Hardtop...???
11-21-2007, 09:36 AM
#7
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[QUOTE=mpcstuff]If they could only make one like that makes it look like a hatchback - like this S2000 one... Proabbly easier said than done
I've been giving this some thought. You could make one the same shape as the soft top, but it wouldn't help the look of it. A hard top can only be extended to the edge of the trunk lid, unlike the S2000 in the picture which loses it's trunk capability, but that doesn't matter since it is obviously not a DD. So you could make somewhat of a couple type sloped top, but the brake light would need to be visible unless the hardtop would incorporate a high brake light. That would involve adding connectors and more wiring to tap into the existing brake light. Not any fun. As for the top itself, there is one big issue to solve and that is the securing of the hard top. The Z hard top would need to have the same attachment points as the soft top. The top latch is a no-brainer. Same latch mechanism built in to it. The back latch (or 5th bar I think it is called) would need to latch through the tonneau cover like the soft top does. I'm not sure if you could "trick" the system into pulling down on a similar type of hook thing that is on the soft top to lock the back of the hard top down. The other tricky attachment points are the sides at the back of the doors. I haven't explored this area to see what the top could attach to, but I'm thinking that the whole top should be designed to attach without having to add additional holes or mechanics to the car. A straight "plug and play" type of hard top would be the best option. Like I said, I've given it a little thought, but nothing more than that.
I've been giving this some thought. You could make one the same shape as the soft top, but it wouldn't help the look of it. A hard top can only be extended to the edge of the trunk lid, unlike the S2000 in the picture which loses it's trunk capability, but that doesn't matter since it is obviously not a DD. So you could make somewhat of a couple type sloped top, but the brake light would need to be visible unless the hardtop would incorporate a high brake light. That would involve adding connectors and more wiring to tap into the existing brake light. Not any fun. As for the top itself, there is one big issue to solve and that is the securing of the hard top. The Z hard top would need to have the same attachment points as the soft top. The top latch is a no-brainer. Same latch mechanism built in to it. The back latch (or 5th bar I think it is called) would need to latch through the tonneau cover like the soft top does. I'm not sure if you could "trick" the system into pulling down on a similar type of hook thing that is on the soft top to lock the back of the hard top down. The other tricky attachment points are the sides at the back of the doors. I haven't explored this area to see what the top could attach to, but I'm thinking that the whole top should be designed to attach without having to add additional holes or mechanics to the car. A straight "plug and play" type of hard top would be the best option. Like I said, I've given it a little thought, but nothing more than that.
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11-21-2007, 02:51 PM
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not sure how stable it would be, but in addition to locking at the windshield, maybe having a few heavy straps connecting on the inside that wrap around the rollhoops that one can torque and tighten down snugly?
11-21-2007, 03:29 PM
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Agree that it's probably not going to happen.
On the wishful thinking side, I always thought a retro "double bubble" type design would look pretty cool - not much larger than the current soft top footprint, with simple attachments on the tonneau - short of the third brake light. Either that, or a raised spine design on the centerline - just not a hard version of the current soft roofline.
Three attachment points - windshield header and two (manual hook levers, tastefully done) lower corner through-connectors on the tonneau would be enough, since the predominant forces are download, with only moderate lift at high speed.
Someday I may try to mold one, but for now . . . it remains wishful thinking.
On the wishful thinking side, I always thought a retro "double bubble" type design would look pretty cool - not much larger than the current soft top footprint, with simple attachments on the tonneau - short of the third brake light. Either that, or a raised spine design on the centerline - just not a hard version of the current soft roofline.
Three attachment points - windshield header and two (manual hook levers, tastefully done) lower corner through-connectors on the tonneau would be enough, since the predominant forces are download, with only moderate lift at high speed.
Someday I may try to mold one, but for now . . . it remains wishful thinking.
03-20-2009, 11:36 AM
#14
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Hardtop...???
Any have an ETA...? I know a few companies are working on this.
When?
If the 370 is now the Z34, then nice try Jerry, lol. Hate to drag up an old thread but couldn't resist the friendly poke
Anyone know if that is the new designation, Z34???
Hardtop...???
Any have an ETA...? I know a few companies are working on this.
When?
If the 370 is now the Z34, then nice try Jerry, lol. Hate to drag up an old thread but couldn't resist the friendly poke
Anyone know if that is the new designation, Z34???
