Anyone know about Saratoga plexiglass roofs??? I just saw one on Ebay...never heard of them. I would like to know where they came from and if there is still available some where?
They were a one piece plexiglass top that replaced the entire fiberglass unit. As I recall, and I only remember seeing one "live", they did not fit that well, they were pretty expensive in 70's dollars, and I did not consider one further...
But they were a great idea, and gave a top off feel even in the winter...
Actually, they are a complete top panel made out of smoked plexi. With very few exceptions, they fit like absolute excrement. Plus they take non-stock seals, which are of course NLA. As a result, they are noisy, and they leak like seives. Yes, worse than the stock roof does! Plus they let all the heat in during the summer, without being open-air the way the stock top (removed) is.
They haven't been made for years. Evil-bay is about the only place you'll find them--be prepared to pay in the four-digit range for one! God only knows why...
--DD
I found that cloudy overcast days are really great for the Saratoga top. Lots of light comes in and you get a different perspective of the sky, road, and driving. Recently took my top over to the Plastics Place in Costa Mesa that specializes in making custome marine windshields for powerboats to see about having one made up that be more like the regular top. Especially where the side rubber and tracts fit. Seems like the materails and methods have advanced quite a bit since the '70's and it's a very doable job.If a modern version were made with better sealing on the sides, it would be very nice.
Here's a couple of pics from Winter in Seal Beach..
Attached image(s)
That looks great!!, Is that a Saratoga top or one you had made in So Cal?
If you could get one to fit properly and not leak too bad...I'd be interested. Of course you would have a major amplification of heat during the hottest summer days...but what a treat to have on a cool fall day!
Bill
There was a thread about these a couple days ago...with pics
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=51075&hl=saratoga
I just want one for night driving.
Dave, does that mean you have to change the front & back targa seals to use it? Not possible to swap tops without changing seals?
IIRC, the difference is on the side seals and possibly the rear. The seals that attach to the roof panel itself, that is. They are not the stock ones and are impossible to find. Not a big deal on the rear seal (if that's one of the ones that is specific to the Saratoga Top) but quite a big deal on the side seals...
--DD
Saratoga Tops are definately NOT for hot sunny days. I probably use mine only 10% of the time. As Dave mentioned, the side seals are completly different and do not provide weatherproofing in rain or even car washing.
My inquiry with the marine windshield shop touched on making the sides more like the current 914 top. That way the tracks could be screwed on and 914 rubber seals installed. I didn't take this past the "is it doable stage"; but, these guys say it's very doable, and they work on stuff that is more complex than these tops.
I have one for my '73 from the previous owner. It is a smoked glass look and actually fits as well as the stock roof. It can be removed and stored in the rear trunk like the original and is about as noisy as the original. It does leak just a tiny bit more than the original (at corners of window) but not by much.
from the other Saratoga top thread:
That would be a good price and prolly a lot better product with the improvements in plastics. Certainly cheaper than trying to buy a 30 year old top on E-bay. How about a limited edition ?
Mine seems to fit well, a little squeaky but no leaky. During the summer, I just leave it in the garage and use the oem top.
If there was enough interest; perhaps this would be good item for the club store since they would not be available any where else.
Jim, a rough estimate on price would be very good. See if you can get your guys to give you a price to the nearest $100.
really...........
does anyone have a pic or two of a see through top........
.......on a teener......
i know they are rare.....
In fact, you'll find some great photos in this thread:
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=51843&hl=Saratoga+Top
Jim, it's after WCC 06.
You have mentioned on hot summer days to which I reply, "theres nothin like the greenhouse effect right in your own car." I go topless but not without a bimini top on the role bar to keep that sun off.
Don't need it unless frequent beer stops are on the schedule.
It would take very little skill to attach a piece of Lexan or Plexy to an original top thus making it stock like weather proof and user friendly. I do have to say that when in 90+ degree weather, night driving could feel like winter and this would be the answer. As cheeo as tops are to get since there is no lack of them, this would be the msartest way to go since the Saratoga was a dealer option or aftermarket item.
thats it !!!![size=5]
that is the top ....
yup i would love to get my fingers on one!!!
JPB has a point (for once )
A clear top lets infra red light (heat) in and does not let it out. Think of how your car gets when it sits in a parking lot on a hot summer day and add that to the joy of driving. In winter it may be a good idea.
yup you might have a point.....
and i don't drive in the winter.....
but cool fall days and nights it would be great.
I thought this thread was more about this since the Sarasota one was already posted:
Sweet mother of my children! I was gonna say you can give a class on the greenhouse effect once the top is installed but I would prefer the course on, "See Through How to Get Him Arrrrroused." She is such a godess man!
In my dreams.
They are great if you like wet carpets, to cook yer melon, see the sun but hate wind because yer toupee will blow off...
Topics merged.....
Has anyone in the club actually taken a factory top and had one of the aftermarket moonroofs installed on the top? I seem to remember that the local Zeibart stores had such roofs available, and it should be a brainless install on a fiberglass top like the 914s. If it would still fit in the rear trunk with the moonroof installed, that would be a nice compromise for additional sun but not quite as hot as an ill fitting top.
To be honest, I'd rather have a CF top instead of a Saratoga. Why use the transparent top when you could just take the roof off?
Its for a cheap thrill to drive at night and look up at the stars or drive on cool sunny days. Just another toy and for 100$, one can easily make one out of a second stock top in about one hour with the right tools.
I might just do that!
Update: Stopped by the Plastic Shop, they do custom marine windshieds. Earlier this year i stopped by to see whether it was doable and get an idea whether there are better materials.
Went back again today, while it can be done, they are not interest in this project; they recommended we contact either the original manufacturer of the Saratoga--which according to MM is still in business--or someone who make T-top type stuff.
They indicated the expertise to do it right lies with people already doing it; there are also some liability issues they wished to avoid.
In any case, there is prolly someone out there who has a connection.
Can't we get the Chineeze to make us some for $29.95 shipped to Chicago IL.
Powered by Invision Power Board (http://www.invisionboard.com)
© Invision Power Services (http://www.invisionpower.com)