New Hardtop project I'm planning...

Paul - SW Ontario · Post by **Paul - SW Ontario** » Thu Jan 28, 2010 5:41 pm

Design stages obviously...but what do you guys think?

I will built it with strength but keeping it light.

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Paul - SW Ontario · Post by **Paul - SW Ontario** » Thu Jan 28, 2010 6:33 pm

This would be the look with the camper sides...

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alexander38 · Post by **alexander38** » Thu Jan 28, 2010 6:36 pm

MattSC · Post by **MattSC** » Thu Jan 28, 2010 6:41 pm

Looks pretty slick! I like it

chauzer · Post by **chauzer** » Thu Jan 28, 2010 6:42 pm

looks good! how much higher then the windsheild are you going?

Paul - SW Ontario · Post by **Paul - SW Ontario** » Thu Jan 28, 2010 6:47 pm

not so much that I hit bridges...lol

Thinking about 5" of lexan acrylic above the windshield.

My thoughts are to have them lift open to provide air while cruising, instead of the windshield being open.

Also, because I am 6' 2" standing at the helm, I look over the windshield, so the extra glass there would be convenient.

Rodman · Post by **Rodman** » Thu Jan 28, 2010 7:23 pm

Paul - SW Ontario wrote:not so much that I hit bridges...lol

Thinking about 5" of lexan acrylic above the windshield.

My thoughts are to have them lift open to provide air while cruising, instead of the windshield being open.

Also, because I am 6' 2" standing at the helm, I look over the windshield, so the extra glass there would be convenient.

Be sure to document the build.

ready123 · Post by **ready123** » Thu Jan 28, 2010 7:25 pm

What material are you planning on using?
My buddy made a hard top for his F32 using 1/4" Starboard on Aluminium channel supported by stainless tubing from bridge surround.
One thing I like about yours is the rigidity you should get from attaching it to the windshield.
If it looks half as good as you photoshop work it will be sweet.

Paul - SW Ontario · Post by **Paul - SW Ontario** » Thu Jan 28, 2010 7:57 pm

Thanks Michael...

My thought process is to keep it as "marine" or factory appearing as possible.

3/4" square thin wall aluminum tubing for the hard top sub structure...welded.
Including the underside rails that the camper top and upright supports will attach to, and the aluminum support that will rest and fasten to the windshield.

Thin walled so that the tubing even being square can be curved to mimic the cabin top shape. Then between the ribs or cross members tightly fit 3/4" stryro foam so that the entire hard top takes on equal thickness.

The same for the two uprights. The uprights and supports will have the mounting hardware in place before the fiberglass work begins.

Then apply two sheets of fiberglass and resin covering all surfaces top, bottom, sides, edges & lips.

Sand and shape...then 3 or 4 coats of filling primer.

Sand smooth and paint with Interlux Brightsides, to match the topside I am doing April.

Of course there are more details, but that's the basic plan.

Paul

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Thu Jan 28, 2010 8:25 pm

Looks great

jimbo36 · Post by **jimbo36** » Thu Jan 28, 2010 9:35 pm

That looks awesome!! Love to see it finished. Is that a retractable clear sunroof?? Jimbo36.

Rodman · Post by **Rodman** » Thu Jan 28, 2010 9:42 pm

Paul what design software are you using

Peter · Post by **Peter** » Thu Jan 28, 2010 9:44 pm

sweet, love the computer tricks, too

LSP · Post by **LSP** » Fri Jan 29, 2010 3:48 am

Looks great ....

foofer b · Post by **foofer b** » Fri Jan 29, 2010 7:15 am

Will it have a suroof/moonroof panel?