Doors with roll up windows?

Where oh where do you get them? I have seen some V-Speedsters with roll up windows. This looks like a nice option to have. And with the addition of a hard-top it would be great for winter runs. Hey I want to drive this car all year round. Please advise.

David, it's probably easier to buy a 356 replica with roll-up windows. Installing roll-ups is not an easy task.
Ron

David, you may want to consider Fibersteel's sliding windows, looks like no modification necessary to install. I am hoping to hear from someone on this site who has them before I buy a pair myself, but no word yet - anybody?

Years ago I bought a set of the aftermarket "plexiglass" sliding side curtains for my '56 Speedster and they were a BIG improvement over the original side curtains.

The fabled sliders from FiberSteel are STILL in the cooker. Have been for 19 months. Now it's because he's moving locations. Maybe in 2005?

I may set down with a local fabricator and see what we can do to make a pair for my car. Lot's better than waiting on FibreSteel.

Jim

Good to know, thanks guys.

Thanks everyone. I also have been in contact with fibersteel. In addition, with them moving locations it looks like a long time before they can do anything. I talked to one of their techs about ordering a hard top; he said it would take almost nine weeks before he could have something ready. Winter in California will be almost over by then. Nevertheless, for those of you who want to know, the price range-->> $1,300.00 <<-->> $3,000.00 U.S.
My only question is with winter just around the corner, and the sales of speedsters dropping during this time of the year. The logical thing to do, would be to swing into full production on the tops and side windows. Nevertheless, to tell people they will need to wait nine weeks for a seasonal item is ludicrous. (( How long does it take to build a whole speedster anyway?)) I wonder how you could stay in business that way. I know I do not run the company only a person who wants to buy their goods. As well as someone who wants to pass on the information to the club. As a side note the Pomona Show and Swap meet is coming up in just a few weeks OCT 19/03 It's the largest Porsche ,Corvette and street rod show in Cali. It woud be great if we could organize and big turn out!! I will also post this infornation on the show and meets page.

I had John (JPS) install roll ups for me. He told me I had to make a choice between softtop and hardtop. I guess there's a difference in the window pattern. I went with softtop. The windows are a PERFECT addition. On cold days (Nor-cal/SF cold that is) and with the regular heating, it's fine with the windows up. Not too cold, cuts the wind blowing in your face 80%. Still get the wind coming up behind your head. Thought about installing sometype of see-through material using the roll bar behind me. Any ideas for that?

David

David what did JPS charge you for your window retrofit? Also can you recall how long it took? And I think your wind screen idea is a great one. If you could make a wind deflector that curved around the back and snapped or secured to the rear deck somehow that would rock.

DAVID S.

Hey, guys, that's why scarfs and hats were derigeur for old time sports cars. How about a flight helmet and goggles?

JPS charged $1500. I had a choice of electric or roll ups. I went with the roll ups. My car was in LA for months, but other things had to be repaired. Not sure how long it took for the roll ups only. Probably not that long. Ask John, he's apart of this forum.

David

Jim I am hoping you can come up with the ultimate in sliding side curtains, and the accompanying wind deflectors Fibersteel mentions. I am hoping I can benefit from the work of others. Does anybody have plans drawn up? Ideally someone can zap me a CAD file. If necessary, I can probably fab them with a CNC milling machine.

This should start a in depth discusssion ....

The sliding side curtain issue is something that I have tossed around in my thoughts for sometime. However correct me if I am wrong...With convertible tops having a degree of difference in how and who mounted them, I question if, an out of the box
"cookie cutter" slider unit will actually be somewhat weather tight ?

Alan M

Alan,
I think that's the hold-up with sliders- the tops are somewhat "irregular" in fit. The canvas side-curtains work well because they "flop" a bit. I too was on the quest for good hard side-windows, but I've turned my attention to the top itself, and I think I've just about got it sorted out. The main problem (besides visability), is the area at the back of the side-curtain, where it makes the junction to the top and the top of the door.

Initially it would seem thant the biggest problem is where the side-curtains meet the windshield frame, but in reality, the biggest air leak by far is on the back edge of the side-curtain, aft of the door. Because of how they are made, most tops actually becomes a scoop for air right into the cabin around the back edge of the side-curtain. I'm working on a solution on my car, and I think I've got it figured out- I'll let you know how it goes....

Alan: I pretty much agree that "cookie cutter" sliders would be a problem. I had the thought to make a template of my opening and take it to our local storm window shop and have them bend some frames from extruded dual channeled aluminum. Cut and slide in the sliders and tig the end shut. Put on some seals and done. Just a thought.

BD

Bill,
I notice you are from Harrisburg, PA. Do you get over to the Hershey meet in your back yard? I went for a number of years, stayed at the Hotel Hershey, going top drawer but my friend had the "in". I just shared the room! He is over there now and I am sure will tell me some tall tales when he gets back. I sure miss going but he is working on me for next year. I have a 50th High School reunion near his home and wants me to follow that up with the Hershey trip, (think he just wants me to share the freight.) Bruce

Bruce: I usually spend the weekend at Hershey. I'm only 15 min. at the most away. Last weekend was at Carlisle Pa. fall meet plus all of the other shows there, Import/kit car for one. Met Alan Merklin there this year. The weather hasn't been real accomodating this year though.

BD

Bill,
Thats a big 10-4 about the weather. I slogged thru the mud quite often. The worst part of the mud and rain was that most vendors had their "treasures" covered up. So you walked up those aisles dodging the mud bogs and find maybe 2 or 3 guys open for business. One really lousy day it got so bad we went down to Lancaster County and toured the model train museum and some antique shops. Looks like the weather this year is decent. I've beed checking it almost every day or so hoping my buddy has some good hunting. I read that if you hit every vendor on the fields you would walk 37 miles. I believe it as it would take us 3 full days to cover everything. I think I enjoyed the car corral about as much as anything. Some really neat stuff there for sale. Never bought anything but loved the tire kicking.

Have fun over there this weekend. Wish I was there. Bruce

David Louie.
I saw a car with rollups in John's shop when he was building my car. Perhaps it was yours?
The rear facing wind deflector is really pretty easy. I made a summer one out of black window screen and some Home Depot do-it-yurself window screen frames. Painted the frames flat black. Fitted the whole thing into the roll bar. Knocks down about 50% of the wind. Does not affect direct rear vision, but does affect side rear vision if you look over your shoulder (cause the mirrors are useless). I also have built a lexan shield for the winter, but it never gets that cold here in San Diego! Attached to roll bar with some black tie wraps. Even glued small rubber strip around frame to finish it off.

I asked John Steele about the sliding windows Russ of Fibersteel has been developing... for a couple of years anyway... John and Russ have worked together fleshing out ideas & r & d stuff.

I believe John told me it gets complicated to bend the aluminum track due to its center divider. If memory is correct John said the only place they could find that could make the bends needed was an aerospace firm, which was very expensive. Like a lot of small businesses you have to ask yourself how long do you want your liquid money to be tied up?

Looking at some of the trick fabrication work done by guys here I am sure someone could come up with a workable sliding window for fairly cheap.

That is it. I am going to THE HOME DEPOT today and get started on this thing, too many people want them I could stand to make alot of money here.
DS.

The windows are now cut out and shaped to fit the VS. They are mounted using the peg holes already in the door. And they look awesome, Next will be the cut out and the slider, This is fun stuff pics to follow shortly cost so far $60.00.
DS.

The only thing I would be concerned about is having plexi or lexan next to my head or neck in a car accident. If it breaks or shatters, your only about 6 inches from the cuisinart. Hence the reason side windows are made from safety glass.
-=theron
(Message Edited 10/10/2003 11:00:27 PM)

David:

Does this mean you are in business making these little jewels?
Are they going to be fixed front part and sliding rear section? I would be interested in a pair if you are planning on selling them. I like to contribute to a guys first million! When do you think they would be available for photo's?

Bruce

I made plexi side windows, using the hardware VS supplied with the canvas windows. They increase visibility greatly, with the top up, adds to the safety, so contrary to Theron's note about the shattering of plastic windows (he's right); the idea is not to get into an accident by seeing and avoiding most scary situations on the road. We all know why.

I do not know if I plan to sell them. Nevertheless, I will send in a detailed post and lots of pics for anyone in the club. I drove down the coast today with the top down and the windows in just to see how much air is cut down, it was quite a bit. I