CR Soft Top

G_Edmonds · #1 (**permalink**) 12-17-2008, 08:52 AM

Since we don't seem to be able to get a manufacturer for a CR soft top, has anyone tried one from another make. I know that the dimensions are a little different but Some of you folks are very creative. I guess one problem would be accessability to tops to see what could fit. DV has built other brands I know. Ever throw one on just to size it up?

Double Venom · #2 (**permalink**) 12-17-2008, 10:25 AM

G Edmonds,
Sorry, but I have not found A/Any other tops that can even be modified to fit the CR. Beleve it or not I have not given up on this project.
Again, I say wait just a week or two-should be less, but there IS news comning.
DV

coosawjack · #3 (**permalink**) 12-17-2008, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Double Venom

G Edmonds,
Sorry, but I have not found A/Any other tops that can even be modified to fit the CR. Beleve it or not I have not given up on this project.
Again, I say wait just a week or two-should be less, but there IS news comning.
DV

Good News Ed??

Double Venom · #4 (**permalink**) 12-18-2008, 09:25 AM

Buddy,
I HOPE so!
DV

cobraduke · #5 (**permalink**) 12-18-2008, 02:11 PM

This probably isn't the good news DV is talking about, but I just received some info on a source for one of the parts needed to fit a top.

The part is the small T shaped studs that are located in the channel that runs across the windshield frame. These studs provide posts for the hinged frame at the front edge of the top to grip and seal (in a perfect world) the weather strip to the windshield. They may be missing or broken off on many cars. Here is what I received by email today and I have no connection or prior knowledge of this individual or his company. I have no reason to doubt his offer either.

"A car owner came to me to have soft top\windshield t-nuts manufactured. Icopied a factory sample, made engineering drawings and produced them for him in stainless steel. If any of the owners you know needs these do-dads, I offer packs of 10 for 145.00, I make them when ordered so turn around is usually 2-3 weeks.
thanks.
--
Fred W. Bentelspacher
Origin Corporation
114 Riverview Dr.
Treichlers PA 18086
610-767-9139
http://www.origincorp.net/"

Hope this helps someone and I'd appreciate feedback if someone tries to use some of these. As far as I know this is the only source of these other than going to your own machine shop with an example. Perhaps a larger order would reduce the cost somewhat? If anyone has an alternate source, please post up.

Mike

Kawika · #6 (**permalink**) 02-09-2009, 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Double Venom

G Edmonds,
Sorry, but I have not found A/Any other tops that can even be modified to fit the CR. Beleve it or not I have not given up on this project.
Again, I say wait just a week or two-should be less, but there IS news comning.
DV

DV I have been away from this site for over a month, did I miss any news? Dave

Double Venom · #7 (**permalink**) 02-09-2009, 07:31 AM

Gentlemen, the news has come in and it isn't good-broke my heart. I too felt like I have been "lead by the nose" for a year only to find out last week all contracts, deals,financing to buy CR's is either "bull" or has simply failed. We are no better off than we were when Don was forced to close his doors.

I gave the gentlemen over a week to post the bad news here and he hasn't so once again it seems to have fallen in my lap. I have nothing more to add, I can not even dream of getting the money at my age and condition. To hell with age issues, if I wasn't dealing with a stroke every day of my life I would go after the company with a vengance.

As we all know it IS one of the best Cobras on the market. The only one that comes close is SF and that is because they have the money to udate and advertise-period. KMP? Entirely different car and is not made for competition against CR's. Unique and ERA are great cars but again totally different than a CR.

Sorry to break the news but I have always said I will never lie to you. Two weeks ago I was lead to believe everything was in place and the paperwrk was ready to be signed-right!

The "T" nuts can be found on the web......

I consider myself to be in great and spectacular company and always will!
DV

Kawika · #8 (**permalink**) 02-09-2009, 07:37 AM

Thanks Dv I would be in so much more trouble with out your help, do you remember what post you showed the door mounting for the crII. Dave

MaSnaka · #9 (**permalink**) 02-09-2009, 01:24 PM

DV,
I'm sure we were all hoping for better things to happen but this comes as no suprise. The writing has been on the wall and during difficult economic times I can't see that this type of business would be the most profitable place to put your money. It really hits those who are owed by CRII and have been patiently waitng for better things to happen. That sure leaves a sour taste in your mouth. Good luck to all. Thanks DV for your support.

John

James Stern · #10 (**permalink**) 02-09-2009, 02:24 PM

DV, I'm not sure why it always has to fall to you to be the bearer of bad tidings. As MaSnaka says you have become the CRII spititual leader. We still have our community and this web site. F the rest of 'em. I agree that right now would not be a good time to try to restart this sort of thing. We will continue to limp along without 'em.

On the convertible top, TCrist on this site had a convertible top for a CRII about 6 months ago. He may still have it. Righteous price.

Danr55 · #11 (**permalink**) 02-09-2009, 02:46 PM

Guys, I don't mean to interupt, but is the windshield frame on a CR different than other Cobras? If not, you can buy the bows and the frames from Cobra Restorers and just about any top shop should be able to make the fabric portion. That sounds too simple to me. I must be missing something. What is the special challenge you are facing? I have a good friend here in the Phoenix area that specializes in making soft tops. Fill me in on what's up and try me.

Double Venom · #12 (**permalink**) 02-09-2009, 02:59 PM

Dan, The windshield is the same, body lenght, doors and quarters are the big thing. Easy to work around for a good shop but the header panel going to the windshield is the problem, I have tried numerous shops that specialize in this type of thing and they all just shake their heads when it comes to making the header. (Takes a full and usually professional machine shop) to make them and they want to make 100 to 500 at time.

Cloth and bows- except for the side windows are a piece of cake.
DV

TC Cobra · #13 (**permalink**) 02-16-2009, 05:10 PM

Terry (tcrist),

Do you still have the soft top for sale?

Thanks!
Dwain

tcrist · #14 (**permalink**) 02-16-2009, 05:36 PM

Dwain,
Yes it is still for sale. You have a PM.
Terry

James Stern · #15 (**permalink**) 02-18-2009, 05:29 AM

Terry, Let me know if it sells. That was a real deal from you and I am still thinking about it. If Dwain doesn't buy it I'm still on the waiting list

.

Jim

tcrist · #16 (**permalink**) 02-18-2009, 06:44 AM

Jim, will do.
Terry

tcrist · #17 (**permalink**) 02-26-2009, 05:14 PM

Jim, The top is sold and shipped.
Terry

James Stern · #18 (**permalink**) 02-26-2009, 06:37 PM

Terry, Thanks for the heads up on the sale of your soft top. Congrats Dwain you got one heck of a deal. I should have done some more things around the house to get some more attaboys

.

TC Cobra · #19 (**permalink**) 02-28-2009, 01:14 PM

Thanks, Jim!

Now I'll be prepared for the inevitable downpours during the 800-mile trips to Ohio every June.

Dwain

James Stern · #20 (**permalink**) 02-28-2009, 03:23 PM

Hey Dwain, after you get to Ohio Fedex me the top.

I have a lot further to drive than you. Jim