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A roof for my middy?
sgraber - 12/1/05 at 10:56 PM

A roof for La Bala? I had a large sheet of cardboard that was in danger of being ruined by the storms that rolled through here so I placed the cardboard on top of my car to store it temporarily. It kind of draped itself in a roof shape, so I helped it along a bit. I think that a roof might not be such a bad idea for the car. My idea is to hinge it from the front up at the windshield. It would be built in two pieces. A rear piece that attaches to the bootlid and a roof section that is removable to create a targa, but also hinged to flip upwards so I don't have to create doors.

What do you think? (The photo is just a template idea, not even close to a finished shape)

Hellfire - 12/1/05 at 11:18 PM

Looks kind of 'ok' from this angle - side angle would give a better idea Steve.

sgraber - 12/1/05 at 11:33 PM

Yes, I will be sure to take some better angles this weekend when I do my garage marathon. (Wife and kiddies are gone for the weekend...)

My thought was mainly to announce the idea that I was working on a roof concept. When I offer la Bala for sale, it will be a strong selling point to have a roof.

Graber

scoobyis2cool - 13/1/05 at 12:47 AM

I think that looks really good, would definitely like to see some other angles. If I understand you correctly you would lift the roof up to get into the car, then pull it back down once you're in? Good idea to save fitting doors!

What would you do about rear visibility? Have that incorporated into the solid rear section?

Pete

sgraber - 13/1/05 at 01:11 AM

quote:
Originally posted by scoobyis2cool
I think that looks really good, would definitely like to see some other angles. If I understand you correctly you would lift the roof up to get into the car, then pull it back down once you're in? Good idea to save fitting doors!

What would you do about rear visibility? Have that incorporated into the solid rear section?

Pete


I like to think of it as a central, vertically opening door that hinges from the windshield header. When you sit in the car you reach up and pull it down. It latches at the back onto the top of the rollbar. A gas strut aids in lifting when opening. It is removable for fair weather driving. The fixed rear section would be mainly a curved lexan rear window in a frame of some type. I have to figure out how to add side windows. I don't actually like the idea of roll-up windows. But fixed windows will not do. So they must be able to be dropped down. Question is, how best to do it? I am thinking lexan in a magnetic frame for seal and a latch to hold firm.

Soon I will work up a 3D rendering of this item for review and comment.

Rorty - 13/1/05 at 04:28 AM

quote:
Originally posted by sgraber
Butt-fixed windows will not do.

I should think not too!

violentblue - 13/1/05 at 05:08 AM

can't wait to see the side profile

Volvorsport - 13/1/05 at 02:23 PM

looks like a toyota celica roof panel ! could try some other coupes for a nicely curved roof panel to mold off ?

sgraber - 13/1/05 at 02:38 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Volvorsport
looks like a toyota celica roof panel ! could try some other coupes for a nicely curved roof panel to mold off ?


Good idea! I would gladly take a mold off of an existing car. That way I can reuse the decklid glass. Which celica did you have in mind? Photo? I was looking through my 3D mesh database last night but didn't see anything useful.

akumabito - 13/1/05 at 03:36 PM

Like this?

sgraber - 13/1/05 at 03:58 PM

quote:
Originally posted by akumabito
Like this?


That's cool. Any other cars with a similar decklid? Maybe smaller and more curved?

G.

mcig68 - 13/1/05 at 10:46 PM

I am sure the Lancia Stratos side windows opened by means of a pivot. The roughly triangular window moved through an arc, the pivot point was at the front of the glass. Not sure whether the handle was glued on to the glass or straps were used.

sgraber - 14/1/05 at 06:02 AM

quote:
Originally posted by mcig68
I am sure the Lancia Stratos side windows opened by means of a pivot. The roughly triangular window moved through an arc, the pivot point was at the front of the glass. Not sure whether the handle was glued on to the glass or straps were used.


Anyone have any piccies/sketches of this?

akumabito - 14/1/05 at 04:55 PM

Hope this helps, looks like a simple system...



quote:

The side windows on a Strato's are raised and lowered by unscrewing a large knob. You then move the window manually, and then retighten the knob. Note: the door pocket is shaped to accept a crash helmet when it is not being worn.

Dean - 17/1/05 at 09:05 AM

Sorry off topic......, but Steve is that Jetta a TDI ?

sgraber - 17/1/05 at 03:39 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Dean
Sorry off topic......, but Steve is that Jetta a TDI ?


It's a 2000 VR6. Lovely car. For a Sedan that is.

G.

ned - 17/1/05 at 03:58 PM

the jetta is known in the uk as the 'bora' -go figure!

Ned.

stevebubs - 17/1/05 at 06:21 PM

To avoid the flipping the whole roof, could you not just put 2 "door" panels in the roof which either flip up gullwing stylee or just clip out?

ned - 17/1/05 at 06:28 PM

you mean like targa top door for a removable roof car?

stevebubs - 17/1/05 at 06:34 PM

quote:
Originally posted by ned
you mean like targa top door for a removable roof car?


Guess so. The Fury has a similar method. Only problem I have with the Fury roof is that it is ugly as s!n

http://build.fishersportscars.co.uk/

Do a search on hood/hardtop and you'll see what I mean.

My Rover 200 coupe had a removeable T-bar

Look about halfway down this page

sgraber - 18/1/05 at 10:52 PM

I was hoping to keep it as simple as possible. Therefore the front hinging idea. One panel, hinging on one side and latching on the other.

Here are a few more photos taken of the structure. Realize that you must SQUINT to get past the fact that is is cardboard, the shape is not right and a host of other issues. Simply put, have some imagination!





scoobyis2cool - 18/1/05 at 11:04 PM

I really like it!

Pete

stevebubs - 18/1/05 at 11:36 PM

quote:
Originally posted by scoobyis2cool
I really like it!

Pete


I do, too. Lovely car...

My only criticism from that angle is that the rear wheel looks a bit small in proportion to the overall package.

Dale - 20/1/05 at 10:32 PM

Just a comment-- I love the look of the car with the top off but it just does not look right to me with that slope on the rear of the top. It looks good and slippery but just does not look natural to the rest of it.
Not my car though so keep up the good work.
Dale

sgraber - 21/1/05 at 03:03 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Dale
Just a comment-- I love the look of the car with the top off but it just does not look right to me with that slope on the rear of the top. It looks good and slippery but just does not look natural to the rest of it.
Not my car though so keep up the good work.
Dale


When you say, "On the rear of the top.." - I'm not sure I understand your description. Are you talking about the coupe top, or something about the fender area above the rear wheel...

chunkielad - 21/1/05 at 03:07 PM

I think he means the back end of the roof steve and I've got to agree it doesn't wuite do it for me wither. Maybe if it were a little steeper with a larger area for the 'top' flatter area?

pbura - 21/1/05 at 03:34 PM

I keep thinking that a notchback Carson top may look good and function well.

The bottom of the back of the top could be contoured for the seatback pods, and it could be hinged at bottom so that it would go over-center when raised. That way it would stay in position while getting in or out.

Thinking Lexan for windows, slight curve for the back and flat sliding on the sides. Maybe magnetic frames for the side windows so that they could be popped out entirely.

Are you also considering air conditioning? Vintage Air has some nice little units (seen when looking at also-nice little heaters).