Gen 1 Tops and Windows

[jdeft1]

Let's talk a bit about gen 1 covers.....

I've had several. They all leak but you early car owners know this (if you ever drive your car). I'd really like to see a solid thread about keeping the water out, top designs, window designs etc.......

Please, let's hear about your experiences....

 

[pollard4286]

I put away the soft top set up and purchased the new hardtop and windows from Autoform. I've been through some pretty heavy rain and no leaks! It's been the best investment so far. I love the car so much and now I don't have to be so worried about driving it where ever I want.

 

[propsail]

I have lemke's 3-piece top and windows. Love, love, love the design, ease of use, trunk storage, but rain comes in as hard as a horse ******* on a flat rock.

 

[jdeft1]

I suggest we start by listing top/ window combination... Or post pics, I hope the forum will tell you who made them.
My '94 has a Mopar top/ Vipermania windows.

 

[jdeft1]

It rained like all hell a few years ago on the dragon trip:
I hope you like Jazz (metal's older brother)...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozrBGpMpJKo

 

[pollard4286]

My Autoform set up has no leaks and was not bad priced. Well worth it. Probably the best bang for the buck.

 

[RedEnuf93]

Autoform.

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[jdeft1]

^ Pics of the different options, the different types of windows and tops. How to tell the difference etc. Autoform is nice but a PIA to store.

I'd like this to be a thread showing all the different aftermarket products made for the gen 1 vipers. It seems like every car I see has a different top or window combination...

 

[MoparMap]

Can't necessarily speak for all tops, but my mom has I think the Mopar one piece on her 94. Seems like the tops would all seal fairly well, the main problem in my eyes is the windows. Factory fabric windows on hers and the fact that they use 1+ thick foam and some velcro to try to close the gaps is enough for me to see why they might leak. Never actually had the car out in rain in that configuration though. Only times we've been caught is with no top handy, but do have the snap in cockpit cover, so we can at least close up one side okay and keep a decent amount of rain out.

 

[Jmch]

Autoform currently has 3 different styles available and a new website to view. I'll try to post some pics of the two newest styles available by this weekend.
J

 

[jdeft1]

This site is dead after the club split. Perhaps it'll be my mission to search out pics of all the different gen 1 (aftermarket)options.....


OK, I'm on it.

 

[Autoformsteve]

As I remember...here are all of the shops that ever made...(not sold) tops for the Viper...(it was my business to know)

Autoform
Northwind
Hennessy...but was produced by another company...from England as I recall.
Northwind Engineering
Viper Mania
Steve O'Brian Designs...just windows
Mopar- ASC
Lemke
There is one more shop that made a top for a short time in the mid 90s...they where pretty nice but quite expensive....

Hope that helps.

 

[cfiiman]

Autoform currently has 3 different styles available and a new website to view. I'll try to post some pics of the two newest styles available by this weekend.
J

Holy hell that Gen 1 fastback top is so awesome, is this a good company to buy from, I've been out of the loop for so long I don't know who the vendors are you should buy or stay away from. I'd like to call and get some info on this top.

 

[jdeft1]

As I remember...here are all of the shops that ever made...(not sold) tops for the Viper...(it was my business to know)

Autoform
Northwind
Hennessy...but was produced by another company...from England as I recall.
Northwind Engineering
Viper Mania
Steve O'Brian Designs...just windows
Mopar- ASC
Lemke
There is one more shop that made a top for a short time in the mid 90s...they where pretty nice but quite expensive....

Hope that helps.

Thank you sir!!... That's a good place to start. I'm really looking for pics of each design, a definitive 'what is what' ? ...... I've owned a few gen 1 cars, each with different combinations.

1) stock
2) Vmania top w/ northwest sliders
3) Mopar top w/vipermania windows...

My goal is to create a what-is-what list so car lovers of the future can know they have and what is out there. (secondary goal is to learn what keeps the water out....)

 

[propsail]

I bet all the old viper quarterly magazines would have advertisement pics

 

[ViperRed]

I'm still searchng for the Lemke top and window for the Gen1

 

[viperman4125]

My advise to buy one from Autoform Group! I'm VERY picky! It a GREAT Top! I'm very pleased ! Call Steve.

 

[Autoformsteve]

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Lemke

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V-Mania

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Stock Dodge/Mopar produced by ASC

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Hennessey with V-Mania windows

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Northwind Engineering

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Autoform Classic Double Bubble

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Autoform GT top

 

[Autoformsteve]

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One more of an early Hennessey

 

[Jmch]

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[Autoformsteve]

Hey J...here are a few more of your car

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[jdeft1]

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Is this a one-off? As I recall, Autoform tops follow the A-pillars down and connect with a spring-clip.... Apparently a new design...?

 

[Jmch]

There are 3 different tops built by Autoform now. Check out the new website for the different styles, but all three are pictured on this thread.. There are the different tops along with some other matching goodies for the new style tops.

 

[MoparMap]

This is an awesome thread. Really helps to set apart the differences of all the options out there. Thanks for putting all the info together and everyone else who chipped in!

 

[ViperRed]

Lemke's have been discontinued so you're not gonna be able to source them anywhere.

 

[Autoformsteve]

I believe I am the only company left that builds new hardtops (since1994) and continues to support the Viper with new products...nothing against the other companies that have done it for awhile...this is a tough business with very small margins and very picky customers... I am either crazy or enjoy what I do....probably both.
Please continue to support me and my business...I have spent the last 20 years in this market and feel that I have proven myself and my commitment to the Viper community. I am not and never was here to make a fast buck...like many try to do. I do not jump to the next big thing when things get tough. The prices I charge are what is needed to produce a good quality product, to be able to stay around long enough to support it, and to be able to survive as a business and support loyal employees and family...good rule of thumb...if they are cheaper...the quality will not be there and the company will not succeed long term. History has proven it.

 

[viperman4125]

I have purchased a few products from Autoform. Top Quality products, great response to questions, when asked, They did what they said they were going to do, at a fair market price. When I go to car shows here in Fl. all EYES are on my new top! & they love the spoiler too!
I'm just hoping and praying Steve will produce a T-top for the Vipers, Mine is a 94, when he does, before it's finished, I will buy two, That's how confident I am about there stuff! One in Red & One in Black ( looks sharp ).

Great Co. Great Guy!

 

[Autoformsteve]

Thanks Dave...I haven't forgotten about that top...I still want to do that at some point. We are pretty deep into a few new parts for the Gen III and IV cars right now. Let's see how the winter goes.