Any one done this?

[Art Anderson]

Actually Bill has the problem 99% solved... the articulating framework is the hard part, and he's got that done. Finding a suitable material for the actual top shouldn't be too hard. I think silk would work, it's very thin and very flexible. Maybe even a piece of linen or a small piece of bedsheet with a really high thread count. The trick would be cutting the material oversized and folding and gluing the "flaps" around the metal framework without having the glue show through the material on the outside.

Harry, Bill, and all.....

There are a few fabrics out there that not only are extremely thin, but also VERY tightly flexible and tightly woven in the bargain as well (I have a medium weight jacket made from such a fabric).

I haven't been in a fabric store in decades, dunno if the stuff is available by the yard, but it shouldn't be too hard to find a used jacket made from it at say, Goodwill, St Vincent DePaul, or Salvation Army stores this time of year. I wouldn't overlook women's clothing either--this kind of fabric (closely woven, extremely flexible (meaning that it will bend and fold tightly and easily) I believe is also used, in fact it's worth looking at a pair of men's chino slacks as well--same story, closely woven fabric, synthetic, and very tightly flexible.

In addition, I have seen flexible CA glue offered, which should make attaching such fabric to the tulip panel of the body, and to the framing of a working convertible top.

Art

[Rider]

That's some incredable work Bill.

As for the fabric issue, has anyone tried light weight spandex or the like? I used to be in the business of manufacturing and designing body armour for Motocross there is a ton of materials out there. Search the net, contact a supplier and tell them you need a very thin stretchable material such as pantihose yet it can't be translucent and ask for a sample. In most cases they'll gladly send you a good size sample.

What about using spring steel for the framing, or maybe tungstein?

[Art Anderson]

That's some incredable work Bill.

As for the fabric issue, has anyone tried light weight spandex or the like? I used to be in the business of manufacturing and designing body armour for Motocross there is a ton of materials out there. Search the net, contact a supplier and tell them you need a very thin stretchable material such as pantihose yet it can't be translucent and ask for a sample. In most cases they'll gladly send you a good size sample.

What about using spring steel for the framing, or maybe tungstein?

For what Bill Geary did, brass is much more workable than spring steel, and as for tungsten, that stuff can be a bit difficult to time, outside of an industrial supply house.

Art

[MrObsessive]

Thanks for the suggestions about the fabrics guys! When I'm able to get around better (without crutches and back to work), I'll check those out.

What about using spring steel for the framing, or maybe tungsten?

I went with brass because I needed something that would be solderable without any drama. Also, where I get my brass, it's very plentiful (local train shop in Gettysburg) and they carry all sorts of sizes including I.D. 3/64" brass tubing which is perfect for soldering mini piano hinges for the top frame.