Z-top thread

[JBauer]

Another brain twister for me at least. Hatch setting on hinges, upper rear latch removed it is flush everywhere on the hatch, or getting close enough for me. Ten lbs weight in it to simulate weight of glass. Now would this confirm that it should be able to be adjusted with hinges and latch installed? I know it will take alot of adjustments but wouldn't this prove that it can be? Right?
I can't adjust the hinges by myself. I'm going to have the bodyshop do that because it's really a 3 person job. I just don't want to take it in there, have it painted, then not be able to get it flush. Once its in there I dont want them to do much more trimming because of the extra charge. Maybe since they are familiar with doing these type things, because in not, it may not be a problem. Opinions

[MWS]

Good thought simulating the weight of the window, however.... Remember that the window weight will be a distributed load, rather than a point load. What I mean by this is that the weight of the window will be equally distributed around the perimeter of the window, and in turn, distributed around the contact points of the hatch (sorry, hard to describe without using vectors). In your test, the weight might be equal to that of the glass but the load is distributed to a focal point rather than the perimeter; therefore even though the physical load is the same, the results may not accurately simulate the finished product.

Back to your hinge question...I would think that given what you have said, hinge adjustments sound like the reasonable course of action. If you are working with a good body shop (and they know that they are getting a check for paint, etc.), I would think that if you drove the car to them that they would be able to offer a suggestion.

Again, good job thus far. To use a football analogy, you've successfully moved the ball 80 yards, maybe just let the body shop punch it in for the score?

[JBauer]

I'm getting it painted by a friend that told me if I got ready, trimmed etc. He'd repair the cuts ive made, seal it, prime it and paint it for 4 to $500. I'm sure he'll help me put the hatch back on. I'm just trying to determine if it is safe to assume if it fits without the hinges bolted on.It can probably be adjusted to fit when bolted on.

[JBauer]

I'm probably not explaining it right but if the hatch fits this good over the hinges not bolted, is it reasonable to think lt can be made to bolt up as good? I'm afraid to try to bolt it on and adjust it by myself being made of fiberglass. I'd hate to pull out one of the bolts or break it. As soon as I feel it fits well I can take it in for paint. Anyone?

[986ohana]

Looks amazing......

[JBauer]

Thank you!
Went for first test drive with top. No rattles! Really needing those windows at 33 degrees 😲

[MWS]

Slightly off topic question... Are you planning on trimming out the interior of the top? If so, would everything need to be custom? Also, I know this top is removable, but once done, do you plan on removing it on a regular basis (like a factory hard top)?

Sorry for the off topic, but following this interesting thread and your progress leads to questions...

[JBauer]

Originally Posted by MWS

Slightly off topic question... Are you planning on trimming out the interior of the top? If so, would everything need to be custom? Also, I know this top is removable, but once done, do you plan on removing it on a regular basis (like a factory hard top)?

Sorry for the off topic, but following this interesting thread and your progress leads to questions...

No problem. They sell a leather headliner for around $250 but I'm probably going to make my own at some point. I plan on using like a factory hardtop. Taking in off next summer. I'm kinda like the hardtop look tho 😀

[BruceH]

The top is looking great, nice work

[rfuerst911sc]

Very nice work are you tired of the smell/taste of fiberglass yet ? Have you shared your pics and concerns with your buddy or the body shop that will complete the work ? I would think you should to make sure both parties know the expectations and that they can be met . Don't assume ANYTHING ! Good luck with the completion of the project .

[JBauer]

Please disregard the gasket post that was here. The thicker gasket put too much stress on the latch. I'm going to use one supplied, just use trim cement.

[JBauer]

I think this is about as good as I can get. Hinges on. Ive got to work on the latch. Weight simulates window weight ��
In for paint Monday.

[jakeru]

Really nice work! I'll bet when this is done as long as you don't give up on making it gaps, etc meet your expectations, it's going to be very rewarding when it's all looking good to know you caused it to look that way.

[JBauer]

Originally Posted by jakeru

Really nice work! I'll bet when this is done as long as you don't give up on making it gaps, etc meet your expectations, it's going to be very rewarding when it's all looking good to know you caused it to look that way.

Thanks! Did a little more fiddling and got the bind out of it. Now to up to the BS guys tomorrow ��

[MWS]

Are they painting in place, or removed? Also, as you have have been working out alignment issues, have you checked the fit on the driver and passenger windows...do they you think they will seal well once the door gasket is installed (and won't bind when window drops when door is opened)? Sorry, just wanted to help think of things before paint

[JBauer]

Originally Posted by MWS

Are they painting in place, or removed? Also, as you have have been working out alignment issues, have you checked the fit on the driver and passenger windows...do they you think they will seal well once the door gasket is installed (and won't bind when window drops when door is opened)? Sorry, just wanted to help think of things before paint

I appreciate it. The up side and drop on the windows is fine. They need to be adjusted in at the top a little to meet the gasket but I understand that can be done. Once they get it painted then I thought Id start working on the windows. They are painting it off the car as far as I know. Should find out alot more tomorrow. Hopefully all good news ��
I still could use a pic of the 3rd brake light location. The instructions are awful. It says something like "wire up 3rd brake light and place on car" that's it �� No pic, no mention of where to place it. Weird. Alot of the parts mentioned on the instructions have been updated or not even used anymore. I called and asked about a few of the parts mentioned in the instructions and was told that those parts aren't used anymore.
Thanks for your help!

[JBauer]

Good news on that gap ive been fighting on the bottom of the hatch. It wasn't the hatch. While leaning over and removing the hatch all those times i dislodged the left side of my spoiler. When I got to the body shop and went over what I wanted done. I pointed out that gap, he reach over and pushed the spoiler back in place...no gap

[BRAN]

Originally Posted by JBauer

Good news on that gap ive been fighting on the bottom of the hatch. It wasn't the hatch. While leaning over and removing the hatch all those times i dislodged the left side of my spoiler. When I got to the body shop and went over what I wanted done. I pointed out that gap, he reach over and pushed the spoiler back in place...no gap

Great work so far JB!
I will be out for a few more weeks, trying to recover.

[JBauer]

Originally Posted by BRAN

Great work so far JB!
I will be out for a few more weeks, trying to recover.

What happened? I was wondering where you've been.

[PaulE]

It looks great. If you're going back to a convertible for summer, do you have to remove the hatch from the Z-top to take the Z-top off the car or does it all come off together? If it stays together, you might want to buy a red set of hinges from Woody so you don't have to get it all realigned again.