Going Topless! The summer is here!- Hard Top Removal Video

[ehansen007]

I've had a few people ask me how I change out the hard top to the roadster windshield in under 10 minutes. Well, here's how! (It actually takes me under 7 minutes)



P.S. I'm currently working on a quick release clamp (similar to a bike wheel QR) to get rid of the thumb screws. Not that I'm worried about them coming lose, but instead they are really hard to losen once they grab the lock washers!.

Double P.S. - I am not liable for the song getting stuck your head. If your wife asks what you are whistling or humming, tell her it's from Sesame Street.

e!

[riptide motorsport]

Sweet........nice work.

[VD2021]

Just Too Cool!!!

Makes me want a Hot Rod.

[timdks]

[Racerboy1a]

Nice work!!!!!!

Racerboy1a
#99 302/347 TKO, 3-link, coupe

[jayguy]

Oh, very sweet!

[CBURKE]

Damn music!!! lol

Nice work. Car looks perfect!

[Tom Veale]

Thanks Erik, Nice job on the video and also on the overall concept of how to make the changes. I've been using wing nuts on the roadster windscreen as well as getting a spanner or socket under the dash is a task. The handholes at the firewall are handy, but I'd have to create those. The little clips at the back are very cool.

Great job,
TV

[stack]

Need more info on those clips. Have not drilled yet those are nice

stack

[skullandbones]

I like both looks for the hot rod! How many times have you changed so far? It looks like you have the procedure down for sure. Now there will probably be a competition to see who can do it the fastest!! But seriously, that's nice and the hot rod is very cool! Thanks, WEK.

[j33ptj]

Very cool, but the rollbars are loose in the fittings? Wouldn't they come out when you really need them??

[ehansen007]

Ah, j33ptj, you slay me! Just kidding. I've got pins that I put in them behind the seat to hold them in. I just didn't do it on the video. Thanks for your concern though!

[ehansen007]

Need more info on those clips. Have not drilled yet those are nice

stack

Here you go. The national hardware draw hasp. $5. I was a bit concerned that the top might slide around at the back but I autocrossed it and had no issues.

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http://www.amazon.com/NATIONAL-MANUF.../dp/B000I1ATD4

Also, I picked up some "Super Magnets from Home Depot and put them on the top lever of the hasp so it will stick in a closed position when lifting the body off. Otherwise the catch will hang down and catch the opening as you're trying to pull the top off.

[j33ptj]

Ah, j33ptj, you slay me! Just kidding. I've got pins that I put in them behind the seat to hold them in. I just didn't do it on the video. Thanks for your concern though!

no worries!! They don't fit under the hard top??? I thought a set of those in chrome with head rests would look quite nice!!

[ehansen007]

I just put together a set of quick release for the front hardtop. They work really well. It's just a quick release from a bike seatpost but I had to cut them to length and move to 6mm nut insert rivets. I'm considering putting together a full kit/set for sale so let me know if your interested.

[timdks]

That looks very good Erik and I'm interested. Do you have a similar solution for attaching the windshield?

[sheephearder]

Looks to me like you got the idea for the hasps from an oldtime Coleman ice chest. Today is the first time for me to see the video and now I've decided to go both ways when I get to that stage in my build. You have some great ideas! Thanks

John

[ehansen007]

Looks to me like you got the idea for the hasps from an oldtime Coleman ice chest. Today is the first time for me to see the video and now I've decided to go both ways when I get to that stage in my build. You have some great ideas! Thanks

John

Hmmm. A sheephearder that goes both ways? Different, I'll give you that.

Yes that hasp has been around for a long time but I just got it from browsing the isle at the local Hardware shop. The functional term is "draw" as it's made to draw down and create tension on an enclosure that has a seal on it. Such as an ice chest, fridge, trunk etc. It's got a small amount of spring in the catch but it won't stay latched otherwise. It's got elongated holes for sliding so that you can drill in the middle, adjust tension, and then one hole is regular and you drill it last to hold it in place.

Tim, I don't just yet and here's why. The wing nuts work quite well and the weight of the windshield is not as bad so I'm not as concerned. Also the threads on the windshield studs are standard and just about every quick release comes in metric since they are all made in china and japan. So it makes it harder. I'll keep working on it though.

[sheephearder]

My, my, my! What a dirty little mind you have. Ewe are bad. Ha Ha I'll have to be more politicaly correct in my wording.

[1fastsedan]

Looks great Erik. Has anyone used 1/4 turn fasteners to hold their hard top on? I'm considering using the wing-nut top, spring loaded, dzus buttons.