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Sun Nov 16, 2008 1:13 pm

Well, since Tram hasn't showed us any pics of his vert top on his t-34 (so I could copy it :wink:), I had to build my own. I loosely based the top frame off a VW Thing, as it's light weight, long enough (a 4 door car), and very minimalist in construction. I've been working on this for a couple of weeks (after work), using mostly what I had laying around (more yard clean up). One of the first things I had to do, was open up the rear seat area, so it could be used as a 4 seater (I had a rear seat for it here). Up until now, it had always been a 2 seater since I built it back in 2003. I had it close a couple of days ago, but it still wasn't working quite right. A little adjusting, and some more fab work, and this is what I've got so far. Enjoy the pics.

I've still got more work to do, but I've also only got 575 days to get it finished. I need to get the latches in place, but the locating pins are already installed. I'm going to add another top bow sometime this later this week. I've also designed this top frame to be completely removed, so the car can be used as a Roadster. I guess you could say it'll be more like an early Porsche "Speedster" type of top assembly.

Sun Nov 16, 2008 2:30 pm

Hey Bob- Looks GREAT! :D Yeah, WTF is it with me and putting projects aside for customers with money to burn? :lol: Actually, you're going more "gangsta" than me because I'm converting a Mercedes 450SL top frame rather than building my own.

Sun Nov 16, 2008 7:30 pm

I wouldn't call it "gangsta", more like hardcore fabricating. Well, my customer work kinda slowed down due to the "depressed economy" in my area, but then this time of year it normally slows down anyway. :roll: I figured I'd clean up the yard a little, and get back to trying to make this idea work. I mean I didn't get a chance to work on it last year due to the 71 Notch project (aka Krunchy), so I figured this winter might be a good time to do it.

Sun Nov 16, 2008 7:44 pm

Hey I was just looking at these in the gallery! Nice work Bob. Tram get back to that Mercedes 450SL practice. Your going to need it :wink:

Sun Nov 16, 2008 8:52 pm

Thanks Jason. I know you had planned on doing something similar a few years ago, but never found the right candidate to "cut up". I know this isn't exactly how I really wanted to do this conversion, but I think I'll like it in the long run.

Sun Nov 16, 2008 8:53 pm

looking great bob! i was thinking a lift off hard top would be cool too. see you in a few days (well, for me it feels that quick).

Mon Nov 17, 2008 4:45 pm

I was thinking about building a lift off hard top. I've even got a sheet of aluminum here to build it with. But I would have wanted it to fold or something, as I'd would like to remove it, store it in the trunk (while off), and then re-install it when needed. This kinda dictates a soft top set up. So I went that route, and it should fit in the rear trunk when it's off, or I can just leave it in place folded. I think this is gonna work out pretty good though. Further down the road, I'll build some window frames, and add some brackets to create a smaller version of "Thing" styled windows.