pictures of a folding real 356 speedster frame - top?

now that my car is working fine and with the season/insurance ending next month - i am lining up my winter projects.

i've always thought the standard speedster replica top was really wimpy and (as many of you might guess), i like to fabricate.

so - i am looking for several pictures of the inside or even better bare frames so i can reverse engineer one for my car.

please post here or email me a picture.

my gift back: photo documentation on my site and here of course.


thanks a bunch.


here are the best ones i have founf so far (too low quality to really work from):

The Beck and IM tops are very similar to that. You might check with them to see if they'll sell you one. I imagine some re-engineering at the header would be necessary. I can send you some pictures of my frame if you want.

IM tops are really nice. I just was looking at one this weekend. Modifying one of those might be an easy way to do this.

Wonder if you could start with an MGB frame or even a Miata?

i don't want to buy one - i want to make one. LOL

i need something to pick away at over the winter months.

Lane - i'd love some pictures of the hinges, etc. i know i am going to need to customize the frame to work with my existing header bow and top, but i am sure it can be done.

the real D or IM frame won't work for me as i have a different top, header bow and side curtains.

see:

You could use a miata one but it is wider. I sectioned out the center. but that is as far as I got. Kinda lost interest.

I have a frame that came with my old IM, you're welcome to use it as a reference, if it will help.

Dave

Thanks Dave!

do you have roll up windows? Could you snap a few pictures and email them to me (info@mangosmoothie.ca)

mine has no roll up windows, it's an 'old' IM! Will it work?

That is a D top ..I had to re design the hinge to body mounts. for my VS.

Which header pannel are you goning to use on the windshield frame?

yes. i'm not familiar with the old IM frames.

fire some pictures over anyway if it's not too much trouble.

as a side note i found these:

I am on the same path, and wonder if a tan top would be better with a black or tan coloured frame

the tan top and tan frame looks pretty sharp IMO

found a few more detailed pics:

I am about to order 4 folding top and side curtain assemblies from Rafael in Mexico. Judging from the pics, the quality is OK, and the material is Sonnendeck

Before I shell out this much cash, has anyone ever dealt with him?

Did you see these offered from CA on ebay for $500+ each. Some good pictures of the frames.

Item 140608449737

http://tinyurl.com/3ezt6ot

yes, i am receiving emails from the maker in Mexico (but thank you for passing the info on anyway)

it would be so much easier/faster to buy it, but i can't ditch the urge to make it from scratch.

also - for those considering that /those tops:

"if your top was made for the 2 tubes frame you will have to make some modifications and our quarter tunneau is also bigger and have a special design for this frame.

i have tops an 1/4 tunneaus twillfast clothe better that stayfast clothe.

do you make speedsters?or is just for your car.

if do you make cars i can be your suplier of interiors and tops
thanks"

Hey Mango...

I am interested in your interiors... please email me at mrubenh1@san.rr.com... or call at 858-361-4 zero zero 3.

Thanks,
Mike

I just junked a couch with fold out bed --- it would have been a great source of joints for a folding top. Steel is destined to be a Hyundai.

"Hey Mango...

I am interested in your interiors... please email me at mrubenh1 AT san.rr.com... or call at 858-361-4 zero zero 3.

Thanks,
Mike "

huh? my interiors? whachotalkingaboutwillis?

Oops... I miss-read your post Mango. Didn't realize you were quoting someone else. Have you seen the work from this guy in mexico who is making interior components? They seem fairly priced and workmanship looks decent. I have had some paint jobs done in TJ that turned out really nice.

Mike

ok - bit of an update.

i have no time, however i have a desire to fab crap in my garage.

so i bought a frame from a guy (Raphael) in Mexico (same guy Robert from Thailand bought his tops from. we did kind of a group buy.)

It is ~1/2 done. the geometry is done and roughly welded. I'm in the process of cutting it in half to add some hidden round turn buckles that are the same diameter as the tube. i'm going to sandblast it, grind the welds smooth, fab up the header mount and while i am at it - install nylon washers between the pivots to make it smooth.

It's a very solid starting point that saved me a few weeks of evenings in the garage.