soft top modification

I'm a new Vintage Speedster owner. To maximize driving time and keep the Mrs. happy, on occasion I have to put the soft top up. Even without the side curtains in place, it's difficult to see out properly. Has anyone had the piece of fabric above and inside the windows removed? It's there so when the window is in place, it stops rain and wind. I thought that having Velcro sewen onto the removed part and top would enable it to be reused when the side curtains do need to be in place. Any suggestions from someone who's done this would be helpful.

Two large paper clips on either side will hold the flap up.

Thanks Alan...sounds great, but a little "home made" for me. Clips are hard to find in colors to match the interior.

Howard, my advice is to do something where you don't have to remove anything; better yet practice driving with the top up and you'll get used to it like I have; honest.

Howard
Do like Recardo said. Just drive it some more you'll get used to it. I just close my eyes when I change lanes! I just took my V.S. for a ride with the top up 48deg.( I know, in Alaska and Canada that's top down weather he he).

That's it and not only that but try to modify your rear view mirrors to give you a better angle of view. Do a Search on the subject here and you'll find it.

OK, I get it, leave it alone. Hope my insurance company loves me. Thanks for your input.

Howard, I'm with Ricardo and Eddie.......Just spend some time behind the wheel and after a while you just adjust to it. It's like being in your own cocoon. It's also kind of misterious,..... People are always trying to see who's driving that thing!

I love that Michael, don't you? Not only that it gives you privacy and a perfect excuse to ignore some a-hole at a stop light trying to invade your privacy by asking you what year is it....in fact it happened to me today.

Ricardo: Glad you brought up the mirrors...I have a passenger side mirror mounted on the fender...there is just no satisfactory adjustment. It obviously can't be repositioned without paint and body work and there just isn't a satisfactory adjustment setting. Where would I look for suggestions on this?

I love being a "newbie!" Thanks.

Howard, use the search utility here and just use keywords such as mirror; you'll get the info. you want that way. If I'm not mistaken I posted on the subject not so long ago; look on the Technical General under the Right Hand Mirror thread.

Howard,
Do a search on mirror adjustment, there is a way to make it work on the passenger side.

Pat

Howard - You can buy one (or 2 for both sides) of those convex round stick on mirrors too. They come inn 1 1/2 up to like 3" diameter for under $3. You don't notice them when looking at the car but they sure help the blind spots. I swear someone in the .org has a top with triple rear windows --- like the old 70' British sports cars (Triumph and MGs). That would really open up the blind spots on either side in inclement weather.

Dear Howard:
I suggest you park your Speedster on the street in front of my house; someone will steal your top as they did mine, and this problem will go away.
Best Regards,
Tom

I have no idea whether this would work, but it is an idea I have thought about and believe others have done -- which is to remove your speedster windshield and top and replace them with the larger "roadster" style shield and top, which has greater visibility. Bear in mind, I have NO experience with this, so you will have to work it out for yourself. Good luck. John.

Wolfgang, I think this is the top you are talking about? I have started keeping a file of all unique Speedster ideas but I do not remember where I found this one- I think it is an Apal??Or another one from Europe.

I've seen Speedsters outfitted with Convertible D style tops which have better visibility but (sorry for Convertible D owners) don't look as cool as the Speedster style; neither does the windshield. Something about all the rounded shapes everywhere (rear window and windshield) that just clicks with the body shape of the car....

Barry Hudson changed his speedster over to a Conv D. complete with roll-up windows. He's a member here, I'm sure he'd be glad to give details.
ed

Ed, et al. Thanks...I don't think I want major mods...I'll probably try to have the flap removed and reaffixed with Velcro. If it doesn't work or look good, I have it properly reattached and be out a few bucks at the top shop.

Incidentally, I read the "Con's" in your summary...try it again...I do successfully get two sets of clubs and a passenger into my car. It might not look too pretty going down the street, but it gets us there...I put one set from the right side and the otehr from the left, prop them up so the bag rests on the top frame and not the clubs.