Has anyone ever done a folding top that has the look of fullness of a padded Carson top? I hate the geometric harshness of most folding tops and I am trying to figure a way to build a folding top for my Ute that has the padded look but still folds. The voices in my head have great terrible ideas...
Check out the Volkswagen bug. Modern methods can be used like foam padding. I have some pictures of one I did somewhere. Check out my Carson top thread. I need to add much more.
Those voices, right? Tell me about it! The problem with all the padding in German-style folding tops is that it makes for a huge boot when the top is folded. But what about air? Incorporate inflatable elements in the top, inflated by an on-board compressor like those used with bag suspension. Feel like going down that rabbit-hole?
The 53 Eldo Skylark and Fiesta were all factory chopped by sinking the stock conv frame lower into the tub. To accomodate the lower mech when folded the top of the wheel arch had to be flattened so that it would all sit down. The Eldo roof came down 3 inches in height.
It's been done and still is. I believe most recently Paul Garland was doing a chopped convertible that had the look of a Gaylord/Carson top. maybe Rik Hoving will weigh in on this one or Jump over to his Custom Car Chronicle site and ask the question there.
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