'Vert in Vegas

This subject started yesterday under *TII Verts owners, step forward*
Node Said:
Maybe one of you who is handy w/ fiberglass could make a hardtop for the vert.
The stock ragtop would be a good basis for a hardtop shape. Almost same, just smoother, and well, hard and painted ;-)
'Vert in Vegas (me) said:
Node: I agree. I have been looking at my extra Vert. (rough condition) and thinking about using it to build a hardtop. It should follow the lines of the ragtop. It would be nice to have a F/G pro help on the project.
Thay are building airplanes with hi-tech foam, foam pellets, glass and carbon. They cut and shape the foam with hot wires.
I Think it is feasable.
You could use the existing targa top for the front and glass the rear onto it.
If we got one done, I'm sure someone could make a mold and do them in Carbon Fiber.
Anyone in (or near) Vegas interested, and have the know how?

HOW ABOUT IT?
Is there any interest?
If I can make a prototype hardtop, can anyone do it in Carbon Fiber? (The one I make will be too heavy, I'm sure)

Node

iTrader: (1)

fiberglass and carbonfiber wont make too much of a difference in weight.
I think use sunroof and rails etc from an FC coupe, and use latchs like S2000 and Miata hardtops use. Cloth it, paint it.
Oh well I'm gettin ahead of myself

'Vert in Vegas

Node;
The front section of the factory convertible top (The TARGA section) is in fact a fiberglass piece.
Why not use it? It will bolt up to the windshield, fit the door windows, and have a perfect shape.

Node

iTrader: (1)

hmmm, a targa softtop and targa hardtop
Maybe just make an actually nice sturdy strong softtop, i mean the targa is already there, don't they have problems with leaking?
And does anybody have a link w/ the vert top being raised/targafied.

go_speed_go

With a solid top/targa component and a glass rear window with defogger, what additional benefit could a a hardtop produce to warrant the cost which I'd imagine will be at least $1000 a unit for low number production.

'Vert in Vegas

My idea is a conventional 1 piece hardtop.
I would just use the factory front section as the basis for my hardtop.
It would give me the shape and latches I need, simplifying the project substantially.
The rear window could be heated or not, according to demand.

Node

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, of course use the matching piece for a basis, and like my idea of the FC sunroof, but then you'd have problems of the broken sunroofs (rails and gears and whatnot). Or you could do a solid hardtop. Who knows. Maybe you could make a pole

targa
solid
sunroof

And my idea is make it look like the FC Coupe w/o the hatch, I mean keep those C Pillars intact.

'Vert in Vegas

The factory piece goes all the way to the windshield, and has nothing to do with a sunroof. No rails, etc.
It is in fact the front half of the top for the stock convertible top. It is made out of fiberglass. Here is the link you wanted;
http://www.cabrio7.org/rx7man12.html

Node

iTrader: (1)

wow, thanks for the link man
And I meant just make a copy of the front of the targa piece, and find something to use as mounts, don't use it. But then add a sunroof.

Mykl

How about this...

Build a full hard piece with the targa section designed like the stock one. That way you can paint the whole thing, and remove the targa section if you want to go topless. Design it so that the whole thing doesn't have to be removed to pull out the targa section, that's one of the things I hate about the stock top.

'Vert in Vegas

I like your idea of using the stock Targa piece, removably.
That would simplify building the hardtop.
it would still be a problem removing it because the front section has to be clear of the windshield to remove. It seems like the hard top would have to be off the car to remove/install the targa top.

go_speed_go

What about fastening the back portion to the car?

vaughnc

I've got my Japan contacts looking for a aftermarket hardtop.

'Vert in Vegas

Please keep posted on the Japan search!!
Fastening the back section to the car would be easy if the softtop is not there.
With the softtop in place it might be necessary to permanently install latches on the body just forward of the trunk lid
-OR-
maybe have straps that come into the trunk at the forward edge and fasten inside.

Node

iTrader: (1)

that means you have 2 dif targas
I say hardtop w/ sunroof, its all you need, don't even need to get out of car while you're doing it, its all same color, and parts are avail pretty easily

Node

iTrader: (1)

straps are too much of a risk, definately latches or something metal,

'Vert in Vegas

It would add a lot of weight and cost to the project.
It could be done.

'Vert in Vegas

My post about cost and weight was in reference to the sunroof idea.
I think permanent latches would be a good soluition. Keeping them attractive could be a challenge.

'Vert in Vegas

I just looked at my Vert.
I could put inside latches just behind the doors.

Node

iTrader: (1)

Some have chromeplated or polished aluminum latches. They look kinda good

Node

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, but I think it would be a more civiziled convenient option than two targas, and anyways you guys could live w/ a sunroof not having to have two people to pull it off while stopped. right ;-)
Or possibly just a hardtop w/ no sunroof or targa or anything

'Vert in Vegas

I had a 1967 Austin Healey Sprite with a removable hardtop.
It had a inside latch that was simplicity itself. I can duplicate that easily.
I really want to find a glass pro to work with me on this.

'Vert in Vegas

I don't think the sunroof will get many takers.
Remember, the point of this exercise is for winter ops.
(It is cold outside, hence keep the draft out).
Regarding the Targa top, it was my original idea to have a simple one piece hardtop.
It was Node that had the (GOOD) idea to use the existing TARGA hardtop.
I like that because it will make it easier to build the hard top.
It isn't necessary to remove it ever, but you could if you really wanted to.

Node

iTrader: (1)

http://www.handa-accessories.com/S2000/s2k-top.jpg
S2000 Hardtop, I think something below the glass to give it a better shape would look better, and it looks good other than that.

http://www.miataworld.com/mw1/images...cts/na0227.jpg
interesting idea here, hardtop hoist for garage, but anyways the miatas have some kinda chrome plated hatch and have something under the window to give it form but i think the window goes too far when it bends around to teh sides. Could be shortened in the name of looks over visibility but who knows.

http://removabletops.com/images/products/miata_top.jpg
Here is another picture and site concerning the hardtop hoists
It's too bland, it just goes straight to the window and stops.

http://www.mazdaspeed.net/images/page3.jpg
Heres a mazdaspeed catalog, with a newer style hardtop. Quite different, inclues brakelight also, odd looking, but another hardtop to help with ideas


So far none have targatops (probably for strength, im sure just 4 latchs and a hardtops wouldnt be good w/ a light fiberglass hardtop and high speeds. Maybe a wind deflector. And also none have sunroofs or moonroofs, but I don't know why, I think that would be stronger than a targa top, maybe once again for cost and weight reasons

Mykl

Why?

Build a new targa piece for use only with the hard top that flips back instead of down like the stock piece does.