Topic: Alternative convertible top

[RafaCab]

Is there an alternative convertible top for the Solstice that doesn't use the back flaps? I'm trying to rig a convertible top that doesn't require that I get out of the car to open or close it.

[Sly Bob]

Not that I an aware of...
You would still have to open the trunk lid to stow it.

[Gentleman Jack]

Is there an alternative convertible top for the Solstice that doesn't use the back flaps? I'm trying to rig a convertible top that doesn't require that I get out of the car to open or close it.

Unfortunately, I think that top is called Miata.
The folding mechanisms for the Solstice are all in the trunk.

[elff]

Actually there is an alternate one for the Solstice.

It comes with the Coupe.

[Gentleman Jack]

Actually there is an alternate one for the Solstice.

It comes with the Coupe.

can't remove that from the car (while in the car).  Need to get out and need to find a place to put it.

[Sol Asylum]

You guys are missing the obvious solution.  Just get a pretty assistant to do it and you can stay seated in the car.  Problem solved.

[elff]

You don't open or close it
You remove it or re-install it.

So my answer is technically correct.


I am curious, how does the Coupe top attach?

[Critterman]

Duck tape Elff

[Gentleman Jack]

Why would we do that to Elff?

[Critterman]

Why not?

[Sol Asylum]

Why has it taken so long for someone to think of that?  It's not like we would need much duct tape.  Imagine how much more fun we could have had at a mod meet.

[Steelmesh]

Is there an alternative convertible top for the Solstice that doesn't use the back flaps? I'm trying to rig a convertible top that doesn't require that I get out of the car to open or close it.

Not sure if my top/body/mounts/latch are tweaked in a bad way, but if I don't really make sure the top is pressed down in the truck, the decklid latch detail/piece rubs and cuts up the front edge of the cloth top.  I actually put down a piece of closed cell durable foam (from McMaster) on this area to prevent further damage in this area when I slam the decklid closed.

Just thinking out load with assumptions:
When you pop the trunk, the buttresses should flip up and allow the decklid to fully open.  From the driver seat, try to confirm if the top "falls" into the trunk low enough for the decklid to close when you unlatch and throw it back.  Also, the decklid would need some type of actuator to close it, unless you use physics like accelerating slowly then panic braking.  If the top doesn't fully seat into the trunk, you may need get fancy with more actuators, probably need to find out best practices from automatic tops.  May be able to offer a top engineer $50k to redesign a new prototype over 16 weeks, then work with suppliers to build the prototype, maybe $100-200k there.

[Gentleman Jack]

Not sure if my top/body/mounts/latch are tweaked in a bad way, but if I don't really make sure the top is pressed down in the truck, the decklid latch detail/piece rubs and cuts up the front edge of the cloth top.  I actually put down a piece of closed cell durable foam (from McMaster) on this area to prevent further damage in this area when I slam the decklid closed.

Just thinking out load with assumptions:
When you pop the trunk, the buttresses should flip up and allow the decklid to fully open.  From the driver seat, try to confirm if the top "falls" into the trunk low enough for the decklid to close when you unlatch and throw it back.  Also, the decklid would need some type of actuator to close it, unless you use physics like accelerating slowly then panic braking.  If the top doesn't fully seat into the trunk, you may need get fancy with more actuators, probably need to find out best practices from automatic tops.  May be able to offer a top engineer $50k to redesign a new prototype over 16 weeks, then work with suppliers to build the prototype, maybe $100-200k there.

There is a procedure for eliminating the rub when the trunk is closed.  I can't recall it right now, but someone will chime in.

As for the power closing deck lid, if a power top is what you are after, start with a Coupe and chop the top in 3 pieces and make it fold like the modern hard tops.

[Steelmesh]

There is a procedure for eliminating the rub when the trunk is closed.  I can't recall it right now, but someone will chime in.

As for the power closing deck lid, if a power top is what you are after, start with a Coupe and chop the top in 3 pieces and make it fold like the modern hard tops.

I tried to mess with it, like bending the hook detail out on the deck lid, then re-adjust the latch mechanism, but I couldn't figure out how to adjust the latch mechanism so gave up there and just started using the foam protector mat.  There is an impression on the foam when I open the deck lid.  The top has opened on the free way from my dumb-butt not latching the front, I'm an idiot here and I am so upset with myself this is me in my head right now typing this sentence 

[Gentleman Jack]

I tried to mess with it, like bending the hook detail out on the deck lid, then re-adjust the latch mechanism, but I couldn't figure out how to adjust the latch mechanism so gave up there and just started using the foam protector mat.  There is an impression on the foam when I open the deck lid.  The top has opened on the free way from my dumb-butt not latching the front, I'm an idiot here and I am so upset with myself this is me in my head right now typing this sentence 

Hooray!  Someone else who talks to themselves!

There are several adjustment points for the top. With the accidental opening of the top, the first thing I would do is check for bends. Make sure all the parts are still good. There is a way to tuck the sides that allows the top to drop right in the trunk and eliminate rubbing.

Where are you located?  Maybe you are close to someone that can help?

[Steelmesh]

Hooray!  Someone else who talks to themselves!

There are several adjustment points for the top. With the accidental opening of the top, the first thing I would do is check for bends. Make sure all the parts are still good. There is a way to tuck the sides that allows the top to drop right in the trunk and eliminate rubbing.

Where are you located?  Maybe you are close to someone that can help?

I am in the Detroit area.  I think I need to attend local meetup and we can take a look and compare.

[ihawk95]

You just missed the Michigan Mod Meet on Sunday.