1974 Duster t-top conversion

Max_118 said
What kind of reinforcements DID the convertibles have?

The primary reinforcement for the convertibles was just torque boxes, I don’t think they had much else actually. Maybe a ‘vert owner can add more detail.

That’s not all I’d do, the factory convertibles were pretty flexy. Hell the regular cars were pretty flexy. But torque boxes, subframe connectors and a well thought out roof structure could make up for the addition of the t-tops. A standard roof car would still be stiffer with the same chassis reinforcements, but I think you could make it better than they left the factory.

moparmat2000 said
I believe the dodge Aspen plymouth volare t tops were done by the now defunct cars and concepts as were the dodge magnum tops. A lot of the t top conversions on most cars in the 70s and 80s were done by C&C. Dodge Daytona, second gen camaro/firebird, fox body mustangs & capris. Even the pontiac fiero. Good luck finding weather stripping, and getting it to seal. I think subframe connectors and torque boxes would be enough for this. Heck, on the FWD daytonas they never even modded the chassis under it. I would look at whichever T top conversion you can readily find repop weatherstripping for and start from there. Measure roof widths and curvatures from all those different cars if you have access to them. You will need to get the glass and T bar frame from somewhere to make this. Preferably glass that has a similar curvature as your duster roof, or this ain't gonna look good.

Good luck.

The weatherstripping deal is no joke! It’s a problem for people that have t-top cars.

As for the roof curvature, I think the late 70’s camaro’s and firebirds would be pretty darn close.