Lightweight T-top Update
03-15-2003, 07:59 AM
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Lightweight T-top Update First I wanna say, latch your t-tops. I had my t-top on/off so many times today talking to various plastics/polycarbonate companies I forgot to latch it in. T-top flys off at 75mph, kinda hovers...it was strange....luckily didn't hit a car....and somehow managed to land as it sits on the car, the glass never touched the pavement. Thank goodness cause I need it for my mold. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" /> The plastic where it hit in the inside busted, but oh well it's coming off anyway.
Originally the plan was to use fiberglass/carbon fiber because I wasn't sure I could find anybody to bend & shape the plastic, but now that has become a reality. The fiberglass would require a mold, a major pain, take considerably longer to make, and probably have to be painted once it was done, although a gelcoat finish could be ok. And the carbon fiber was gonna be pretty expensive...
There are tons of different polycarbonate options, different shades of smoke, thickness, and material. I'm hoping to have the plastic formed in the next 2 weeks and have a prototype with a latching system and weather stripping for a good seal done within a month.
For the guys that are interested.....are you looking for more of a track only t-top and save as much weight as possible with a simple, yet effective latch that may not be the best looking inside the cab.....or is there interest in more of a factory looking t-top just with the polycarbonate for everyday use?
Finally the concept will become reality. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
Originally the plan was to use fiberglass/carbon fiber because I wasn't sure I could find anybody to bend & shape the plastic, but now that has become a reality. The fiberglass would require a mold, a major pain, take considerably longer to make, and probably have to be painted once it was done, although a gelcoat finish could be ok. And the carbon fiber was gonna be pretty expensive...
There are tons of different polycarbonate options, different shades of smoke, thickness, and material. I'm hoping to have the plastic formed in the next 2 weeks and have a prototype with a latching system and weather stripping for a good seal done within a month.
For the guys that are interested.....are you looking for more of a track only t-top and save as much weight as possible with a simple, yet effective latch that may not be the best looking inside the cab.....or is there interest in more of a factory looking t-top just with the polycarbonate for everyday use?
Finally the concept will become reality. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />
03-15-2003, 08:18 AM
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Re: Lightweight T-top Update I would be interested in the track only T-Top for weight savings. How much weight do you anticipate/guess a car would save with this mod? How are you coming with the SS Hood? <img border="0" alt="[driving]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_driving3.gif" />
03-15-2003, 11:37 AM
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Re: Lightweight T-top Update I haven't started on the new SS hood, but this week or next I'll start. I want the prototype done by May 1 when our track opens.
I think the t-tops weigh 16lbs, I can't imagine the lexan tops weighing more than just a couple lbs.
I think the t-tops weigh 16lbs, I can't imagine the lexan tops weighing more than just a couple lbs.
03-15-2003, 11:53 AM
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Re: Lightweight T-top Update Track only style would be your best bet. Make sure they seal good in case of foul weather - good enough to get you home anyway.
<small>[ March 15, 2003, 11:55 AM: Message edited by: Jason ]</small>
<small>[ March 15, 2003, 11:55 AM: Message edited by: Jason ]</small>
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03-15-2003, 08:15 PM
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Re: Lightweight T-top Update Once the prototype set is done I'll have a better idea of pricing. It makes the most sense for an ultra light race version, although a street version with stock appearing hardware shouldn't be too difficult.
The most important thing I have to workout is the thickness of the polycarbonate. I'll keep everyone posted as things develop. They'll definately seal well because if they don't you risk the t-top flying off or atleast wind noise.
The most important thing I have to workout is the thickness of the polycarbonate. I'll keep everyone posted as things develop. They'll definately seal well because if they don't you risk the t-top flying off or atleast wind noise.
03-15-2003, 10:24 PM
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Re: Lightweight T-top Update People who care about appearances will not likely fork over the cash for just a few lbs of weight savings. One more vote for the track version.
03-15-2003, 11:34 PM
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Re: Lightweight T-top Update I would say just make the track only version. Then you can keep your stock t tops to put on when you want your car to look pretty.
03-16-2003, 03:05 PM
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Re: Lightweight T-top Update I'd go for the race only tops..........figure the car will have a full cage and if the latch assembly will be smaller,we might be able to move the upper bars out some more. <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_cheers.gif" />
03-17-2003, 02:06 PM
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Re: Lightweight T-top Update I'd be in for some Race Only Tops. Every little bit of weight reduction helps! <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_cheers.gif" />
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