Hard Top Flying Off ! Help !

JerseyCobra · #1 (**permalink**) 11-21-2007, 09:07 PM

Hey Guys - I have a hard top for my FF Cobra (live in NJ). Went out last weekend and all was well - until I gave it some serious gas. Luckily I have some quick hands. The top caught some air underneath it , and it started to lift off the windshield. My wife always said I have strong hands - lol. Anywa, I tightened the screws back down and all seemed well - until I gunned it again - once again, thank god for the quick hands. I now am wary of taking it out with the top on again. I am afraid to really tighten down on the hand screws for the top catch (to the winshield) as I don't want to srip the threads o the material the top is made out of (fiberglass i think). Any suggestions or anyone else with the same problem? Thanks JC

Cashburn · #2 (**permalink**) 11-21-2007, 09:56 PM

Does it have a center stay?

strictlypersonl · #3 (**permalink**) 11-22-2007, 05:37 AM

What holds it down now? Could you add on the original soft-top hardware?

RICK LAKE · #4 (**permalink**) 11-22-2007, 05:59 AM

Jersery Cobra It's 60+ degrees today and the sun is out. You can leave the top at home. Wear hats and jackets.

If you can't find the correct hardware for your hard top, try a Lowes or depot for the latches you are looking for. I am sure you can find something that will lock on the top. Why is the top popping up?? Is the windshield bending back? Body twisting? Latch hardwear not holding? Is there a foam strip in the front between the top and the windshield support? if not the air may be getting under here and cause the lift. What does FFR say. Give them a call for any ideas. Rick L.

Blas · #5 (**permalink**) 11-22-2007, 08:18 AM

I'm no FFR expert, but if the photo in your gallery is you and your car (Color coordinated outfit?...nice..hehehehe) there appears to be a lip in the front of the hardtop extending ahead of the windshield. I would think it becomes a spoiler of sorts, adding pressure to the window frame and lift to the top (protrusion of top acting as "wing") Test the theory by putting some racing tape along the window/top seam to divert the air. Don't stick it to the top or the test will be invalid (cause of the extra anchoring of the tape - frame to top) Just to see if the air diversion solves the problem...Bring your fast hands with for the test, but I'll bet you won't need them....but if you do, then body flex, windshield design, mounting hardware, will be the next thing to look at. I would guess that driving without the side windows would be a major disaster with this problem unsolved...due to the added air pressure underneath the top...
If that does the trick...adjust the angle of the windshield to eliminate the hardtop's "lip" that extends beyond the window frame - no spoiler means no lift...
Good luck...

khansmith · #6 (**permalink**) 11-22-2007, 08:21 AM

I am sorry to hear you are having a hard time with the top. You mention you have to tighten the screws again. Are you sure that the holes are not already stripped or the holes bent/skewed as a result of the upward pressure?

RACERAL · #7 (**permalink**) 11-22-2007, 09:31 AM

Lets see.. one hand on the top, one hand rowing gears, driving with your knees.. yep, that ought to do it....

JerseyCobra · #8 (**permalink**) 11-24-2007, 09:44 AM

Thanks guys. I knew I would get some good advice. The lip from the windshield to the roof is the problem I think. Maybe a piece of tape would do the trick - to divert the wind like a spoiler. It is about 35 here today and with no heat and the wind finding every crack and crevice on the car, I am not sure I will be trying the tape out anytime soon. Thanks, JC

RICK LAKE · #9 (**permalink**) 11-25-2007, 07:45 AM

Jersey Cobra Come on, it's going to be in the low 50's after lunch.

The sun is out, go for it. Rick L.

JBo · #10 (**permalink**) 11-25-2007, 08:58 AM

These cars were designed as "roadsters" original CSX and AK oqners manuals advise not to exceed 60 MPH with hood (top) in place. Loosi ng top is one thing, the other real danger is deforming the windshield frame. Hard top could be worse as once it starts, it may be to heavy to stop.

RICK LAKE · #11 (**permalink**) 11-26-2007, 06:12 AM

JerseyCobra On your windshield are the bottom bolt holes slotted? They are on an ERA. You can tilt the windshield forward and back about 1/2". This make take up some of the space between the top and windshield frame. Put foam tape on the top. This should takeup the space between the two pieces. Rick

Dangerous Doug · #12 (**permalink**) 11-30-2007, 03:07 PM

I've a similar problem: when I'm driving by, women in cars nearby let their tops fly off.

Anybody else have this problem? Any ideas of how to make it happen more frequently?

DD