New design RT/10 Softop!

[MadMaxx]

Ok, some of you are bugging the heck out of me to spill the beans on my project. Well... I won't

But I will give some hints w/o devulging much design info.

The first prototype has been put on my personal gen1 RT/10 for trial. I have yet to do high speed tests, Gen2 tests, and other stuff but I suspect it will be just as good if not better than the current soft tops.

Hints:

- Final dry weight ~10 to 15 lbs (may increase w/ additional weather stripping). The goal is to stay well under the current tops weight.

- One piece design, with a closed to installed time of ~30 seconds (my time). No bolts, no stupid rods... pull it out, latch it in, your ready to rock.

- Larger overhang than factory top, so it should reduce leaks on gen1 cars. Tested w/ Vmania and factory slider windows. Need to test other window variations for compatability.

- ~20% smaller than the current top when closed/dissasembled

I have started working on the second version with some new additions, and possibly new colors (materials available in just about any color) for the top. This will be closer to the final product than the current "phase 1" test.

If I can get everything done, expect to see a new business launch into the viper world. Once the legal stuff is done, I will ask NC/SC VCA members to do trial tests before the product goes public.


Comments? Anything in particular you guys would like to see on a product such as this? No idea what the price range will be, but it will be MUCH cheaper than a replacment soft top!

James

 

[prevnine11ownr]

Im working on a "Bikini Style" w/ a local shop here in MD. Yours sound good as well. Keep me posted !!

 

[MadMaxx]

Will do

It's got a long way to go, but should work very well as a replacement for the current tops.

James

 

[slaughterj]

I'd be very interested in this as well.

 

[BobK898]

If you could get the front and back edges to taper downward so it doesn't have the "toupee" look of the factory soft top that would be great. Colors that actually matched would help with losing the toupee look.

 

[MadMaxx]

Slaughter, you local guys will get testing duties

James

 

[slaughterj]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by BobK898:
If you could get the front and back edges to taper downward so it doesn't have the "toupee" look of the factory soft top that would be great. Colors that actually matched would help with losing the toupee look.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Actually I was hoping it would have that "blown awry comb-over" look as a nice change to the toupee look...

 

[slaughterj]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by MadMaxx:
Slaughter, you local guys will get testing duties

James

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Sweet, I'm ready for it!

 

[jimandela]

I would be very interested in any top that is easier and gives more trunk space
prevnine11ownr bikini top sounds good.
Madmaxx I would be interested in your as well if it was real
easy. and gave more like a 50% more room in the trunk if possible.
From what i understand a bikini top would be either a fold up or roll up in the trunk situation.Which would give much more room.

Both of you please keep me posted.

JIM

 

[MadMaxx]

I'm going to test a new design sometime this weekend, which (if it works) should cut the size down again.

I believe the bikini top is for emergency rain situations.. like a canvas piece w/ a bar on each end

Should be very handy

James

 

[Hot Rod]

Here's a suggestion - how about a nice Viper Logo for the underside passenger compartment. Choice of colors of course. As though you need any reminder of the car you're driving.

 

[MadMaxx]

Already thought of that

James

 

[Snakester]

I like the idea of matching colors, as well as tapered ends to give an integrated look. Light weight and easy insertion/removal are a must, and utimaltely the price will be the deciding factor for me.

But it sounds great.

-Dean.

 

[MadMaxx]

I may give you guys some teaser pics this weekend..

James

 

[Bob K]

I would like more head room under the hoops. My head always rubs on one of the hoops and gets bonked when I hit a dip or small bump in the road. I end up driving with my head tilted to one side or I slouch down in the seat - very uncomfortable!
Bob K

 

[MadMaxx]

Hmmm.. I'll see what I can do. Doubt you'll get much more room

BUT, i'll do my best. I'll measure the stock top tonight.

James

 

[prevnine11ownr]

Viperzilla.......
The shop is "Bells Trim & Design" in Laytonsville, MD.
Email when you want to cruise... John.

 

[CitySnake]

Maxx:

Please excuse my ignorance since I was away (on "your" Island), but are you designing and selling these??? If so, please advise and put me on the list. It sounds like a terrific addition!!!

 

[MadMaxx]

Designing? Yes

Selling, not yet.. but I hope to! Lots of logistics to work out.. heck, I may need a partner.

I will keep you guys up to date, I promise!

James

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by MadMaxx:
I may give you guys some teaser pics this weekend..

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Slaughter in a bikini top? Those pecs oughta fill it out real well.

 

[jimandela]

custom color top that matches would be very cool!

 

[V10Nationals.com]

MadMaxx,

I am very excited to hear that you are working on a new soft top. I need to buy one since my Viper came with only a hard top. The guy I bought it from must to have sold it or traded in for the hard top. Either way, I like driving it without any top but it would be nice to have it in case it rains or when I park in public for couple of hours. If the price is right and it holds up to the rain and speed, I think you are going to have a great product.

Are you really looking for a partner?

Send me an email if you would like to talk farther.

 

[paul]

I am very interested, I´m not happy at all with my hard top or soft top that I have. Would love to hear more about the estimated price, wind noise, and "leakage" once you have them tested...thanks, Paul

 

[MadMaxx]

Yes..... I admit, there is also a very crude, early design for the first idea for a collapsable hard top. Don't expect this anytime soon, as my main focus is the soft top first.

But, I will tell you I purchased some composites and mold making supplies, I will be doing a scale test within the next few months.

Can someone go to work for me so I can spend my time doing R&D?

James

 

[slaughterj]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Chuck 98 RT/10:
Slaughter in a bikini top? Those pecs oughta fill it out real well.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Seems you're a little too interested in that...

 

[slaughterj]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by MadMaxx:
Yes..... I admit, there is also a very crude, early design for the first idea for a collapsable hard top. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

For quite some time I've wondered why there couldn't have been a 2 piece hardtop that would fit in the trunk. I envisioned it would latch together fairly easily, but in an overlapping manner internally to provide additional strength. When you really think about it though, I don't think such could split each side, because the halves would be too big to fit in the trunk still, but if you split it between the front and rear halves, it might work...

 

[EXECMALIBU]

If you want to steal a great design, look at the Porsche Targa top!! Designed in 1965!!

1. They are very LIGHT
2. Will OPEN and INSTALL in 30 SECONDS
3. COLLASPE to 1/3 of their size in 10 SECONDS
4. FIT and SEAL VERY WELL!!

TYPICAL GERMAN DESIGN!!