Holy crap this is amazing and you're more than half done in like three weeks of nights and weekends. I look at what I've accomplished in the past month and...
Lfepardo posted:But I have thought about replacing them with sturdier metal ones after working on my fathers MG... but after 5 years of problem free hard top driving I’m not quite convinced I need another project..
i like that these are lockable and all metal. i did a reverse google image search and didnt really find what they were. Stainless steel draw latch had lots of options... i will probably go down this route for the two at the back.
Google- “toggle adjustable latches stainless steel“. these are stainless and come in many sizes/ styles. Used for maritime applications. Sorry I cant send you the link.... my westmarine link ( big shop in Seattle) link is not working for me... I’m in London tonight and it keeps re-routing me to a British shop.
Your local marine supply store in Vancouver should have them. The MG shop in Langley turned me on to these latches when I told them I was looking for something to retrofit my VS top. And when they saw that the VS already had the marine rubber latches.
Here is an Amazon example. 8.5 cm long, stainless, +400lbs capacity each.
https://www.protex.com aircraft
a site that just sells these things. who knew!?
Mango, there are many types IM uses a different type than these as well.. Aircraft industry has a wack of them... just saying
i poked around and found a set that i am going to pick up tomorrow. stainless and locking, heavy-duty. thanks for the great leads guys!
i'm in a bit of a quagmire ... i am really happy with how it looks from the back, but not really from the side.
does anyone else have trouble getting past the wedge shape of the side 'window'?
i can definitely see why Oly did his like he did. i am pretty sure i am not going to finish the side like it current is headed.
I think when it's the same color your'll like it...I would get some color matching poster board cutting to fit on tone side then walk away for 20' and turn around I think you'll be pleased..or Photo Shop the color.
Have you seen the high bow and low bow speedster tops? Some people like em high some like me low 
If you want a perfect arc you'll be redoing the whole top and you will lose a lot of head room. just saying.
Personally I really dig the way that your side rear wedge is turning out. The Gaspar tops have a similar rear wedge piece of plexi. Having a small window you can put in/take off would be really cool... it would be nice to button up the car, if you also decide to make windows/ plexi curtains for it. attached is OLi’s Finished product.- for a side by side comparison. I keep his in my files to admire. Both of you guys are Artist!!!!
i can’t wait to see how you decide to finish your top. I’m sure it will be AWESOME!!!!
Attachments
Images (1)
I think the picts are not quite at the same angle so it is a bit deceiving to see but from what I can see from north of the 49th yours is a slight bit higher but would give you bit more head room. If you can nicely finish the rear window behind the door window it would work just as well. In the end, You still have to live with it.
ALB posted:Is it the top height at the back or just the side window shape you're not happy with, Paul? I think the basic profile of your roof is very similar to Oliver's; the side window treatment is just a little different. I don't see one as being better, just different...
It's just the side window. the height is perfect, the rear i am happy with.
I am going to photoshop some options and mull this over.
Mango:
Man, you are so far along and have done such a great job, I don't think whatever you do from here would be an aesthetic mistake.
It just looks great! Finish it however you want.
MangoSmoothie.ca posted:
does anyone else have trouble getting past the wedge shape of the side 'window'?
"Trouble getting past" how it looks? I can't speak for anybody else, but I think I'd be able to get over it.
Ollie's is obviously very cool. I think yours is very cool, and probably much more functional. This kind of thing happens to me a lot-- I get so fixated on the thing I'm doing, that small things I wish had gone slightly differently stand out with a neon arrow, pointing out the "failure" that is only in my own mind.
Step back. Look at this thing objectively. It looks "chopped", but with side windows a full-sized human might actually be able to see out of. It's low. It's sleek. It flows with the organic curves of the car.
You have to be happy with it-- but from this perspective, there's not a single thing I'd change.
The Aero mirror distracts my eye a bit, it looks a little tall. I think if you frame the rear window in typical chrome it will flatten out the "wedginess"
Did I read correctly on your build site that you installed air ride suspension? If so, did you do it yourself? Forgive me if the answers to these questions are shown in the build photos because for whatever reason I can not see the photos.
"Does anyone else have trouble getting past the wedge shape of the side 'window'?"
Seriously? Getting past it? Why get past it? It looks great.
So, does the top from the other car in this thread; Oly's?
Todd M posted:Did I read correctly on your build site that you installed air ride suspension? If so, did you do it yourself? Forgive me if the answers to these questions are shown in the build photos because for whatever reason I can not see the photos.
yes and yes.
month 20, 21, 23 and 24
http://www.mangosmoothie.ca/build
I’ve reconsidered. It’s terrible and should be scrapped.
#1 prepped steel is going for about $.07/lb, and I figure the top probably weighs less than 50 lbs, but I’m a good guy and will round up. $3.50 sound fair?
I’ll even come get it, because I’m just that kind of guy.
Deal?
ok - here are my two options - photoshopped
I am 99% sure i am going with option #1
I vote for #1
$3.50 USD and you have a deal (not)
I like option #1. That will be the option i take when i try to talk you into making one for me. hint hint....
You do great work my friend top notch.
Same here. The minor change makes significant difference.
Option #1
MangoSmoothie.ca posted:$3.50 USD and you have a deal (not)
I’ll clean out a spot in the big white truck and be right over.
I see nothing
Oh man. All that work on those front wing thingies and now you'll be modding them again. Yeah. A little more trimming, tap the edges up with the hammer, and you'll be home.
This is fun.
#2 looks badderasser.
I like #2.... I preffer the eyebrow/ driprail look. but taste are so personal. Go with your gut. Anything do choose will be AWESOME!!
Lfepardo posted:I like #2.... but taste are so personal. Go with your gut. Anything do choose will be AWESOME!!
I'm stuck right away on #1. Better visibility sideways ?
Oh man, this is close. Where's Troy when you need him?
In all seriousness, both options are beyond cool. I bow to kiss the ring.
Ah Paul it looks amazing 
deffo more practical than mine as am only a short ass 5'8" & i struggle to crawl in & out .The front window part are both fine ,a rubber seal covered most of the front window post anyways
if your not happy with yours it could be painted black or covered with a black wrap to give you the lines your after 
keep up the great work 
sir! your skills are outstanding
You're doing an amazing job (I think I've said that a couple of times now) and I think it will look great either way, but go with your gut, Paul. You have to be happy with it when it's finished. Al
Paul how much head room do you have when your sitting in driving seat ????
my seats are low & i still have old style beetle floor pans so they sit lower ! Ive measured the side window opener & the highest point is 9" .Just thought you could mock up a roof line & sides to see how a tall chap like you can get in & out of
He goes in head first
i have 1.5" of headroom with my current seat setup. i could modify the seat to lower slightly (like 0.5" MAX), but i have heated seats and the wiring is under as well as my supplementary fire extinguisher.
i am thinking the option #1 would give me better line of sight.
i've crawled in/out of this car/hardtop setup quite a few times now during the fitment process. it's actually a lot easier than with the soft top up.
without mincing words, i am going option #1 and plan to get started on it tomorrow 
oh and i stopped by the plastics shop and got the ball rolling for a lexan rear window. should work just fine.