Dr.Jeff
True Classic
I think awhile back the guys at MWB posted a pic of a X1/9 that actually folded in half due to rust.
Lighter weight 'convertible' targa top
- Thread starter X1/9Cruiser
- Start date
lookforjoe
True Classic
Has time to glue the cover today.
Bonded one side up to the cuts, then coated the cover & targa with 3 light coats of adhesive (3M 90)
I then lifted it up onto my 'bench', then realized there was no way I could hold the targa, and bond the cover whilst strecthing it out to prevent slack.
So, I put it back on the floor, pressed the top (side edge) into my gut & pulled the cover up & progressively against the targa. I got it nice & taut laterally, but couldn't simultaneously stretch the cover fore & aft, so it sunk a little into the cuts.
I then dealt with wrapping the edges. The back was a PITA, as it has to be tucked into a narrow crevice, and notched to avoid the webbing. I used a small flathead screwdriver to push the canvas down into the gully. This version adhesive only has about a 10 minute window, after about 2 min setup time. There is another intended for rubber & vinyl that has a 30 min window, that would allow for a more relaxed time fitting the edges.
Front & sides were pretty cut & dry
This now weighs about 10.5lbs. Took about 16oz of spray adhesive.
Checked it on the car, to see if the color is OK. The ridges look more obvious in the pics than they do in observation. I don't know if it will improve when I glue the liner, but I'm prepared to live with it either way. Just have to clean up all the hardware, add butyl back into the nooks between the rear & mid section, then reinstall. Bought a bunch of #6 x 1/2, 3/4 & 1" stainless screws. The 1" are for the plastic panel that seals against the sail. The rest are all 1/2", unless the holes are too stripped, in which case I'll use the 3/4".
Bonded one side up to the cuts, then coated the cover & targa with 3 light coats of adhesive (3M 90)
I then lifted it up onto my 'bench', then realized there was no way I could hold the targa, and bond the cover whilst strecthing it out to prevent slack.
So, I put it back on the floor, pressed the top (side edge) into my gut & pulled the cover up & progressively against the targa. I got it nice & taut laterally, but couldn't simultaneously stretch the cover fore & aft, so it sunk a little into the cuts.
I then dealt with wrapping the edges. The back was a PITA, as it has to be tucked into a narrow crevice, and notched to avoid the webbing. I used a small flathead screwdriver to push the canvas down into the gully. This version adhesive only has about a 10 minute window, after about 2 min setup time. There is another intended for rubber & vinyl that has a 30 min window, that would allow for a more relaxed time fitting the edges.
Front & sides were pretty cut & dry
This now weighs about 10.5lbs. Took about 16oz of spray adhesive.
Checked it on the car, to see if the color is OK. The ridges look more obvious in the pics than they do in observation. I don't know if it will improve when I glue the liner, but I'm prepared to live with it either way. Just have to clean up all the hardware, add butyl back into the nooks between the rear & mid section, then reinstall. Bought a bunch of #6 x 1/2, 3/4 & 1" stainless screws. The 1" are for the plastic panel that seals against the sail. The rest are all 1/2", unless the holes are too stripped, in which case I'll use the 3/4".
X1/9Cruiser
True Classic
Hussein, let us know the final weight of your top. Should be about the same as mine. I took my car out for a long drive today and experienced zero issues with the top.
Dr.Jeff
True Classic
Just thinking out loud....I wonder if a thin layer of very light weight insulation under the fabric cover would be good? I'm thinking two reasons; acts like a padding to help maintain a smoother/softer surface, and for the insulating property. There is some extremely light stuff that might work. Or do you think that would make it way more difficult to attach everything?
Black-Tooth
Tony Natoli
Just a note here about the canvas...
I built a foldable top out of the original targa top in a way that it would collapse and stow in the rear trunk. The one thing that was a problem was the top material STRETCHED from driving, heat of the sun and the suction of air going over the top.
Even with the supports as shown, I believe a well "backed" and expensive material should be used as well as the procedure that was listed to stretch it and glue it down.
I'm assuming "Contact Cement" was used and its necessary to use a good commercial grade as well that will not soften with heat.
Looks GREAT, BTW, hopefully it will hold up as well too!
I built a foldable top out of the original targa top in a way that it would collapse and stow in the rear trunk. The one thing that was a problem was the top material STRETCHED from driving, heat of the sun and the suction of air going over the top.
Even with the supports as shown, I believe a well "backed" and expensive material should be used as well as the procedure that was listed to stretch it and glue it down.
I'm assuming "Contact Cement" was used and its necessary to use a good commercial grade as well that will not soften with heat.
Looks GREAT, BTW, hopefully it will hold up as well too!
lookforjoe
True Classic
If the entire contact area is not glued, I'm pretty sure it will rise off the frame when driving.
Similar issue to above - unless you glue the insulation to the frame, then glue the canvas to the insulation, it will separate. I think it will separate anyway, as most insulation is not solid enough.
lookforjoe
True Classic
Mine came out to 16lbs with all the hardware back in place. I was hoping for a little less. That means the seals, guides & latches weigh 5.5lbs altogether. Even so, it is much easier to heft around as is.
I glued a section of the canvas over the rear section that is 'exposed'
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lookforjoe
True Classic
I used commercial grade 3M contact cement, I'm sure X1/9Cruiser did with his also. The StayFast canvas is commercial grade convertible top material, I'm sure it will hold up.
Do you have any pics of your folding top?
kmead
Old enough to know better
Mine came out to 16lbs with all the hardware back in place. I was hoping for a little less. That means the seals, guides & latches weigh 5.5lbs altogether.
I glued a section of the canvas over the rear section that is 'exposed'
I would call it a success in any case. Nice job.
Hussein,
16lbs? I guess I will just use my Saratoga when I want a lighter top.
Seriously though. You did a great job on your top. You and X1/9Cruiser are showing how to get it done. I think a lot of folks will give this mod a try. Thanks guys!
AKimball92
True Classic
Hussein,
16lbs? I guess I will just use my Saratoga when I want a lighter top.
What do the Saratoga tops weigh? Also do we know the weight of the newer Saratoga-esk tops that someone makes on here?
16lbs. That's what mine weighs anyway.
AKimball92
True Classic
I had assumed the Saratoga would have been heavier. I am not really familier with the clear material used or how thick it is.
X1/9Cruiser
True Classic
Just to set the record straight, I re-weighed my top (with a bathroom scale zero'd out) and I'm right between 14 and 15 lbs. I'll call it 14 and a half. Not sure why Hussein's top weighs more. Could be the scales we're using or I cut off more material than he did or my fabric is lighter?
Yes. Any one of those factors could be the culprit Cruiser. My money is on the bathroom scale. My bathroom scale lies all the time. I am sure of it.
Hasbro
True Classic
Agreed, bathroom scales are especially inaccurate at such small weights.Yes. Any one of those factors could be the culprit Cruiser. My money is on the bathroom scale. My bathroom scale lies all the time. I am sure of it.
autox19
True Classic
My wife says mine is inaccurate at any weight.....
"Soon to be single if wife reads this" odie
lookforjoe
True Classic
I weighed it with myself, then myself, and deducted my weight from the total. I'll check it again.
lookforjoe
True Classic
It's possible I didn't cut as much off the sides? It looks very close to yours though. Maybe it's related to the year of manufacture? later ones use a more dense fiberglass? I dunno...