Convertable Canopy Idea

Hmm, ... right after posting I started to look up tops quickly and BOOM - I see a Porsche "spyder" and a Mazda "spyder" with something similar to what I drew up; which I guess doesn't mean it's a bad idea.

Anyways, curious if anyone would think this would be a viable idea to proceed with or if this is already available? Or has ideas to improve it for a speedster.

Here's some examples that are near what I drew up; well, the same, really.

Sort or an automotive Bimini top.  Several folks have discussed doing this, but these are the first concept pictures I've seen.  Looks like a good idea to me.

That's not too far off from one of our tops with a zip down back window and back panel, we just have a little more material from the b-pillar back  I believe we did this on Tom B's car.

Thanks, guys. Yeah it's close to a bimini top; I didn't relate the two.

Chines1 - Do you have pictures?

I like the concept ...Would too much air passing under it cause excessive flapping ?

I was wondering the same thing -- I'm going to draw it up, make a proof of concept and see if this is feasible.

My requirements are: easily stored (collapses), will work in conjunction with a tonneau, functional (high visibility, blocks sun), structurally sound(does not flap), works with side windows/curtains (at least doesn't prohibit their use), and low cost.

I just looked through Tom's file and I have no shots with the rear window zipped down.  I think Tom is a working man again, so once he's off the clock maybe he has some to share.

Without a roll bar, how does the rear stay up? Stock bow like the convertible top?

Thanks, Carey.

Bill, I think it will work (with the right frame) - I'm going to fabricate a proof of concept, but I think I can get it to stay up; crossed fingers.

What if the supporting brackets/bows ran from front (windshield frame) to back instead of left to right as they do on the conventional top.... but I have no business as a convertible roof fabricator.

Here's a drawing of what I was thinking as the proof of concept, then eliminating what is not needed. Making it static (non-folding), eliminate what is not needed (keeping it structurally sound, safe), and then finalizing (foldable).

If it has no back window and allows the air to flow right through, i doubt that it will "flap".

John estes has a zip-down rear window in his IM and drive at any speed with the top up and window down with no flapping.  Maybe others with zip-out rear windows could comment?

I like the concept as I've toying with the same idea for mine.

I don't have a picture because I have never zipped it out :-)  It seemed like a good idea when I was building the car.  I stole it from Bill Demeter.  However, around town, I'm a top down driver and every long trip that I've made I've needed a top up for either inclement weather or for the backseat luggage space.  I usually drive between 60 and 85 with the top down.  Above 85 & sunny, it starts getting uncomfortable.  In Michigan, those days are few and far between.  If I lived in a warmer climate, this might be something I would try.  Bottom line is that it hasn't added the value that I thought it would.  Maybe someday I will move south and I'll have something else to report.

Yeah, something like that would look tight on that car.

Tom, thanks for the honesty! This may just turn into a personal project then

Another thought is to have sewn in pockets and use sail battens to give it stiffness. The battens could be removed for storage, or might not need to be if you just roll it up.  Something like this 

http://www.sailrite.com/Recmar...vb9rkCFdFDMgod1FYAdA 

My .02 The Jeep Bimi tops work so it's do-able...

I would think that if fastened at the windshield bow then drawing it rearward, over a thin fiberglass rod that is similar to a fishing pole ( they sell a similar rod in the electrical dept of Lowes) once cut to the currect length and set into "sockets" (where the top bow frame pivots are located) it shouldl find it's own set position and give the top some stiffness as the Bimi top straps are fastened at the rear.....I think :~)

Paul Harford had a great idea for that support strut that I feel I should pass along, because I stole the idea from Paul (and he never admitted who He stole it from, but we all know he did.....it's just a question of 'from whom'?)

OK, instead of a hokey-looking fishing pole up there, just use an expanding window curtain rod - the kind that is adjustable in length, then has a spring inside such that you compress the rod, place it between the window mouldings and then let it expand.  They usually come in a choice of colors of white and......ahhhh.....ummmm.....white! And, since it has little rubber ends on the rod, "you don' need no stinkin' sockets"!

Put one end against the header over the windshield and the other end against the first top bow, let it expand and, "Presto!"  Taught top....

You can even adjust how tight it gets by screwing it in or out.

I've actually been thinkin about this kind of Bimini top......even squirreled away a windshield header just for that reason......

Yeah Tom, something like that could be useful here in the summer - all 6 months of it.

You aren't driving fast enough. Wear a hat. Drive faster and it'll feel better.

Wait. Are you COMPLAINING about 6 months of summer?!? Out here in the snow-belt, we're wondering how much longer we'll be able to drive before we "put 'em up".

The other 6 months are fine, but our summer is like your winter.  You stay inside as much as possible.  I get more driving time in January and February than July and August.

Still, I hear what you're saying, and I would prefer my problem to yours.

I also live in Michigan and I zip down my rear window any time I have the top up with no side curtains. I had it zipped down all the way to Carlisle and back.

Driving time in January and February?

Lane, that sounds like Nirvana.

I have Marine Corps buddy who's retired down the road from you in Hilton Head Island. Every time we get a snow storm here in Connecticut I can expect a South Carolina weather/temperature email update from him...duh

Be careful with this. Driving my Spyder with side curtains out and rear window down, 45 mph is ok, 55 starting to flap pretty good. Above that, I'm sure it would beat itself to death and detach from the car! So interstate driving is out, which defeats the purpose for me.

Danny, it should not be like that. I drove 70 mph (well, 55-80 depending on which side of the hill I was on) from Balto to Pittsburgh this summer with Bridget's top up--and she's a lot less aero than yours. We should get some time with the bows and stays and see if she can't be tightened up.

Any updates on this Loren?  In Florida this would be a welcome addition to my Speedster.  

No, sorry - I was on vacation and I've got a few projects ahead of this. But once I do, I'll post it.