[goshen17]

I've been building a street/strip t-top fox that is nearly road worthy now. A few months ago someone at a local parts store told me to be careful on the strip because t-tops can come loose under torque and actually come off the car. I have installed subframe connectors, but now that I am only a couple weeks out from taking it to our local "street fights", the possibility of my t-tops flying off my car is leaving me a bit anxious.

Has anyone ever seen this happen? I'm probably pushing 400+ hp at the moment, but could see as much as 500+ by the end of the season. Roll cage in the not-too-distant future.....

And now for a really newb question, but are t-top / convertible cars required to have their tops installed / up in order to run on a strip?

Thanks.

[kent69ss]

I have heard of this happening, due to chassy flex.The sub conecters should prevent it. But I would check with your local track and see if you can run with them removed.Once cage is installed you wont have to worry.

[KLWorra]

I had about 425HP with my last engine, used to hit it pretty hard, never had a problem. I have subframe connectors, drag radials, 5 speed, hooks pretty good.

I never really thought about them coming off, guess it could be possible, there is only about 1/2" engagement and the recepters are pretty weak.

I guess though if there were enough twist to pull them out or break the recepter the window itself would be crushed. There isn't much give between the T-Top opening and the window itself, maybe 1/8" around. I am thinking it would pull out on one side and squeeze on the other.

thanks for the thread, might have saved me from hurting mine, they are EXPENSIVE.

sure how other folks post on to this one, I will be following.

[PLstang]

Top has to be up or t-tops installed. Same things as having to have your windows rolled up.

I would check with your local track to see if T-topped cars fall into the same rules as convertibles. If they do your going to need a cage Loooooong before you see 11.5.

[kilog55]

ive seen em on pinks and running hard you should be ok, cause we all know how the launch on pinks when they want to win and the one t-topper was launching hard. dont remember a cage in it though

[RLG34750]

Originally Posted by PLstang

Top has to be up or t-tops installed. Same things as having to have your windows rolled up.

I would check with your local track to see if T-topped cars fall into the same rules as convertibles. If they do your going to need a cage Loooooong before you see 11.5.

According to NHRA T-Top cars are classified as a hardtop....

as long as the removable panel are installed you are good to 11.49 (1/4)..

this is a great article with regard to roll bar installation in a t-top fox body

Fox Body Mustang Rollcage - 5.0 Mustang & Super Fords Magazine

[PLstang]

Originally Posted by RLG34750

According to NHRA T-Top cars are classified as a hardtop....

as long as the removable panel are installed you are good to 11.49 (1/4)..

this is a great article with regard to roll bar installation in a t-top fox body

Fox Body Mustang Rollcage - 5.0 Mustang & Super Fords Magazine

Well there you have it!

[samotrx7]

I don't think it'll be a problem, I used to beat mine up pretty bad launching at 4-5000 rpm's on drag radials, and I never had that happen before. That might fall under the whole "final destination" freak accident category. I've honestly never seen it happen, but hey I guess anything is possible .

[Enigma]

The subframe connectors should be good. If you still feel uneaasy why not make some small welds from the roll cage to the upper and side upper chassis? That would limit it's flex considerably.

I don't know any tracks that would let you run with windows or top open. Honestly I wouldent sugjest it. Air would get into the car, create a parachute effect, and slow you down a bit. Airodynamics.