Thoughts on a hardtop

[V10 MOJO]

MadMaxx has been working on a similar item. he practically had a "soft top" completed which sounded ideal for the RT10. I think, d/t, personal matters though, its on hold. too bad to cause he had a long line of buyers waiting. I for one hope he can get back to it soon

 

[Daffy Duck Viper]

The R & T article on the Carrera GT sparked my interest, not only because it is a gorgeous car, but because it has the option of removable hard tops made of carbon fiber weighing only 5.4 lbs each! Ok, I know the car is $430,000, but considering that the Viper owners are the most highly educated, ingenious, and wealthiest automobile owners in America, why cannot we devise a hardtop worthy of this great country's most amazing automobile? I do realize that two people spoke out recently of developing hardtops for the snake, yet nothing has solidified as of yet.....but i do hope that people can gain insight through the Carrera's hardtop, being a removable option for each side, only weighing in at 5.4 lbs each! Considering that we have a front and rear point of attachment on each side, why can't someone fashion something similar for our beloved roadsters? Something lightweight, easy to install/remove, and something that can be stored in the trunk? To me, Porsche has the right idea, halving the unit to save space and weight....
....So, anyone with any ideas on hardtop development, please share your thoughts with us.....and all of you roadster owners, please express your desire for a more functional, removable, storable top for us to keep in the trunk which we could attach easily! I am willing to contribute to this effort if it meets the set-forth approval, OOps, any ideas, Viper nation? Check out the Road and Track for our overpriced competition.....and their excellent idea!Mark Meholchick2000 red with cognac RT1 of 77

Hmm, I've never actually read about trying it that way. Sounds like an excellent idea. Sounds like it could work. Just a matter of getting the right person/people interested...and possibly the money to get the job done. Simple.
I don't have a Viper, yet. But I know that I'll be adding an RT/10 to my collection, when the time is right. So, I would certainly purchase such a product.

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[Vip-RT10]

I have been thinking on a system as you described, light weight and storeable. I have some models on paper, but I am looking to make models to get the right geometry and look. I can make them out of CF if I can get the function right. If anyone has ideas, I'm all ears...

 

[MadMaxx]

Hi guys,

Had a bunch of setbacks hit within a short period of time, but I am moving forward!!! I have several carbon fiber engine pieces about to go public, but the crown jewl is still my soft top.

And yes, the first self-contained TRUNK size hard top is still in the works! I have gotten MUCH better at working with composite materials (carbon, kevlar and graphite) and hope to get the first prototype done soon. The design is still in CAD stage, but the design is sound.

I have some other intersting products coming soon, I will start hanging around here more for questiosn and updates.

Thanks!

James Adams

 

[Gerald Levin]

Any estimates on the final finished weight of your trunk sized hardtop? Sounds like a great idea.

 

[MadMaxx]

I won't know untill I measure the materials, resin weight, aluminum honeycomb and the extras (gaskets, latches, etc.). Should be less than a current fiberglass top, as the carbon + honeycomb makes a very strong piece. However, due to the added mechanisms needed for the interconnection (machined aluminum "keys"), the weight may be slightly more than expected. Bottom line, I won't know untill the first one is built

James