Anyone else?

If you haven't read this article, you may wish to before proceeding. Wayne from Pelican wrote the article after breaking the top mechanism on his wife's Boxster after installing a SmartTop.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Boxster_Tech/71-BODY-Convertible_Top_Repair/71-BODY-Convertible_Top_Repair.htm

It clearly states that he mistakenly did not release the top latch mechanism before pressing the button. Can't blame it on the smarttop.

+1

User error.

I wasn't inferring the SmartTop was the problem...he is looking for suggestions to build into the unit and perhaps some safeguards would be appropriate. Though I have a one touch operation in my car, my hand is never too far away just in case of a problem.

Perhaps a stop start function while in motion would be best.

I am interested in top up while in motion......hate getting wet

Thanks Jaykay.


Any more comments?

How about prices guys, how much do you want to pay?

Clearly damage ($1200 in the Pelican Parts article) can be extensive, but I'm not clear on the difference between the manual and relay modes contributing to this.

I rarely operate my top - it's down for months at a time since I park in my garage at night and only use it during fair weather. So, when I do operate it I find that I forget to...remove the red clip (when putting it up)...(usually) engage the E-brake...(possibly) unlatch the top...and I'm sure there a few others. I forget all of the permutations, but usually nothing happens when I push the button and then I figure it out.

So...I'm guessing that I have NOT had a "problem with the top frame", but if I did...I'd hear the motors start to bog, progress would stop, and I would...release the button? And that would occur much sooner than if I were using a relay and, say, putting on my seatbelt where I'd have to reach back to the switch and press it again to stop the motors? I dunno, but I haven't heard about this catastrophic failure ever happening with the stock manual mode...I'm wondering how real an issue it is for the relay mode. I can see this possibly being an issue if you initiated the relay and walked away from the car, but that doesn't seem to be a common scenario.

Personally, considering all factors... Such as the more expensive Smartop at $299...(which i've seen used for as low as $75 to $150); and then the other top module the other gent posted, $150).. And depending on if this is like a home-made produced module, etc, I'd think it would be a very popular unit if priced around $75 or so. At that price range, I think a lot of people would jump on it.. Along with those that already want a module that does this, at that price point it would also attract the people who are "on the fence" about the mod, or could use it, but don't really care that much.

I'll see what I can do, $75 is borderline possible but things are looking OK so far.

Any other interest?

Me !
 

Hi , I'm Interested , but do you ship overseas (singapore)?

I would be able to ship overseas but the cost of shipping would be added to the set price.

Throw out some idea for a name!!

I have never done the chop and my window is crystal clear from regular Plexus cleanings and to keep it from getting brittle. If you give it a chance the plastic will remember where to bend over time. The big caveat being not to do this in temps below 65 unless you blast the heat in the cockpit for 15 minutes or so.
I do have to replace the top now but it wasn't from damage near the crease line.
It was actually from some ice that formed on the plastic one winter and like an idiot I chipped away at it. The ice came off in one glacier but it pierced a nickel width hole near the top seam. The canvas is in perfect shape too. Bummer but a glass upgrade would be nice. Just not a top of list thing right now.

How bout:

- OneTouch Top
- TouchTop
- QuickTop
- TopMaster
- IntelliTop

If you end up using one of these, do I get a discount? ;)

Perhaps :)

Final Prototype is being built!!

Highlow Top

I thought about that but it's not very catchy.

Thanks Though!

We should be selling these within a few weeks!!

Good to hear. Do you have a final list of features and price?