Glass panel -> 3400g + shades (3500g maybe?)
CF sandwich panel -> 900g
I haven't swapped the locking mechanism yet, but on trial fitment, they sat snugly. More information to come. Oh and we've made a mould for them so we can reproduce them for the community if desired. (no advertisement intended)
When I am back from holidays, I might start my own mods thread as the panels aren't the only thing we have made of CF
Any guesses?
Volunteering as a guinea pig for my friend's starting CF company, I have had the T-Bars made of CF.
The weight difference:
Glass panel -> 3400g + shades (3500g maybe?)
CF sandwich panel -> 900g
I haven't swapped the locking mechanism yet, but on trial fitment, they sat snugly. More information to come. Oh and we've made a mould for them so we can reproduce them for the community if desired. (no advertisement intended)
When I am back from holidays, I might start my own mods thread as the panels aren't the only thing we have made of CF
Any guesses?
Re: Lightweight T-bar Panels
Hmmm, bonnet & boot lid maybe?
Re: Lightweight T-bar Panels
I've no need for tbar panels (our car was a sunroof - now 20kg lighter since I cut it out and plated over), but I might be interested in other parts
- Lauren
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Re: Lightweight T-bar Panels
They look quite cool, which may be a reason itself to have them, but in regard to weight saving 2.6kgs says there isn't much to gain.
2020 GR Yaris - Circuit Pack
Re: Lightweight T-bar Panels
If you are doing it for looks, then thats fine, but for weight saving i'd suggest if you are down to saving 2.6 kg, you bought the wrong chassis in the first place.
Smallport 4AGTE
Re: Lightweight T-bar Panels
Tintops are extremely rare even in UK. Now imagie how many LHD ones are even remotely available in the rest of Europe. Just a clue. The number we are guessing wasnt considered a number not so long ago. I am working with what i got. 5kg here, 5 there and i believe that after investing some small fortune in CF parts, I can make my car close to 30kg lighter.