soft top updates

Dusty Rhodes · #1 (**permalink**) 04-15-2007, 04:11 PM

new pictures of the soft top in my gallery. I would like some feedback on it. there are a few changes to make to it. One is the topof the back window, it is too tall, and the sides of the back window needs to be rounded off.
I tested it yesterday for about 80 miles on the freeway. I left out at 5 am and 50 degrees, to go to the autofair at lowesmotorspeedway. with no heater it was nice in the car. and the top stayed on. it takes less than 10 mins. to put it on the car.
thanks Dusty

OhBuoy · #2 (**permalink**) 04-15-2007, 08:56 PM

Yeah, that back window is a little large! Kinda looks like the Pope mobile

. I like the look with no window! Thought of a cost yet?

jams · #3 (**permalink**) 04-16-2007, 01:50 PM

Looks very secure. Do you have any pictures of how it attaches to the windshield (Both of the side support bar and the cloth to the top of the windshield)?

Dusty Rhodes · #4 (**permalink**) 04-16-2007, 04:17 PM

the cloth is over the top and around and under the windshield bows. I made the bows, but I am working on a better bow.the bows will hook to the windshield with draw latches, right now it just has snaps on it. I dont like the snaps, the latches are safer. The side bars slide in a coulpling. that is also the nut for the top hinge for the windwing. I had to do a lot of peacing on the cloth on that top, but the next ones will be with better material.

imagine2frolic · #5 (**permalink**) 04-16-2007, 05:08 PM

How about the back window in three pieces? That way you can keep the rear quarter view, and reduce the main rear window too a bit.

duke · #6 (**permalink**) 04-17-2007, 04:11 PM

The top looks good except for the large rear window. Just a suggestion but a MGB top is very close in size. Good source of latchs is British Victoria. I have never liked taking the clean cobra body lines and putting a whole row of lift the dot studs in the deck. You can elimimates 75% of the fasteners with a MG mounting. There is a small steel strip sewn in the back hem that hooks on a slotted fastner bolted to the deck. They also use a metal tab that hooks to the front by the door. Very clean lines and secures the top to 90+MPH. Could not figure out how to upload a pdf of the components so will email to you.

pmfranke · #7 (**permalink**) 04-28-2007, 09:01 PM

looks great ! I agree with imagine2frolic i think a three lite rear window like the MGB might look better . try puttting some black tape on as a mock up to see what it would look like. nice work dusty.

pmfranke · #8 (**permalink**) 05-14-2007, 01:22 PM

How the top coming ????? new pics??????

pmfranke · #9 (**permalink**) 05-31-2007, 09:16 AM

Hey Dusty, any progress ?

Dusty Rhodes · #10 (**permalink**) 05-31-2007, 05:49 PM

I got one top finished, with sidewindows, it works great, but I dont like it and soon I will get started on another one with changes to more update this one.

pmfranke · #11 (**permalink**) 06-02-2007, 09:36 AM

keep on it!we are all waiting with bait in our mouth's.

speed racer · #12 (**permalink**) 06-22-2007, 06:30 PM

The top looks great the window in the back is alittle big for my taste.Are you making this top your self if so awesome job.
I did notice the degree of your windshield. I had to slant mine back alot helped on topend speed. and give a more agresive look. just pointing it out because this would make a difference on fitting the roof on other cars, would I be correct on this? Oh to lean the windshield back I had to trim some of the post that goes down into the car it hit the frame in spots.
James

pmfranke · #13 (**permalink**) 10-01-2007, 12:50 PM

I moved to Hawaii and i really would like to bring my car over but i have no top! How is the new and improved top comming??????