Topic: Sky/ Solstice Bikini top?

[Helios]

I was initially intrigued by the Project G Bikini top for the Miata. Why don't we have an option like that? Would there be any interest in a bikini top for our cars? I have some funding coming in and am thinking of investing some of it into the R&D for a product such as this. It would involve at least 5 items, the bikini top, two "roll bar covers" (made of aluminum; not CF) to serve as a structure for the bikini top to stretch over, and modified buttress caps for the bikini top to latch to. Obviously, the project is only in preliminary brainstorming stages. I know that there are at least 2 other items I haven't addressed (front alignment pins and the forward bow for the top to attach at the front). I always see talk about replacement OEM convertible tops and how they are either A) hard to procure and/or B) cost prohibitive. I am pretty sure that I will at least make one for myself, but just thought I'd toss out a feeler to the community and see if there was any interest. My goal is to completely remove the OEM top and its structure in favor of the bikini top and to offer this at a competitive price point (let's say <$1000).

[Sly Bob]

Sounds like a great idea and I for one am interested to see what you come up with but I wonder what one does when you are driving car in the rain?

Now I try not to drive in the rain but if the worst happens...

[Helios]

Sounds like a great idea and I for one am interested to see what you come up with but I wonder what one does when you are driving car in the rain?

Now I try not to drive in the rain but if the worst happens...

I have an idea for that too as far as the rear of the bikini top goes, it would involve Windrestrictor.

[Oceansol]

I've always wanted something like this.  Living in southern California, I virtually never drive it in the rain, and the only times I have is when I get caught by surprise by an unexpected rain; which is very rare.  I'd even be willing to remove my regular convertible top to save some weight and more importantly, give me more trunk space.  Let us know if this comes to fruition.

[Chew]

  I'd be in for one as well! Keep us posted.

[Sol Asylum]

Why not find an upholstery shop that can install a zipper around the rear window like they used to do on the old British cars.  Then you just unzip the window and air can flow through.

[Helios]

Why not find an upholstery shop that can install a zipper around the rear window like they used to do on the old British cars.  Then you just unzip the window and air can flow through.

1) OEM tops are expensive and heavy with the steel frame.
2) I'd like to provide a less expensive, alternative top to the community as a whole. Changing my top to incorporate a zipper does not provide an alternative solution to any/ all of us that might want/ need a new convertible top later down the road.
3) I want to save weight by eliminating the OEM top and frame assy while also semi-changing the style of the top.
4) I like designing/ making things.

[Helios]

This project was on hold until I could source a used top so I could have a frame to work with. Well, a used top (canvas is trashed) finally popped up on eBay for cheap and I snapped it up. What luck!!! This project will be next in line after I finish the V8 swap.

[elff]

Not interested.  IMHO, that's not that much different then the top up, with the windows down.

[Helios]

Not interested.  IMHO, that's not that much different then the top up, with the windows down.

I do have plans later to make a more "complete" top more akin to the OEM.

[Sting Ya]

Not interested.  IMHO, that's not that much different then the top up, with the windows down.

      I had a Jeep with one of these bikini tops and to be honest it was terrible in my opinion you would drive down the road especially on a highway and it would flap around to the point of being annoying plus it offered very little  protection if you got caught in the rain which to me would be a concern with all the electronics in the cabin of our cars  I'd be more interested in Sol Asylum's suggestion about the rear window

[ChopTop]

Here's Porsche Boxster bikini top operation, definitely engineered like no other.

[Gentleman Jack]

Wow.
The tiny space it takes up when packed is the only redeeming quality

[elff]

I'd be halfway across the country before this dude had the top up or down.

That is absolutely retarded.   

[Jim]

I'd be halfway across the country before this dude had the top up or down.

That is absolutely retarded.   

Ditto! And a manual prop to boot! Way to go Porsche! I'll never complain about putting the top up or down on the Sky after seeing that.

[Sly Bob]

And the automotive journalists slammed the kappa tops as hard to use...   

[Ironhide]

I'd be halfway across the country before this dude had the top up or down.

That is absolutely retarded.   

High Quality product made in Germany.

I love my Sky top, it's easy to handle and works perfectly.

Had an Audi with an automatic top, most of the time it has been broken.

[2kwk4u]

That particular variant of the Boxter was all about shaving every gram of weight imaginable.  Note the fabric door pull straps on the interior side as opposed to "heavy" handles...

[Helios]

Here is what the front part of the frame looks like.

[Oceansol]

I STILL like this idea.  Make it from the sun shade type of material (an open mesh) you see in the big box home improvement store's shady plant section and it won't flap around too much.  I like it for those blistering hot days here in southern cal when I want a bit of shade but still feel the wind in my (thinning) hair.