I think the Foamular board would be much easier to use than a styrofoam base with a fiberglass outer cover. I have the plans for the Phoenix VW Van that would benefit greatly by using the Foamular board. I like the look of the top but prefer it be level with the windshield frame and side curtains. Excellent workmanship.

I would be tempted to put a few layers of fiberglass as a final (before paint) outer covering.  This would give an advantage of strength and make the surface harder, less susceptible to damage and be a better base for a nice paint job.  ???

What say you guys??

I agree that the sheet-foam design is very promising in terms of using amateur-friendly material.  Insulation capability is also a big plus.  Well done indeed.

What is the outer covering?  In the brown photo it looks like canvas but in the finished photos I can’t tell.

😀

I agree that it is very promising in terms of using amateur-friendly material.  Insulation capability is also a big plus.  Well done indeed.

What is the outer covering?  In the brown photo it looks like canvas but in the finished photos I can’t tell.

😀

Jes, I think we’d all love to see photos of your handiwork. It sounds fantastic, and I bet a lot of us would love to rock an Airline Coupe style TD.

But we’re all pretty much cheapskates.

I say post what you have and try making the sale from there. You never know what will catch some guy’s fancy.

I agree also.  It is probably much easier to form in the shape you want than my window screen method.  Plus is would offer some degree of insulation from noise, and nicer in temperature extremes.  Very nice.  Thanks.

Agreed! As Andy wrote above, he was going after the classic T-bucket look. Goal achieved!

What’s cool about Andy’s process is that it’s an alternative to learning to work with fiberglass mat and resins. Probably more straight forward for many hobbyists. You can adapt the process to any roof line config you want to achieve.

I posted in another thread several months ago per plans to make a fiberglass removable hardtop in Airline Coupe style for a replica TD that I was considering buying. I have lots of fiberglass experience in both custom cars and custom boats. Followup posts discouraged possibilities of any sales of HT shells to help spread costs of the molds and I…[Read more]

That’s what I used to paint my 74 Karmann Ghia coupe. Real easy to use.

Hmmm. Thinking about it more, this may be in contention.

Gonna rattle can them, I think. Duplicolor makes a match for about $10-$15 a can. Probably take 4 cans.

If I find a really nice, not too-expensive paint sprayer (SATA, say) before mid-spring I may shift focus.

More than one way to skin a hard top.

Amazing workmanship and creativity — but the shape just doesn’t appeal to me.

I drove through Fargo last year and took a few photos of the former CRL building.  Presently there is one remaining in my media gallery.  The building was for sale and had only a minor tenant.

Since we are on this topic and stirring the creative pot – if some clever person could create a hardtop with integrated side windows, perhaps a gull-wing configuration, they would have something both practical and cool.  I’m thinking along the lines of some of the aftermarket tops available for Jeeps and the like.

😎