Next time you are down here again, we'll go look at some more! And there is an organized garage tour over in Spencer, IA next month too. I'll let you know the date when I hear it from Denny (his shop is worth the trip by itself). I'll come up to Brookings when you get that top done and we can go for a ride. You got snow tires for that roadster?
Very good thread. I did one similar about 4 years ago when I built the non folding top on my roadster pickup. One of the neat tricks I seen was when the upholstery dude made patterns. He stretched clear polyethylene plastic over the frame and then drew his patterns on it with a felt tipped marking pen.---Brian
Jeff only wishes I had those... Anyway...Its about 15 "below" zero outside but, my shop is at 70 and the beer is at 32 (how fitting). Cody is ready to do some more sewing on the top. He's going to finish cut it and put the edges on (someone help me with the terminology). Here he is marking it. While I help . He marked the one side. Than folded the top in half and marked the other so it matched.
Good thing you have that young dude to make you look good. Can you at least find him some *****? He needs that after hanging out with you freaks!
Is it just me or is that window marking look crooked as hell? Thank god its not cut. Cody ran out to his shop to do some sewing. He said it was 37 degrease when he started and 37 when he finished! Ha! Hes moving so there is no heat on but, its great motivation not to dink around. Here is the last shot of the night. Its really starting to look like a top. Notice the edges. Night gang.
Other than that window being crooked as hell. But that happens, sometimes I am ******* in the toilet and realize it is the fireplace.............**** happens man.
Its not looking good at getting this finished as I have to fly out unexpectedly tonight for work. Unless these "kids" can handle the rest on their own. If nothing else, we had fun and should have it done by this weekend. Thanks Chad
Great thread. I've been thinking about a top for my roadster and the gears are grinding and the old brain is smoking after this... Thanks
Sorry gang! I just got back in and I see its not done. But.... Imperial - Thats kinda how I got started. I saw the picture in the Speedway catalog and two things....I'm too poor and I know its not going to fit my chop anyway. So...I just grabbed some metal and started cutting (the list of parts is NOT what I got from the metal shop the first time, its measurements of the actual top parts so you can save some cash)
A small fwiw cuz I think you guys know, but I'll toss it in anyway. Install the window then cut out the opening. The frame will make it self-guiding for the razor blade. And . . . slipsies don't go over....
Cool idea! Your saying - bolt the window frame in and then cut it out? First we have to get the top fitting better.... I think someone(Cody) went Ice fishing. BTW C9, That means a lake freezes over. so they drive out on it (6-10 inches of ice) drill a hole and fish. Just givin ya the business because im jealous....I would love to live in Cali! Anyway thanks for the tip!
You want an instant ice cream headache - called brain freeze out here? Try the $1. Margarita slushies at the Riverside Casino in Laughlin. (Sunday through Thursday.) They'll getcha even in the 115* heat. Make sure you have your DD with you....
One more handy hint and I'll shut up. Look at the top of this pic: Take note of the barely seen darker patches of about 2" diameter top material. Use fabric glue and glue the patches to the underside of the top material. Use the same stuff you used on the top itself. These will save the top proper from abrading away where the longitudinal straps go over the middle bow. Lotta flapping goes on there and I think it's one reason my about 12-13 year old top has done so well. Another thing that can help is to carry an old quilt in the car. When you park it for all day in 100* F summer sun the UV rays beat hell out of it. The old quilt will protect the top. I ain't involved in the show car thing, but try to make my stuff last and look ok over time....
Speedway was nice enough to put a pdf of the instructions right on there site for the taking...follow link, it's under the info section...just below the 2 photos. Right click save target as. http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Kwik-Top-Universal-Top-Iron-Kit,7583.html
Well, here is what we got done today. Man...every time I try to load a picture it starts locking up my comp.??????
Opening rear windows are great! I install a zipper in mine so the window can be removed and stored behind the seat or in a bag in the trunk. Another neat option I have been using the last few years is the addition of rain gutters. They really support the side rail of the top and keep the water off when you get out. Then if you really want retro you can always install side curtains.
The Jalopy Journal
