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> 914 Soft Top, Any know where to get a soft top?
retrofive
post Aug 28 2005, 10:25 PM
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I really would like to add a soft top to my 914, however can't seem to find one anywhere. I dont really care if I have to construct it myself or not. A friend of mine has a 05 Lotus Elise, the soft top for it is really simple in design (3 fiber glass rods and "pop" into place supporting the canvas) . I dont see why something like that for the 914 would be too difficult.
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neo914-6
post Aug 28 2005, 10:28 PM
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QUOTE (retrofive @ Aug 28 2005, 08:25 PM)
I really would like to add a soft top to my 914, however can't seem to find one anywhere. I dont really care if I have to construct it myself or not. A friend of mine has a 05 Lotus Elise, the soft top for it is really simple in design (3 fiber glass rods and "pop" into place supporting the canvas) . I dont see why something like that for the 914 would be too difficult.

You're right, the Elise design could be adapted. I doubt anyone has done it yet. It is on my list to do but not in the very near future. Go for it...
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Brando
post Aug 28 2005, 10:29 PM
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Take original F/G 914 top.

Cut out insides, leaving a square-shaped frame on the outside (with hooks and mouting pins for front and rear).

Stretch semi-transparent fabric across and secure.

Voila, soft-top 914 (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/smile.gif)
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boxstr
post Aug 28 2005, 10:54 PM
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I remember seeing a pic of what appeared to be a "bikini top " on a 914 in pics from one of the bay area saturday 914 gatherings. A few years ago. Anyone have a pic. it was in a parking lot and if I remeber correctly it was overcast and might have been rainy.
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Mueller
post Aug 28 2005, 11:20 PM
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I like the fold up tops on the early 911 targas, same basic idea but they seem a little more robust
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Brando
post Aug 28 2005, 11:20 PM
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QUOTE (Mueller @ Aug 28 2005, 09:20 PM)
I like the fold up tops on the early 911 targas, same basic idea but they seem a little more robust

They also won't protect you in a roll over. Nor survive if you run it over.
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bd1308
post Aug 28 2005, 11:32 PM
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QUOTE (Brando @ Aug 28 2005, 10:29 PM)
Take original F/G 914 top.

Cut out insides, leaving a square-shaped frame on the outside (with hooks and mouting pins for front and rear).

Stretch semi-transparent fabric across and secure.

Voila, soft-top 914 (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/smile.gif)

just like the old buses.....



i like that idea...

Cano, lets switch targa tops..... I have a project.....

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/smile.gif)
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Mueller
post Aug 29 2005, 12:31 AM
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QUOTE (Brando @ Aug 28 2005, 10:20 PM)
QUOTE (Mueller @ Aug 28 2005, 09:20 PM)
I like the fold up tops on the early 911 targas, same basic idea but they seem a little more robust

They also won't protect you in a roll over. Nor survive if you run it over.

huh??

are you saying the 911 targa bar offers no protection?

run what over? the top, heck, the stock 914 top won't survive that (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/smile.gif)
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Mueller
post Aug 29 2005, 12:47 AM
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QUOTE
however can't seem to find one anywhere


no real commercial market for it...you might find a few people that would want one, but it's not a item that a company would go spend the money for R&D on....if you do make one, you might sell a few to recoup your costs (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/smile.gif)

another reason why you cannot find one is that it's a non-issue since the targa top stows in the rear trunk..the Elise hard top cannot be kept in the car once removed...there is no room for it, hence the "need" for a top that folds up....
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redshift
post Aug 29 2005, 12:57 AM
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QUOTE (Brando @ Aug 29 2005, 01:20 AM)
Nor survive if you run it over.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/laugh.gif)

Goof ball... what'dya run over?


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lotus_65
post Aug 29 2005, 04:45 AM
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no market? i have a standard walking golf bag that won't fit with the top! (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/wink.gif)
honestly you're probably right, not many buyers, but i need something.
i've been pondering for a while, and these ideas help.
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VegasRacer
post Aug 29 2005, 05:57 AM
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Put me down on the list of potential customers.
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JerryP
post Aug 29 2005, 07:00 AM
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Get rid of the Al Cervik bag. I have 2 Ping J bags and the top in my 72' right now. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif)

That is true but, seriously, I know what you mean and I'd be up for a bikini or similarly useful soft top as well.
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jd74914
post Aug 29 2005, 07:13 AM
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QUOTE (Mueller @ Aug 29 2005, 12:20 AM)
I like the fold up tops on the early 911 targas, same basic idea but they seem a little more robust

Those tops are a bitch to put on though with the special key wrench and all. The 914 top is a much better design. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/smile.gif)
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lotus_65
post Aug 29 2005, 12:47 PM
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QUOTE (JerryP @ Aug 29 2005, 08:00 AM)
Get rid of the Al Cervik bag. I have 2 Ping J bags and the top in my 72' right now. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif)

That is true but, seriously, I know what you mean and I'd be up for a bikini or similarly useful soft top as well.

dude, i need my tapper 'cause i suck so bad! (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/beer.gif) (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/beer3.gif) (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/beerchug.gif) (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/drunk.gif) (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/icon8.gif)
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mudfoot76
post Aug 29 2005, 12:55 PM
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Just this morning I saw another 914 here in downtown Indy that had a cloth-looking top on it. Sean (seanery) apparently knows the guy. I've passed him on the interstate a few times. It looks like one of those ragtops that are fastened into a cutout on solid-roof car (a la classic BMC Mini, or the Renault Twingo). I had never seen him with the roof "open", and I was wondering if that was a DIY mod or he bought it from somewhere...(BTW-I believe the car is a '71 1.7, black)
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JerryP
post Aug 29 2005, 01:00 PM
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I hear ya...me too. Now there's an idea. Forget about designing the soft top. How about a Weltmeister Beermeister? (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/beerchug.gif)
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Brando
post Aug 29 2005, 01:49 PM
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QUOTE (Mueller @ Aug 28 2005, 10:31 PM)
QUOTE (Brando @ Aug 28 2005, 10:20 PM)

They also won't protect you in a roll over. Nor survive if you run it over.

huh??

are you saying the 911 targa bar offers no protection?

run what over? the top, heck, the stock 914 top won't survive that (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/smile.gif)

The targa bar will... My nay-saying was in relation to the soft vinyl 911 tops...

And FYI... the stock 914 top will survive if you run it over. Might take a 5lb sledge to get it on but it will.
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/smash.gif)
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neo914-6
post Aug 29 2005, 04:30 PM
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QUOTE (Mueller @ Aug 28 2005, 10:47 PM)
QUOTE
however can't seem to find one anywhere


no real commercial market for it...you might find a few people that would want one, but it's not a item that a company would go spend the money for R&D on....if you do make one, you might sell a few to recoup your costs (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/smile.gif)

another reason why you cannot find one is that it's a non-issue since the targa top stows in the rear trunk..the Elise hard top cannot be kept in the car once removed...there is no room for it, hence the "need" for a top that folds up....

MikeP and I held one up to a 914 and the adaptation wouldn't be difficult. The mating parts will require some mold or fabrication. Sell a few, depends how much they will cost...

The benefits are:
-quieter than hard top, believe it or not.
-rolls up so you have more trunk space, great for those who carry spares, batteries, or tools in the back.

Downside:
-less theft protection
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lotus_65
post Aug 29 2005, 08:22 PM
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QUOTE (JerryP @ Aug 29 2005, 02:00 PM)
I hear ya...me too. Now there's an idea. Forget about designing the soft top. How about a Weltmeister Beermeister?  :beer2:

be the (beer) ball, danny!

you're not being the ball danny.
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