Lightweight T-top Update
Re: Lightweight T-top Update </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by hondakiller:
<strong> i dont care what it looks like as long as it latches, seals and will hold for everyday driving. saving weight is priority one. </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">oh if that's the case, you should get a Terry Burger rear hatch. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />
The lexan will be smoked. I don't have any idea on pricing yet. I should know more in the next couple weeks. The prototype WILL be done by May 1 when the track opens around here. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />
<strong> i dont care what it looks like as long as it latches, seals and will hold for everyday driving. saving weight is priority one. </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">oh if that's the case, you should get a Terry Burger rear hatch. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />
The lexan will be smoked. I don't have any idea on pricing yet. I should know more in the next couple weeks. The prototype WILL be done by May 1 when the track opens around here. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />
Re: Lightweight T-top Update </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by ChrisWS9:
<strong> First off how much liability insurance do you carry? I need to know I will be coverd if this thing comes off and hurts me or someone else. </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">i surely hope that was a joke. stock set for daily driving, race set for track. easy as that.
<strong> First off how much liability insurance do you carry? I need to know I will be coverd if this thing comes off and hurts me or someone else. </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">i surely hope that was a joke. stock set for daily driving, race set for track. easy as that.
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Re: Lightweight T-top Update I would purchace the drag race only version in a heart beat. That is if they were light enough. What could be more awesome. Stock T-tops for the street and switch them out for light weight T-tops for the true drag racer come raceday. Awesome. Keep us posted.
Thanks
Tom <img border="0" alt="[USA]" title="" src="graemlins/patriot.gif" />
Thanks
Tom <img border="0" alt="[USA]" title="" src="graemlins/patriot.gif" />
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 543
Likes: 0
From: Richmond, Va
Re: Lightweight T-top Update Im not sure what you are thinking about as far as a locking mechanism, but this would probably be the cheapest, lightest way.
Spring Loaded Latch Hinges
Also, you can drill and tap lexan, and it holds a suprising amount of weight. I ran a 4-40 screw into the side of 1/8" lexan, it was quite tough.
Spring Loaded Latch Hinges
Also, you can drill and tap lexan, and it holds a suprising amount of weight. I ran a 4-40 screw into the side of 1/8" lexan, it was quite tough.
Re: Lightweight T-top Update </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Jason:
<strong> Im not sure what you are thinking about as far as a locking mechanism, but this would probably be the cheapest, lightest way.
Spring Loaded Latch Hinges
Also, you can drill and tap lexan, and it holds a suprising amount of weight. I ran a 4-40 screw into the side of 1/8" lexan, it was quite tough. </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I'll probably use a lock similar to that. And the proto-type will be 1/8". Lexan is pretty tough, what we're gonna do is glue, plastic weld (yes there is such a thing) <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" /> another piece of lexan on the ends on the underneath side to use as the latch mount so nothing is visible from the outside. And then the locks will be screwed down to that piece. There will probably be quite a bit of trial & error to get fitment perfect. The other issue is what to use around the edges for weather stripping and especially down around the window.... I want an air tight seal. If anybody has any ideas on that I'm open to suggestions.
We should have the initial lexan bent to shape next week and hopefully the latching system mounted a week after that.
The prototype will also be done in regular clear (cheap) lexan, but the final product will be scratch resistant tinted lexan which is considerably more expensive.
<strong> Im not sure what you are thinking about as far as a locking mechanism, but this would probably be the cheapest, lightest way.
Spring Loaded Latch Hinges
Also, you can drill and tap lexan, and it holds a suprising amount of weight. I ran a 4-40 screw into the side of 1/8" lexan, it was quite tough. </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I'll probably use a lock similar to that. And the proto-type will be 1/8". Lexan is pretty tough, what we're gonna do is glue, plastic weld (yes there is such a thing) <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" /> another piece of lexan on the ends on the underneath side to use as the latch mount so nothing is visible from the outside. And then the locks will be screwed down to that piece. There will probably be quite a bit of trial & error to get fitment perfect. The other issue is what to use around the edges for weather stripping and especially down around the window.... I want an air tight seal. If anybody has any ideas on that I'm open to suggestions.
We should have the initial lexan bent to shape next week and hopefully the latching system mounted a week after that.
The prototype will also be done in regular clear (cheap) lexan, but the final product will be scratch resistant tinted lexan which is considerably more expensive.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 543
Likes: 0
From: Richmond, Va
Re: Lightweight T-top Update If you could get a T type seal, and bond one side of the T to the edge of the lexan, that should handle up top around the edges.. as far as it fits against the window, some trimseal (that u shaped stuff that has the flexible metal core) would snap down perfect on the window edge.. just have to loosen it up some so it doesnt lock on the window... bond that to the locking mechanism piece and you should be good to go. Another thing is to make sure you chamfer all edges, lexan can gouge paint quite easily.
I can tell that you always aim for 100% perfect in your products, but its going to be hard to get this absolutely perfect. Im sure everyone on here will be more than happy to settle for 95% - ie dont take forever to make this and keep the cost down (a la reverse cooled elec waterpump).
I can tell that you always aim for 100% perfect in your products, but its going to be hard to get this absolutely perfect. Im sure everyone on here will be more than happy to settle for 95% - ie dont take forever to make this and keep the cost down (a la reverse cooled elec waterpump).
Re: Lightweight T-top Update This is built for a racer by a racer. It's purpose isn't show, it's functionality. I'm gonna have one done May 1 come hell or high water.
I appreciate the suggestions. Keep the input coming cause I'm not settled on anything.
I appreciate the suggestions. Keep the input coming cause I'm not settled on anything.
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
From: Richmond, Va.
Re: Lightweight T-top Update so...what's the price tag for these gonna be? i have a feeling that $200 or less is being a little too optimistic. i'd buy a set if they look right and a priced low.
Re: Lightweight T-top Update The prototype is not done yet. It's been interesting trying to get the lexan to shape over the glass without bubbling etc. I'm still working on it and hope to have a prototype done in the next couple weeks. If I can't get it to form soon, I'm gonna make a mold and do it that way.
