"Spyder" style top for 986?

[jacabean]

what if you were to use the actual tent top from the spyder and fab up the trunk lid with humps etc. ?

[noledoc]

Another option to support/define the rear of the "bimini" is to use a BK roll bar extension, or the competing product by GSR Autosport. this would give a little headroom above the rollbars, and would be permanent. One less thing to install and remove.

The biggest problem is the "rear curtain" used to make it all waterproof, not really needed if you are content to use the bimini as a sun shade alone, but necessary to drive in any rain.

DLS

[The Radium King]

well, here's an 'exploded' view of the spyder roof:

exploded spyder roof

so the bimini would be part of it. some kind of zippered, removable rear window could provide the back window and additional side protection. without any seal to the body, however, you'll still get water in ...

an actual spyder roof would be cool, but impossible to buy and big bucks if available?

[Lobo1186]

Originally Posted by The Radium King

well, here's an 'exploded' view of the spyder roof:

exploded spyder roof

so the bimini would be part of it. some kind of zippered, removable rear window could provide the back window and additional side protection. without any seal to the body, however, you'll still get water in ...

an actual spyder roof would be cool, but impossible to buy and big bucks if available?

I have been thinking about this also for the last 6 months or so. For me as long as there are no gale force winds with torrential rain I think you could make something work very nicely. Just incorporate the rubber seals at the top of the door glass the front bar the only thing left is working out the back.

now the question is could all this be stored under the clamshell when not in use?

[j.fro]

I've been thinking about this as well. I've got a hardtop, so I removed the soft top, motor, transmissions, etc and lost about 70lbs. I'd like to weld in a "back-half" cage, and I think that could be used to give shape to a lightweight soft top similar to the Spyder's. A zipper or some internal snaps along the back edge would work to hold things together and keep most moderate rain out. Sealing around the windows would be the real trick.

[noledoc]

If the back "half cage" replaced the stock rollbars and tied into the rear suspension then both weight and stiffness would be improved. If the stock style trunk lid was retained then a newly fabricated replacement for the clamshell/speedster humps could accommodate the roll bars and tensioning straps. This could be created at low cost using the spinlocks for attachment points. The roll bar height problem for tall drivers would be solved and the roll bars could be fashioned to best accommodate the "bimini" top from a styling viewpoint.

The newly fashioned combination clamshell/speedster humps could also be attached to the convertible top attachment hardware, allowing it to open up, like the new spyder deck lid. Does anyone know how that lid is attached?

DLS

[sickbananas]

This topic interests me alot. I have a 986-S, 2000 model. I have a zeintop and have completely deleted my soft top with its motors, arms and gearboxes, thus saving me weight. I have also deleted my rear storage compartment, carpet and engine cover-the sound is out of this world!

I am going to buy speedster humps, with the speedster humps, convertable cover and boot lid, put together I want to make a one piece moulding. Only the outside will be smoothly finished and painted to match the car, the inside I will just paint black or something. The rear boot lid latch together with the 2 latches behind the doors will secure the speedster top. This will work really well for me as I unclip my zeintop, and clip on my speedster top for good weathered days, It is also ideal for the guys who want to remove the soft-top completely and use the car only as a open top car, ie weekend car.

let me know what you guys think.

Rob