PRAY HRD

iTrader: (119)

hey vert owners..............

i was wondering today, what other weight reductions are available for convertibles???

the only thing i could come up with would be to remove everything associated with the power controls, thus making it either a fixed soft top, or a manual setup if it's possible???? i for one could definately get by with putting the top down by hand, but does anyone know if it can be done that way? or how much the actual savings would be weight wise?

if nobody knows, i will likely find and call a shop next week that specializes in soft tops and see what they say and let you all know. in the mean time, post up if you have any factual input.

thanks,
Dave

TonyJ

The back part is easy the pump and motor bolt out easily, though the hydrolic fluid is messy when you remove the hoses. Use lots of rags and have a catch can ready. The pistons are located just behind the plastic pieces in the rear seat area behind the doors. you'll need a big tork driver to remove them, but once you have the plastic off, you'll see what needs to come off. The whole process doesn't take more than a couple of hours, taking your time. Saved ~30 lbs. The top raises and lowers manually very easily. I'm glad I did it.

PRAY HRD

iTrader: (119)

hey Tony,

no kidding......i'm glad i asked. i figured for as little as i put the top down, it was worth looking into. thanks for the great info.

what do you have for a hood on there, material/by who?

looks just like mine, as far as the primer color. i just bought a VFN carbon fiber 3" SS hood, waiting to go on.

thanks again,

Dave

TonyJ

It's an RK sport in the gelcoat. Fit and finish is excellent. I also got the 98+ spoiler with LED brake light, but haven't installed it. Going to paint the car after race season is over. Probably Corvette Electron Blue with silver ghost flames...

Looks like yours is a really cool N/A setup. I may end up with the th400, as well.

TJ

30th TA 0219

how the hell do you raise lower it? These aren't Miatas here I had an old ElDorado vert, and the top was huge, nearly impossible to lift when the motor died, I had to stand in the backseat to get a grip on the top.

TonyJ

It's not that bad. You have to take the pistons off though. I did it manually a few times, just using the bypass valve on the pump, and it was a workout...

jruss

Damn yall are getting to hardcore for me to save 30lbs. get a front tub k member and save the weight that way. Having that 30lbs on the rear isnt hurting anything when it comes to launching the car either.

TonyJ

I've got a tubular k-member, a-arms, etc. Removed the ABS, A/C, seat belts, top hydrolics, etc.

Yea, a little hardcore...

jimmyblue

iTrader: (11)

Be aware that the tubular K-members will lose you
a fair bit of frame stiffness. I got the BMR which is
supposed to be one of the more stout, and I still
picked up a very noticeable front shake on uneven
pavement after the swap. So much that I have
a plan going, to brace it some (putting back on some
pounds). Just not as solid as the fat-*** stock
clamshell stamping. Though BMR at least claims the
piece is up to street duty, I would say to consider
them all "drag pieces". Not so great for non-straight-
line action. Though I think with just a little bit of
triangulation it could be much better.

Also the K-member had a non-stock protrusion at
the rear mount, which prevented me using the nice
Random Tech high-flow cats & Ypipe I had bought.

Shoulda just took the hole-saw to the stocker
and lightened it up half a pound at a time.

TonyJ

I really love the way the k-member opened up the engine compartment. I'd do it again in a heartbeat... The trick is just to keep it off the ground...

bc56f100

iTrader: (2)

I have a 94 with the lines just unbolted from the pump, cause I dont want to spend the time to bleed it. My top goes up and down with no probem. I bet a 2 year old could do it. And i also have the tub. K member and my car is in the dirt. I dont have any prolbems at all with the front end. I have a few problems with the rear. Of course I do have all solid mounts in the rear as well. But hey im not complaining. I just love to ride.

00Camary

iTrader: (15)

Personally i still like the ability to be at a stop light and put the top down without getting out of my seat. I guess if you are building a 11 sec car that mod would be useful to save some lbs. I know i can do this mod just by loosing 30 lbs off my belly...ha ha

TonyJ

Don't get me wrong, the power top is nice and on a mostly street driven car, I'd have left it. I kept everything and will put it back if I sell the car someday, but I don't really regret pulling it. I do miss my A/C, though...

howierd42

Any other weight reduction ideas? My car is a pig (and I'm no spring chicken either).