Hideaway convertible top--ala Hotrods and Horsepower

I am rather intrigued by the flip up daisy panel on a roadster that lets you totally hide a folded convertible top in it. I have a February 2005 copy of rodders Digest which shows some of the detail involved in it, and I THINK that Hotrods and Horsepower sells a roadster with this feature. Does anyone have more detailed information on this modification?---Now mind you, I'm not saying I may build another car---perish the thought!!!---But still---it is intriguing---Brian

 

Exactly like on my '90 Vette convertible.

 

Any number of late models may also give you some inspiration. The aformentioned Vette or my Chrysler Crossfire also has panel that works in a similar manner.

 

If I were really bold---I'd shorten a two door sedan into a truck cab, but leave it about 16" longer than really needed. Cut the top off, and steal the entire retracting hardtop ***embly off a Chev SSR pickup----you know where this is going, don't you---Brian

 

Yep, then you could put some floyd cotterpin rims on it and call it good...



sorry I couldnt resist....Really though, it wouldnt be HAMB material BUT if done right (thats a BIG if) I think you could pull it off....notmy deal, but I think it could be done...

 

Salty---Not everything I do is 'HAMB" material, your right. But it is an interesting concept. I'm sure that someone will do it. I like "traditional" stuff, don't get me wrong----but some of the more "cutting edge" stuff winds my crank----Hey, I liked Ed Roth's stuff too----

 

Looks sorta like a 63-67 corvette top only they were manual. Would that make it more traditional??

 

The DEARBORN DEUCE aftermarket bodies come like that.

 

Check out the way the top bows on an MGA roadster fold down and back behind the seats some time.
Works without having any hinged panel lifting.
Very sanitary resolution, and they work great as long as they aren't bent, rusted, or hogged out in the joints..

 

I like the idea of the top folding down into the body on a 32 or A but I don't like the added "cut" lines it adds to the car. It takes away from the flow.
Clark

 

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