Getting soft top in trunk

[OldFoggey]

Took my BDR to Boynton Beach a couple months back for the folks to install a soft top. Tired of my car sitting in the garage so much during the summer months because of the daily Florida downpours. The top has remained on since they installed it but today I took it off before my ride and was hoping to store it in the trunk so it would be handy if I needed it. For the life of me I can't see anyway to get it in there. I've seen other posts where owners say they put them in the truck. Can someone enlighten me on the trick to this? Sure would appreciate it.

Thanks.....Don

[spl310]

I assume that the problem is with the frame. Does it pull apart in the middle to make it smaller to fit?

[mdross1]

Actually once apart and folded up it leaves room for luggage.We have room behind the seats for luggage as well.Actually the top and bows also fit behind the seats along with the tonneau.

[DonC]

Don:
Hang in for a day or so and I'll post some photos of how I fold mine up. Top, bows and side curtains stay in the trunk just about all the time. Don't take up a great deal of room.
DonC

[my427cobra]

Yup,the top bows should come apart in the middle making them easier to store. My car was made with a shelf (32''w x 16"l x 7"h) above the rear axle (see pic):


My conv top and bows store in a large flat vinyl bag, my sliding plexi side windows also store in a large flat vinyl bag and my tonneau cover is in a vinyl bag. They all store on this shelf (see pic):



I put in a couple of "bonnet straps" from Moss Motors to hold them in place.

Leaves the whole trunk for other storage.

Cheers
Greg

[DonC]

My procedure but keep in mind different companies will have equipment that varies somewhat but you may be able to use this for general purposes.
First I lay the top out with the inside facing up so when I'm finished folding the exterior surface is on the outside.


Next fold the bottom over so the windows are protected by the rest of the material as you proceed.


Next fold in the "wings" that are formed by the rear/side windows.


Once the wings are folded in rotate the top frames so the curved ends are pointing down.


Next fold the material towards the top again capturing the top frame under the folded material.


Finally fold the assembly in half width wise. Make sure that when you fold the top frames are back to back to they aren't straining the material between them.


Stowing in the trunk:
First things in are the top bows stowed with the tab that carries the rear bow facing down so anything going in on top of them won't be gouged by the tabs.


Next are the side curtains with an old beach towel running between them and over the one on top to protect it from major scratches.




The last thing to go in is the top itself with the curved ends of the top frame to the outside of the trunk to keep them out of the way.


That's about it. Takes much longer to write it out than to do it. Last one is a photo of the trunk with my Crescent 100 piece tool kit which I'm never without. Again, very little space taken up by it but most of the tools I'd need for a side of the road fix if it isn't too serious.


DonC

[STEVE-O]

Nice pics and description Don! It belongs in an owners manual.

[MOTORHEAD]

Guys: the OP has a Backdraft which I believe has a ONE PIECE header bar. (if I remember correctly) The OP needs to ck in and give more detail.

[windy]

Mt experience with a softtop in the rain is that you will have a dryer ride; but not a dry one by any means...

[OldFoggey]

Great write instructions and photos DonC. I did get the top out last night and the bars do come apart but as someone mentioned, the bar that runs across the top of the windshield is one piece. There might be just enough room that if you could get it through the truck opening you could angle it to get it in. Getting it through the opening is where I can't see how it's done. Thanks for all the responses........Don

[DAVESBDR956]

My experience is BDR one piece bar won't fit without effort. Then you need to repair the top after you get it out.

[cat cobra]

Why didn't you ask BDR about fitting in the trunk, before buying?

[DonC]

Don't know about anyone else but getting the top in the trunk wasn't one of questions I asked myself when setting up my order with ERA. There were a ton of other concerns I needed answers for but not that one.
DonC