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Re: Convertable top frames

To: kolansky@apache.ENET.dec.com, mgs@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: Convertable top frames
From: jtilton@vt.edu (Jay Tilton)
Date: Fri, 28 Jun 1996 01:14:50 +0600
kolansky@apache.ENET.dec.com wrote:
>Has anyone ever tried redesigning the top frame so that
>it could be put up / down without all the snaps, folding,
>and cursing?

Done a bit of half-hearted consideration of the problem, but no serious
studies of the kinematics and such.  Arrived at the conclusions:

a) if it were to be done so that it became a one-hand operation, it would
spoil the lines of the B terribly, like a bastard VW Cabriolet.

b) if the lines were kept mostly intact, the amount of work required to drop
the top wouldn't be reduced much at all.

c) if the lines are kept and it were to be a one-hand operation, it would
require a good bit of reworking around the rear deck area; definitely not a
bolt-on conversion.

d) any of the above options would cost a pretty penny.

Not a very promising project.  Michelotti's design is pretty much as good as
it gets.

>My wife refuses to put the top up or down, and since its
>her car, it is a chore I must do it before going to work 
>every day or so.

Have you considered a hardtop?  Designing a system of straps and pulleys so
she can hoist it off and suspend it from the garage ceiling would be much
easier than the other options.
--
Jay Tilton  |  jtilton@vt.edu


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