View Full Version : BODY, Hard top TECH
metalshapes
03-10-2004, 01:51 AM
The first two pics have been posed before, but I'll show them to refresh your memory.
metalshapes
03-10-2004, 01:52 AM
.
metalshapes
03-10-2004, 01:53 AM
All welded together...
metalshapes
03-10-2004, 01:53 AM
Header panel
metalshapes
03-10-2004, 01:54 AM
I know most people spend a lot of time shaving drip rails, but I decided to put some on.
metalshapes
03-10-2004, 01:55 AM
..
metalshapes
03-10-2004, 01:56 AM
...
metalshapes
03-10-2004, 01:56 AM
....
metalshapes
03-10-2004, 01:57 AM
.....
metalshapes
03-10-2004, 01:57 AM
Finished!
metalshapes
03-10-2004, 01:58 AM
What do ya think?
Deyomatic
03-10-2004, 02:06 AM
That kicks ass. When you first started talking about a hardtop for it, I thought it might look weird- like it didn't belong. I guess I should never have doubted you. It looks great.
metalshapes
03-10-2004, 02:18 AM
Thanks Deyo.
I spent a lot of time on that one...
OutLaw
03-10-2004, 02:19 AM
looks bad ass ..you rule
BARNETT
03-10-2004, 02:20 AM
Now that's cool! I really envy you metal working guys.
fab32
03-10-2004, 04:09 AM
That top just gives the car a finished look. Great work.
Frank
autocol
03-10-2004, 04:10 AM
oh my god... that's the coolest thing i've ever seen!
Spike!
03-10-2004, 08:39 AM
Looks great.. I still want that car! Stop making it better! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Spike
choprods
03-10-2004, 09:50 AM
Ilove the shape of it- that "Makes" the car,Metalshapes!
kustumizer
03-10-2004, 10:16 AM
that is one of my favorite rods. i saw it in the ck deluxe and drooled over it for months now the hardtop just looks cool on it! Ive always like hardtops more than roadsters! Awesome Job! nate
tommy
03-10-2004, 10:17 AM
What a beautiful profile! not to mention the craftsmanship. What a neat piece!
30tudor
03-10-2004, 10:31 AM
Looks real nice. How does it attach to the body and the windshield? Do you think the center area on top will "oil can" at high speed with out reinforcement? Like a one by one rib going across lateraly inside. Nice work.
Nice work, nice lines.
Almost factory like in it's design.
Factory like in that it adds to the cars good looks.
Nice work as well.
Someone asked if there would be a ballooning problem.
From my experience with a cloth top, I don't think so.
Granted, my top is on a bit of a wedge shape, but it doesn't balloon up and stays where it should.
With the added strength of the steel along with the slight crown I'm guessing it's ok as it is.
Got a pic of the car from the back?
I note the factory style cloth top on mine is wider at the top than is the cockpit.
Keeps rain out pretty well when the car is sitting and fairly well when moving.
Bad part about it is, the wider top makes the car look too tall when viewed from the back.
I'd bet your car looks 'right' when viewed from the rear and doesn't need any horizontal style lines added.
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and it won't be too surprising to see your top copied.
Not too many real pioneers out there, but every once in a while.... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif
hammeredabone
03-10-2004, 11:05 AM
Xcellent job! (I like how you can see the welds on the inside of the top, makes you realize you did not form from large pieces)
Tinbender
03-10-2004, 11:28 AM
Very nice, both the work and the design.
Dam!!!! nice work. Got any plans for side curtains?? ( I printed off a copy hope you don't mind )
The_Monster
03-10-2004, 02:03 PM
That top is looking great! ANYthing is better than a drippin old raggy cloth top, and that is so cool lookin! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif
How heavy is it?
metalshapes
03-10-2004, 02:31 PM
30 Tudor, I don't think it will need any more reinforcement, I had it upside down on the work bench a lot while I was building it and it seems fine. And like C9 said, the air coming over the windshield should try and suck it up, not try and cave it in.
It clamps to the windshield posts like a Roadster top would, and in the back it bolts down with 1/4 nuts and bolts.(5 of them )
TomH, no plans for side curtains ( yet...)
Monster, It is lighter than a '63 Falcon hood.
I was surprised about that, almost smacked myself in the face with it the first time I took it off...
It should be a little heavyer by the time it is insulated and upholstered on the inside.
It needs a little more work to get some of the bumps and low spots out of it, but I am done messing with it for now...
very nice
very very nice
Paul
Rocknrod
03-10-2004, 03:59 PM
Thats slick!
Cold weather cruiser... and hot weather drop top!
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Drewfus
03-10-2004, 06:43 PM
BTTT bexause that kicks butt.....
Cheers,
Drewfus http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Roothawg
03-10-2004, 06:54 PM
I'm impressed.
Thanks alot... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif Now I wanna roadster again.......
I am more interested in the way you built the top center section. What did you use for a donor?
[ QUOTE ]
insulated and upholstered on the inside.
[/ QUOTE ]
The paint companies used to make a paint that duplicated the appearance of a vinyl top.
I wonder if that would work for you?
Provided it's still available.
Far as finishing the inside corner welds it may not be required.
Gluing some naugahyde/leather strips that lay over the welds and match the vinyl paint would make it look like the interior is sewn.
metalshapes
03-10-2004, 10:12 PM
Roothawg, the donors are: Header panel - ( the part right over the windshield )'32 Ford, Rear window frame - '32 Ford, the curved piece right over the rear window - Model A Ford, Top of the roof skin - '67 Camaro, curved pieces that are between the Camaro skin and the side pieces - model A Ford.
The rest is hand made.
C9, only the inside will get upholstery, the outside will be painted body colour when the car gets painted...
Peter Pan of Chicago
03-10-2004, 10:17 PM
Just awesome, Metalshapes! I really admire people that can work metal like that. Very kool!
That is one of the coolest post's i've read in a while!
The car itself is bad ass, and adding a 'hard top' that flows and just plain looks right takes it to the next level.
Damn nice craftsmanship!
Thanks for the tech http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Rat...
Broman
03-11-2004, 03:18 AM
I dunno, between this one and the plate-topper from Wizzerrick, it's a toss-up. I can't decide who wins, but it is definately one of these two.
BTTT
ratata
03-11-2004, 03:56 AM
looks great and amazing job! does the car get any paint or do you leave it like it is?
i love that look...
Kaucher
03-11-2004, 04:22 AM
That's a great looking top. Very nice job dude!!!! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif
cleatus
03-16-2004, 03:24 PM
That's mighty fine work creating a very complex shape from scratch. Excellent job!
fab32
03-16-2004, 03:36 PM
Everything on that car looks like a well coordinated theme. Fantastic work and design.
Frank
metalshapes
03-17-2004, 12:34 AM
Thanks guys.
I am really happy with how it looks on the car as well.
I put some miles on the car since my last post, and it is about as good as can be expected.
Getting in and out is not that difficult, but backing up is ( sort of, big blind spot, but not as bad as some cars I have owned.)
The car is a little noisyer ( but hardly any wind buffeting! )
Visibility to the front and sides is good.
A hood top is next... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
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