Bill's little Cobra top

lovehamr · #1 (**permalink**) 09-19-2012, 04:57 PM

Here are some pics that Bill down in FL sent me showing what he and BDR have come up with for a bikini top. I haven't actually seen the car so I'm afraid I'd be of no use answering questions but they're still neat to see. Maybe Bill or Reg will chime in.

madmaxx · #2 (**permalink**) 09-20-2012, 09:55 AM

No comment

FWB · #3 (**permalink**) 09-20-2012, 01:11 PM

i guess it really depends on what your after in a top.....personally i think it needs a re-thinking of the back.....but if adding on with little to no mods then possibly that's the best that can be achieved.

SpecOp1 · #4 (**permalink**) 09-20-2012, 04:44 PM

Ok...will chime in....wanted no holes drilled....quick up and down....temperature change has been about 20 degrees here in So Fla....at car shows has been a huge hit...knew that there would be some flamers here thou....still a work in progress....can be put in trunk....stays at speed ....while not a classic thing of Beauty it is very functional and effective.

Cashburn · #5 (**permalink**) 09-20-2012, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpecOp1

Ok...will chime in....wanted no holes drilled....quick up and down....temperature change has been about 20 degrees here in So Fla....at car shows has been a huge hit...knew that there would be some flamers here thou....still a work in progress....can be put in trunk....stays at speed ....while not a classic thing of Beauty it is very functional and effective.

If the cloth wrapped down the side and back a little more to conceal that rear framework and leg you'd be a little cleaner from a visual standpoint. Maybe in black or charcoal to match the car?

Applaud the effort, there's plenty of room for innovation and advancement with these cars. Anyone who has driven one of these in the Summer of FL, TX, or AZ would like it even more.

lovehamr · #6 (**permalink**) 09-21-2012, 07:30 AM

Glad you chimed in here Bill. How important are all the extra braces? I ask because even though I'm not short, I've set my car up so that my head is below the rollbar and windshield frame and it seems like I wouldn't need all that were I to copy your design. Oh, and don't worry about the flamers man, these cars are all about personal tastes.

Steve

flaflier · #7 (**permalink**) 09-21-2012, 07:48 AM

Reminds me of the bimini top I had on my CJ-5. The CJ however, had 1 continuous horizontal roll bar to support the top. Maybe you could sew a 1/2" PVC pipe or something into the back end to give the back some rigidity, so it doesn't sag between the roll bars.
Living in Florida, I understand why, it's F*&#ing hot!

Interesting idea, though...

Jim

rpatton3 · #8 (**permalink**) 09-21-2012, 10:11 AM

If it works and it is your car, what is the problem?

tcrist · #9 (**permalink**) 09-21-2012, 12:35 PM

It was put on this forum and got critiqued. There is nothing wrong with that.

I personally think that the design is a bit rough and does not flow with the car’s lines.

Sure, it does the job that it is designed to do, but, a few more upgrades to the design (for appearance) and it could work out real well.

Is this a product that BDR is going to try and sell? If so then you might want to listen to the people that are possible customers for that type of product.

Of course, that is just my opinion.

SpecOp1 · #10 (**permalink**) 09-24-2012, 02:52 PM

I am going to add a snap on each side of the back roll bar straps...this will take up the slack in the rear of the canvas. I was going to sew in a plastic dowl rod for more rigidity, but the idea is to make it fit in the trunk, Jay more cloth means more room taken up in trunk. It has one sole purpose, to keep the sun out. Reactions at car shows has been really positive ( to my surprise actually). Jay the color is grey and I have the grey interior, car is Indigo. Again looking to keep it cooler

. I appreciate ALL thoughts on this subject, as it is a work in progress. There has been some different attachments recently by other owners using metal clamps on the roll bar. I did not want any metal attachments and no drilling. So the road goes on...thanks Bill

ERA Chas · #11 (**permalink**) 09-24-2012, 04:28 PM

A tonneau cover already exists because it works perfectly to keep heat off the seats and wheel.
Sure you can't drive with one in place but I wouldn't drive with yours either for function and appearance.
Your piece does look well-made however.

SpecOp1 · #12 (**permalink**) 09-25-2012, 11:14 AM

Guess you have never been to Florida in the summer Chas......most Cobra owners here actually put their cars away in the summer...I however, decided I wanted to drive in the summer. I have a Piggy touneau cover I use at shows and when it rains. Thanks for the input though...