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
Posted by 2002Z4CSS (Member # 1393) on :
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? Posted by HTWLSS (Member # 117) on :
Welcome!
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.
Posted by XBCHBUM (Member # 734) on :
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
Posted by OBSSD (Member # 1258) on :
I'm not a 'vert owner, but welcome just the same.
Posted by Hookerf14 (Member # 1602) on :
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.
Again welcome.
Glenn AKA Hooker
[ 29. January 2003, 02:14 PM: Message edited by: Hookerf14 ]
Posted by BPS (Member # 1260) on :
welcome
another vote for KBDD's
As far as the top goes - you have to release the line pressure. Still heavy but easier.
Why do you want to do this?
Posted by ArcticYT95TA (Member # 1816) on :
quote:Originally posted by BPS: welcome
another vote for KBDD's
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.
Posted by TonyJ (Member # 1232) on :
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 Posted by ArcticYT95TA (Member # 1816) on :
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
Posted by JohnnyBs98WS6Rag (Member # 1028) on :
Welcome!
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....... Posted by TonyJ (Member # 1232) on :
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... Posted by BAD35THSS (Member # 1824) on :
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....
Posted by Pierre's FIREHAWK RAGTOP DAYS (Member # 1509) on :
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!!!!!!!
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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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