Thread: make a convertible top
Threaded View
-
09-19-2004 05:18 AM #1
make a convertible top
I am looking for sources of information on how to build a "soft" top for my roadster pickup. At this point in time, I am not sure wheather to build it to fold, or to be a rigid "Carson" style top. What I envision is --build the tubing structure out of thin wall electricians EMT metal tubing, bent with either a bending jig or electricians "Hickey", fabricate hinge points from light bar stock (or if making a Carson style, weld the pipes into finished shape). The roadster pickup started life as a sedan. so the windshield posts were cut off at the roof line and filled with a 3/16" plate, with a 3/8" nut welded on the inside, to accept bolts which would hold some form of header. ( the windshield opening has been modified for a glue in windshield, which will not normally run any header. I will have a local marine shop which sews canvas boat tops make the actual top fabric covering.----if anyone out there has done this succesfully, I would like to hear from them.----I have also seen where people running Carson style tops use old seat belt buckles to connect the tops to the car body structure.---buckle with latch is built into top, tongue which fits into latch part is attached to body, (or vice-versa if you don't want the tongue sticking up to catch your arm when running without the top). Any help or pictures would be appreciated.Old guy hot rodder
John's ride to the cemetery, his beloved Billings OK bus, The Baby Elephant!! Traveling in style!! - -
John Norton aka johnboy