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Speedster top frames

ManxmanManxman

I've seen someone here working on an ORIGINAL style Speedster top frame? The Tops that are currently on our Speedsters REALLY stink! Okay I'm ruined by the fact I owned original Speedsters and remember well when it rained reaching back pulling the top up snap snap and your DONE! Not so with the current tops, they are a REAL pain! Really how tough was it to just copy the original design that works well? I can't think of ANY advantage to the design on our cars? Someone save us from this stupid system! 

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Sir Lapalot (Ash)Sir Lapalot (Ash)

While our current tops only involve 7 more 'snaps' than mentioned above (which really isn't a game-changer for me...), I am curious to learn of a top that will provide better rain protection.

 

Cuz I just drove through a rainfall, and all the car's paperwork (orig sale documentation, importing documentation, history, receipts, all that) are now a moist handful of paper pulp after being tucked in (what I thought was) a safe place - behind the pass seat.

 

ManxmanManxman
Even when new Speedster tops were NEVER water proof! Even with Factory side curtains in place the Speedster was hopelessly porous. Rain came in the top frame gap, though the side curtains at the frame. Ledgend tells us that a couple who drove their NEW Speedster to Mexico for a Honeymoon gave up and wore swim suits since they were going to get wet anyway! Speedster tops were good ONLY for light rain but in a down pour you were screwed! Many a Speedster owner drilled holes in the floor boards to hopefully drain the bathtub full of rain that sloshed around after a good rainfall! Trust me "Been there! Done that!"LoL

While our current tops only involve 7 more 'snaps' than mentioned above (which really isn't a game-changer for me...), I am curious to learn of a top that will provide better rain protection.

 

Cuz I just drove through a rainfall, and all the car's paperwork (orig sale documentation, importing documentation, history, receipts, all that) are now a moist handful of paper pulp after being tucked in (what I thought was) a safe place - behind the pass seat.

 

 

Last edited by Manxman
WOLFGANGWOLFGANG'89 CMC FWB, FL Supporting Member

A Speedster top has always described as an emergency top.  After all they were originally designed and imported for the California climate.  Cheap, simple and light weight are why the Speedster has them --- just in case.

 

You're thinking of Mango Smoothies build!  http://www.mangosmoothie.ca/convertible-frame

 

There is a scissor frame with canvas top available from Raphael in MX for around $500 + SH that is far improvement over the 2 hoops of bent electrical conduit. At least one SOC member had bought and used it.

 

https://www.speedsterowners.com...-frame-manufacturers

 

 

 

Last edited by WOLFGANG
Carl Berry CT.Carl Berry CT.

Following up on Wolfgang's 'why & wherefore' of the origin of the speedster's top, and Mango Smoothie's brilliant solution. 

 

Mango's website chronicles (minute details of measurement & materials) the engineering and fabrication of scissors actuated mechanism for his top...conceived and constructed after being disappointed with one purchased from Mexico.

 

To own this iconic replica is to 'adjust & stoically accept' a lack of creature comforts such as no glove box (which would have saved Sir Lapalot's papers) or an adjustable seatback (which would have alleviated my backpain!) etc.,etc...price points were shaved wherever possible...resulting in an 'emergency top' that required all of 90 seconds (I've timed it) to erect!        

Gordon NicholsGordon NicholsMassachusetts 1993 CMC Supporting Member

Sorry, Dude - Spandex is porous.

 

Otherwise, you would be hopelessly soaked once you got underway on your bicycle.

 

You need to wick that sweaty stuff away from your skin AFAP!

 

Oh....wait!  You'll Pro'bly be hopelessly soaked, ANYWAY!

 

And Carl:

 

Is a "Paulo Gandossi" top frame signed by Paulo as a "Nardi" steering wheel is?

 

One would hope that, with a name as cool as that, he would get to sign stuff.

 

"Hey, Paulo!  Some-a guy here wants you to-a sign-a his tires!"

 

Oh!....and that Zip-lock bag has been standard issue in my car since day three (Day two being a rainy day......) 

 

Still.....Spandex is porous.

Last edited by Gordon Nichols
Sir Lapalot (Ash)Sir Lapalot (Ash)

Latex clothing it is, then.

 

If Mango's creation provides substantial gains in protection from the elements (and provided he sells them) that'd be something to look into.  I don't particularly like driving with the top up (as I find after 110 or 120km/h the ragtop bobs and pulls on the windshield, which makes me nervous) but sometimes it's necessary so a better fit is always desirable.

 

I'm with Carl on the seats.  That's 3rd on my list to tackle this season.  I wonder what the demon love child of my ObusForme and my drivers' seatback would look like.....

G.R.G.R.
Originally Posted by Manxman:
Even when new Speedster tops were NEVER water proof! Even with Factory side curtains in place the Speedster was hopelessly porous. Rain came in the top frame gap, though the side curtains at the frame. Ledgend tells us that a couple who drove their NEW Speedster to Mexico for a Honeymoon gave up and wore swim suits since they were going to get wet anyway! Speedster tops were good ONLY for light rain but in a down pour you were screwed! Many a Speedster owner drilled holes in the floor boards to hopefully drain the bathtub full of rain that sloshed around after a good rainfall! Trust me "Been there! Done that!"LoL
Guessing that is the reason Speedsters got the nickname "Bathtub Porsche" besides the design of the body sort of resembling an old upside down bath tub

 

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