Lemans Hardtop Install

Tenrocca · #1 (**permalink**) 06-15-2016, 06:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gav

I did drive it on the road as well.
The noise with a top on is less than without.

It was quieter for sure, couldnt hear anything over the sound of me sh1tting myself.

A few small updates - have sorted the windscreen fittings I think. Found that the standard t-bolt coming straight through didnt allow me to get the clamping knob on, so had to put a little bend in them. Not sure if Mr Bruces design changed a bit from the one in the pic above. Made 3 all up. Stainless M5 bolt tapped through a little SS plate and tigged on. Then heated it up with the map gas torch to get a bend.

Pictured below on what looks to be a beautiful piece of brushed aluminium.

Roof feels very snug against the screen. Have some19x5mm foam strip to go between which will attach to the top. Just have a few offcuts in there at present.

Next is the body ferrules and brackets for the top. Need to think long and hard for the placement on these as I do not want to drill in the wrong spot.

Blacklemming · #2 (**permalink**) 06-15-2016, 11:43 AM

Looks good

Tenrocca · #3 (**permalink**) 06-22-2016, 06:08 AM

So I now have the top bolted on. Still havent machined up the ferrules, so it is just bolted through the fibreglass so far with 5mm bolts - these will eventually bolt into the threaded ferrules. Made up 4 S\S brackets that have just been epoxied to the top so far - I will glass over them later. The top feel solid as a rock once bolted down and seals very nice against the body.

The latch mechanism is close to finished as well. Just need to do the striker plate. The guides that came with the locking rods were a bit ordinary so I bought a couple of linear bearings, gutted the inside, and printed off a couple of inserts on the 3d printer at work to suit the diameter of the rods. When it is all done the frame and brackets will all be glassed over.

Once the ferrules and latch are finished, and its bolted in final position I will back off the windscreen bolts and tighten back up to take any tension off. Then its body work time and cleaning up the inside. Getting a nice finish on the inside of the hatch is going to be a challenge. Also want to do a mould to slump some plexi over for the hatch - I think it will fit and look better then trying to force a bend in a flat sheet. We have a big oven in the art department that might come in handy.

Tenrocca · #4 (**permalink**) 07-03-2016, 04:48 AM

Small update - machine up the body ferrules and installed. Turned out quite neat and not too ugly with the top off. Ill Just put a s\s button head in there when not installed.

Jaydee · #5 (**permalink**) 07-03-2016, 06:53 AM

Nice job so far. I've been thinking about a hard top, but I'm 6'3" and wonder how hard it is getting in and out. And like you, I don't really want side windows, but will it keep the rain and cold out?
Are you coating or smoothing the inside?
JD

Tenrocca · #6 (**permalink**) 07-05-2016, 01:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaydee

Nice job so far. I've been thinking about a hard top, but I'm 6'3" and wonder how hard it is getting in and out. And like you, I don't really want side windows, but will it keep the rain and cold out?
Are you coating or smoothing the inside?
JD

Definitely a technique to getting in and out. Dive in head first, get the left leg over to the other side of the wheel and then slide back is about it. Id find someone with top you can try first before taking the plunge.

Ive taken it for its first run round the block, without the rear window - I think the side windows are essential if you want to enjoy all the benefits of having one. If anything the exhaust sounded louder. Lining - not sure, Gav had carpet lining his which he said made a big difference to the noise.

Cheers