Why did I clean my engine?

[Lobo1186]

ya! we are curious. Feed us. :troll: moar pics

[Shehadehd]

I didn't want to reply until I could show off a bunch of finished covers... But I guess is might as well.

I have a total of 9 covers made. 5 of them were tests that I used to get the perfect shape for the final runs. I have since made 4 of the final covers, bent, formed, and sealed them.

I have run into some speedbumps though.

1. The dzus connectors I'm using are two thin for the stock clip and so the clip must be swapped out to use the clear cover. I don't like that, so I'm looking for dzus connectors that are exactly the same. I've found a couple, but none of them have the d-ring that let's you close them by hand. Yesterday, I found a place in the uk that has them so I'm waiting for samples.

2. The male defroster connector that needs to be used for the LEDs was only made for porsche and bmw.... So the minimum order qty to get them is 36000. If anyone knows another way to get them please let me know. I've found a supplier that will let me minimum order 100, but they don't come with the internal bullet connectors. If I can find the bullet connector elsewhere, then we're in business.

3. The defrost button that is used to turn on the LEDs will only turn on for 15min before auto shutting off. To avoid having to press it on and off all the time, I've made an adapter between the Button and the wiring harness with some logic to auto turn the lights back on when they turn off on their own.


On a side note, I took out the car on Saturday for a drive up Mt.hamilton to the observatory if anyone knows the area, and even after an hour of slow but intense driving, the cover was no more than warm to the touch.

Last update, in probably going to also make 0.5inch covers as well. The only limitation if finding a dzus connector for it. If I can't find one that long, I'll probably tap the hole to 0.25" to be able to use the other dzus connectors.

Oh, I'll add pictures as soon as I get home.

[Shehadehd]

Sorry I haven't updated in a while. I have 18 covers made as of now. I was able to find a source of fasteners a while back but there is a 7 week lead time to get manufactured, so I'm just waiting for them.

In the meantime, I've been experimenting with anti-static coating on the cover and it seems to really help reduce the amount of dust that develops on the inside of the cover. I've also been trying to find an efficient way to add anti-scratch film to the cover without it leaving any bubbles.

I've ordered the male defroster connectors for the led power and will have enough for the 18 covers if you should choose to have the lighting option.

As soon as the fasteners come and I can verify they fit, I will be ready to ship 18 covers to whoever wants them.

[Coaster]

Very cool, quick question just so I understand. If you have the rear Bose you can only see the engine with this cover when the top is up (thru the back window)?

[Shehadehd]

Originally Posted by Coaster

Very cool, quick question just so I understand. If you have the rear Bose you can only see the engine with this cover when the top is up (thru the back window)?

With the rear speakers, you can kinda see the engine from inside the car if the top is up. But it's mostly like you said, it is visible through the back window. The rear speaker deck has a small curve to it so I'm still working on making a nice looking intermediate carpet that it will sit on when it locks into the engine cover.

As for how easy it is to clean, I haven't had to clean the inside of the top at all since I sprayed it with anti static solution. The outside of the top (the side the touches the soft top) needs to be wiped with a microfiber like once a month. Also, my engine block has also remained pretty clean since the first time I sprayed it down in January. However, this may just be because I'm in the bay area and there's not much dust here?

[HolmaN]

That's awesome mate, is it easy to keep clean tho? Really worth to concider for people without back mounted speekers.

[Trey T]

OP: HOw did you clean your engine? How long it take you?

[Shehadehd]

Originally Posted by Trey T

OP: HOw did you clean your engine? How long it take you?

It took me roughly 2 hours to clean it. What I did was first give the engine a quick wipe down with a wire brush and a shop towel to loosen and remove any excessive build-up. Then I sprayed engine cleaner (I'll take a picture of it when I have the chance) on the intake manifold, throttle body, plenums, etc. I just made sure I didn't directly spray on gaskets, hoses, the SAI, or rubber parts. I'm not sure, but I think the cleaner recommended doing this with a warm engine for best results. After letting the mix sit for 15 minutes, I used a shop towel to wipe the residue and almost everything was gone. I followed with a clean towel and a spray bottle or soap a water. finally engine shine(dressing). Then I turned the car on and let it get up to operating temperature to burn off anything I missed, and voila.


It's not steam clean quality where even the nooks and crannies were washed clean, but for visible purposes, i was very satisfied... And honestly, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.

[986_c6]

This thread is just so cool! Great job thus far...

[RawleyD]

Your engine is sexy as hell! great job on the top

[818BoxsterS]

Very nice. I would definately buy one

[epapp]

10/10 would bang


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[seningen]

Originally Posted by epapp

10/10 would bang


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What is the weight difference?

I know silly question -- but I track mine -- and might be nice to just take a peak
back there and see everything is on the up and up,
rather than going to the trouble of dealing with top, cover, etc.

thx,

mike

[recycledsixtie]

Originally Posted by seningen

What is the weight difference?

I know silly question -- but I track mine -- and might be nice to just take a peak
back there and see everything is on the up and up,
rather than going to the trouble of dealing with top, cover, etc.

thx,

mike

If the cover is transparent and your engine is on fire then you have a definite advantage about doing something about it asap....
G. Just saying

[Shehadehd]

Originally Posted by seningen

What is the weight difference?



I know silly question -- but I track mine -- and might be nice to just take a peak

back there and see everything is on the up and up,

rather than going to the trouble of dealing with top, cover, etc.



thx,



mike

The setup weight 6.5lbs and saves close to 20lbs if you compare it to the original setup with the sound deadening carpet, original cover, and rear self.

[tightbox]

I do still have one of these laying around in my parts if someone wants to go this route:



Painted arctic silver, passenger side has an adjustable sound port.

[NJBoxster2000]

This is very cool. I'd love to get me one. Is there more noticeable heat from the engine?
Thanks.

[Perfectlap]

Originally Posted by Shehadehd

The setup weight 6.5lbs and saves close to 20lbs if you compare it to the original setup with the sound deadening carpet, original cover, and rear self.

Wow that's actually really good. Aside from adding an Optima battery, I don't see where you could drop that much weight. My GT3 seats probably shaved more but that required spending quiet a bit of money and weight savings wasn't the goal.

I don't have a glove box so my shelf is the only place to store things should the trunks lock me out. I keep a Cobra jump start battery there and some spare fuses. As far as sound, those speakers are not worth their weight. LOL.

[Yellow986S]

Any updates, can we do a group buy to purchase one?

[epapp]

I have a very strange sexual tension/attraction to that boxst-erra.

Can't.decide.if.beautiful.or.monster


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