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Hello everyone, I just recently found this site from the CamaroZ28.com message board. This is what I have been looking for. I love my convertible Trans Am. I was hoping to find others with the same interest as far as drop tops went. I look forward to posting here.
My 1st question is: I have heard quite a bit about adding subframe connectors. So far, I have found BMR and Kenny Brown. How much difference is there between the two? The price of the BMR is quite appealing, and how much should I expect to pay in installation?
My 2nd question is: Can I make my power top a manual top? I turned the motor off, but it is very hard to put the top up and down. Has anyone done this?
Thanks in advance, and once again, great to find fellow enthusiasts.
1995 Trans Am convertible, Arctic White, white top, leather, power everything, A4, perfomance transmission button, AVS taillight covers, black TA door logos, black Pontiac tail fill, white TA/bird on rear panel Best 1/4 time: 14.1@101.5 on street tires
Posts: 34 | From: Lansing, Michigan | Registered: Jan 2003
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Welcome to the board! I do not have SFC's,but someone here will answer that for you. Why do you want your top a manual top? Did you close the hydraulic valve near the pump?
-------------------- Current ride is: 2002 Brickyard 400 35th Anniversary LE convertible #22,SLP build# 0036,35th Anniversary Build #47 EMCC Member #234 www.emcamaro.org WCA Member #197582 MMCC Member #28 NEOCC Member #634 Posts: 5682 | From: Dearborn,Mi. | Registered: Feb 2002
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We have KBDD's on our SS. Steve modified them to bolt on rather than weld on.
As far as the top goes, why are you trying to make your top non-powered? If you release the pressure in the lines, it would make it easier. Check your manual for the location of the valve in the left rear corner of the car, accessed from the trunk.
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Welcome! Got the KBDDs welded on mine for almost two years now. Pics in sig. I don't know much about the BMR. I believe a few people have them in the convertible forum on ls1.com
-------------------- '01 SS #1618 Pewter Vert M6 My Conveyance BFBA Posts: 465 | From: B'ham, AL | Registered: Sep 2000
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Welcome, I've been debating over a decision to offer my LE as a test platform for a new line of SFC offered by SPAUN. A good friend of mine has them installed on his T-top 02 SS. He was really pleased. As of now, KB seem to be the choice for verts.
As far as the top goes - you have to release the line pressure. Still heavy but easier.
Why do you want to do this?
Thanks to everyone who replied, it was a nice welcome. Well, the answer to the "why do I want a manual top?" is, well, just to be different My friend has a 92 Corvette with a manual convertible top, and his car gave me the idea. That and the fact that the motor is running quite slow, and will probably go out on me. I am still wondering about the price of installation of the SFC's preferrably welded. I do not have access to a welder, etc. I am hoping to get the BMR's and the installation right around what I would pay for the KB's. Thanks in advance for any advice/guidance.
Posts: 34 | From: Lansing, Michigan | Registered: Jan 2003
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Welcome. I've got the BMRs coming in the next few days... I'll let you know how they work out. I chose them because I've got Hooker Longtubes and want to get an adjustable torque arm and didn't want to worry about the interference issues. I'm also looking forward to having some good jack points!
quote:Originally posted by TonyJ: Welcome. I've got the BMRs coming in the next few days... I'll let you know how they work out. I chose them because I've got Hooker Longtubes and want to get an adjustable torque arm and didn't want to worry about the interference issues. I'm also looking forward to having some good jack points!
Later, TJ
Any idea how much it would cost to have them welded in? Thanks
Posts: 34 | From: Lansing, Michigan | Registered: Jan 2003
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I paid $120 last summer to have my KBDDSFCs welded in. Gotta make sure the shop that does the work has a flat drive-on rack, as the car must be sitting level on it's suspension before welding. I highly recommend the KBs.
Need a sub-box? Check my sig.......
-------------------- Johnny B '98 Triple Black WS6 Convert, 6M, All options, ASC #3030 Pro 5.0, HPP3, 160 T-Stat, K&N, MTI C/F Lid, Black Hurst NASCAR 50th Anniv. Shift Knob, DGM Speedster Tonneau Cover "Bat Attachment", BMR STB, KBDDSFC,....
Custom Drop-Top Subwoofer Box - THIS THING ROCKS (Get Info Here)
'99 Black CC R/T - Shaker Hood (RED), Powerslots, Accel........ '68 Blk/Red Cutlass S
Posts: 103 | From: Ft. Wayne, IN | Registered: Jun 2001
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It probably shouldn't take more than an hour. I'd say most muffler shops are in the $40-$80 an hour range. Anything over $100 and the welder better be an artist... Posts: 87 | From: Boulder, Colorado | Registered: Oct 2001
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I recently got the BMR SFC's installed, they are tubular with 3 welding points along the bar.
Install took about 2 hrs, lining up the rear bolts took a while on the first side the 2nd side went much faster.
The guy who welded them did a good job and even painted the welds after with red paint that matched my car colour pretty close to seal it up. Cost was $100 Cdn (about $60 US).
The car does hook up better and I feel more confident when coming off highway exit ramps at high speed. It also seems that traction 'feels' better especially in rain or slippery conditions, I think I can accelerate faster at all times without worrying about spinning tires (flooring it being the exception of course!). Railroad tracks are smoother and the creaking is much less if at all.
I'm sure whatever way you decide to go with SFC's will be good. Good luck with it....
Posts: 2 | From: GTA Ontario, Canada | Registered: Feb 2003
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WELCOME went with KBDD myself Free installed , I welded, No problems at all and the difference is Like night and day , Makes driving even more fun!!!!!!! Posts: 69 | From: Stop Light City | Registered: Apr 2002
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Got the KBDDs welded on mine for almost two years now. Pics in sig. I don't know much about the BMR. I believe a few people have them in the convertible forum on ls1.com
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