Modifying the top of a Speedster to streamline the shape

I lower the rear bow 1.5" , the top material isn't noticeable on the body tub but to be able to get that look the window would need to be moved upward a bit.

Don't worry, Cliff, the purists don't hang out here....

I agree with you, I've always liked the look of that top. And I had noticed, Alan, that the top lines on (some of) your projects were more "fitting" to the car. Al

I corresponded with the owner/ builder of that car, Chuck something, about some other things and he was pretty approachable. I think you can find him through google. I'll look for those e-mails and pm you the address today if I can find it.

That is my all-time favorite speedster.

What do you think he used to fill the bumper bracket holes? Looks like a solid poly plug of some sort. Would like to do the same until I get the bodywork and paint done. 

You can purchase this top from Rock West racing.

Michel,

I check out the website for Rock West Racing and yes they do advertise their top as the New Low Bow Canvas Speedster Convertible Top but it looks the same to me.

See:   https://www.rockwestracing.com...ter-convertible-top/

Cliff     

Wow! Doesn't look much different than the one on my Vintage and the fit between the top and the body appears to have a gap just behind the door and in the middle at the back. Maybe just an illusion, but at $2350.00 it seems pretty pricey, particularly since many of us try and avoid using our tops as much as possible. 

Good luck to them!

This is by far one of the coolest tops IMHO. 

BobG posted:

I corresponded with the owner/ builder of that car, Chuck something, about some other things and he was pretty approachable. I think you can find him through google. I'll look for those e-mails and pm you the address today if I can find it.

That is my all-time favorite speedster.

What do you think he used to fill the bumper bracket holes? Looks like a solid poly plug of some sort. Would like to do the same until I get the bodywork and paint done. 

Bob,

Chuck Olenyk is his name and if you can find those emails that will be great. . . and thank you.      

The build for my car is several weeks away from being completed . . . and if I can find a really good auto top and upholstery shop between Long Beach and Anaheim????

Cliff

Joe Fortino posted:

This is by far one of the coolest tops IMHO. 

The standard windows won't fill the opening in the rear. I like the line though and it's one that a am designing my hard top off of.

Yep Cliff you are absolutely right now that I go back and look at it.

As mentioned on new top installs all that is needed is 1.5" out of the rear bow..if your vertically impaired you can take another inch from the center bow.

I used a thin piece of flexible plastic to cover my bumper bracket holes on my slate grey car.   I cut them into an oval shape, which I thought better matched the lines of the car rather than rectangular.  On my black outlaw, I used the standard VW rubber bumper bracket hole trim, but I cut off the back portion so they fit flush against the body. I thought they looked pretty good and they allowed the buyer to mount the bumpers if they were required in his or her state. 

Alan Merklin posted:

As mentioned on new top installs all that is needed is 1.5" out of the rear bow..if your vertically impaired you can take another inch from the center bow.

Thank you Alan,

I'm taking notes. . . and with a bit of luck might be able to have the original top modified prior to Vintage Speedsters completing the build.

Kind regards,

Cliff 

Cliff Presley - Charlotte, NC posted:

Alan Merklin posted:

As mentioned on new top installs all that is needed is 1.5" out of the rear bow..if your vertically impaired you can take another inch from the center bow.

Thank you Alan,

I'm taking notes. . . and with a bit of luck might be able to have the original top modified prior to Vintage Speedsters completing the build.

Kind regards,

Cliff 

Best you let Kirk know as soon as possible...