LocostUSA.com

Learning how to build Lotus Seven replicas...together!
It is currently March 28, 2024, 4:01 am

All times are UTC - 5 hours [ DST ]




Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 11 posts ] 
Author Message
 Post subject: ISO soft top source
PostPosted: August 16, 2018, 10:46 am 
Offline

Joined: July 19, 2018, 8:13 pm
Posts: 20
I've seen lots of posts about making a soft top, but I wonder what folks experiences are with sourcing them pre-made?
Also, any sources for pre-made hard tops or build data for same?


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject: Re: ISO soft top source
PostPosted: August 16, 2018, 11:04 am 
Offline
User avatar

Joined: October 24, 2008, 2:13 pm
Posts: 5326
Location: Carlsbad, California, USA
Never say never, I guess, but it seems unlikely here in North America. You might have some luck finding a source in the UK by using Google, or some other search engine. Locosts are so individualized, that there isn't a big collection of "standard" cars out there to make a market.

Here's one Locost.USA builders thread on creating his own soft top ==> http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtop ... lit=sewing

Cheers,

_________________
Damn! That front slip angle is way too large and the Ackerman is just a muddle.

Build Log: viewtopic.php?f=35&t=5886


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject: Re: ISO soft top source
PostPosted: August 16, 2018, 11:11 am 
Offline
User avatar

Joined: December 17, 2010, 1:24 pm
Posts: 1580
Location: Gainesville, Mo.
Like Lonnie said, you may have a tough time finding a source of "pre-made" anything Locost since the cars are so individualized by their builders. That being said, a good place to start looking for less exorbitant "custom" work might be your local marina. Find a place that does "top-and-canvas" work for boaters and fishermen. Granted, the term "Boat" and "Locost" are seldom used in the same sentence, but the same could be said for the term "Custom-automotive-work" in relation to "Locost"! Good luck with your search!

_________________
Mike - Read my story at http://twinlakesseven.blogspot.com/


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject: Re: ISO soft top source
PostPosted: August 16, 2018, 1:44 pm 
Offline

Joined: July 19, 2018, 8:13 pm
Posts: 20
I see at the zero page that it appears to be an option for their builds. But I can't find a link anywhere that gives details, cost, etc...
I've made an inquiry though.
D
http://www.greatbritishsportscars.co.uk/zero-range/

Here's an image of one from them
Attachment:
A_IMG_2825.jpg


You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject: Re: ISO soft top source
PostPosted: August 16, 2018, 5:20 pm 
Offline

Joined: April 14, 2013, 11:44 pm
Posts: 50
being one that made my own and got an auto upholster to do some finishing work. I asked him how much to build it from scratch, he said about $600, I said Doht, should have come to see you first :BH:


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject: Re: ISO soft top source
PostPosted: August 16, 2018, 7:02 pm 
Offline

Joined: May 13, 2009, 6:04 pm
Posts: 163
Location: Missouri
If you can build the car, I think you possess the drive to tackle the top. I have the raw material purchased (sunbrella, basting tape, binding, UV polyester thread, straps, latches, etc) for less than $75 dollars, all of the templates made, and a date with Grandma for a sewing machine lesson. My plan is to replicate this design:

New website and they will do custom work: https://www.softbitsshop.co.uk/caterham-1-c.asp
Older website, same as above, some better pics: http://www.softbitsforsevens.co.uk/page3.html
Another good site, cool piping: https://www.thundersport.co.uk/index.php/hoods/thundersport.html
DYI method: http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/viewthread.php?tid=157188
Great website with lots of tutorials/guides/materials/videos, etc.: https://www.sailrite.com/How-To-Projects-Guides/Projects-and-Tips/Learning-to-Sew

I'll start a new thread when I start.

Attachment:
toptemplate.jpg


You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.

_________________
My build http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=7370


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject: Re: ISO soft top source
PostPosted: August 16, 2018, 7:06 pm 
Offline

Joined: July 19, 2018, 8:13 pm
Posts: 20
jaf wrote:
If you can build the car, I think you possess the drive to tackle the top. I have the raw material purchased (sunbrella, basting tape, binding, UV polyester thread, straps, latches, etc) for less than $75 dollars, all of the templates made, and a date with Grandma for a sewing machine lesson. My plan is to replicate this design:

New website and they will do custom work: https://www.softbitsshop.co.uk/caterham-1-c.asp
Older website, same as above, some better pics: http://www.softbitsforsevens.co.uk/page3.html
Another good site, cool piping: https://www.thundersport.co.uk/index.php/hoods/thundersport.html
DYI method: http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/viewthread.php?tid=157188
Great website with lots of tutorials/guides/materials/videos, etc.: https://www.sailrite.com/How-To-Projects-Guides/Projects-and-Tips/Learning-to-Sew

I'll start a new thread when I start.



Excellent intel!
TY

Of particular interest was the full top!
https://www.thundersport.co.uk/index.ph ... l-356.html


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject: Re: ISO soft top source
PostPosted: August 17, 2018, 7:46 am 
Offline
User avatar

Joined: September 22, 2005, 8:12 am
Posts: 1879
Location: 4AGE in S.E. Michigan
If you are making a soft top, You will need a brace in the rear 1/3 of the top that you can apply tension to. Other wise the top flaps continually, with any kind of speed when unsupported. If you go down the soft top route , send me a PM, and I can send you some photos of a center support and tension adjustment system. DaveW


You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject: Re: ISO soft top source
PostPosted: August 18, 2018, 10:55 am 
Offline
User avatar

Joined: October 24, 2008, 2:13 pm
Posts: 5326
Location: Carlsbad, California, USA
It Looks like there is some very good information out in the user community + some real world examples. Maybe someone should start a "soft top" thread where all this information could be collected?

Cheers,

_________________
Damn! That front slip angle is way too large and the Ackerman is just a muddle.

Build Log: viewtopic.php?f=35&t=5886


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject: Re: ISO soft top source
PostPosted: August 18, 2018, 2:12 pm 
Offline
User avatar

Joined: July 17, 2008, 9:11 am
Posts: 6414
Location: West Chicago,IL
lunarzonker wrote:
I've seen lots of posts about making a soft top, but I wonder what folks experiences are with sourcing them pre-made?
Also, any sources for pre-made hard tops or build data for same?


I just noticed that you were interested in build data for a hard top. I built a hinged one. I started documenting here and it ran for a few more pages later. Take a look. I can highly recommend this option over a fabric top. That is possibly just personal preference. :mrgreen: YMMV.

viewtopic.php?f=35&t=4145&start=443

Image


We have another builder who followed suit with his own nice version. Here is a pic of his from this year's Midwest Gathering. Reach out to user: tailwind if you want more info.
Attachment:
tailwind.JPG


You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.

_________________
Chuck.

“Any suspension will work if you don’t let it.” - Colin Chapman

Visit my ongoing MGB Rustoration log: over HERE

Or my Wankel powered Locost log : over HERE

And don't forget my Cushman Truckster resto Locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=17766


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
 Post subject: Re: ISO soft top source
PostPosted: August 19, 2018, 11:03 pm 
Offline

Joined: July 19, 2018, 8:13 pm
Posts: 20
rx7locost wrote:
lunarzonker wrote:
I've seen lots of posts about making a soft top, but I wonder what folks experiences are with sourcing them pre-made?
Also, any sources for pre-made hard tops or build data for same?


I just noticed that you were interested in build data for a hard top. I built a hinged one. I started documenting here and it ran for a few more pages later. Take a look. I can highly recommend this option over a fabric top. That is possibly just personal preference. :mrgreen: YMMV.

viewtopic.php?f=35&t=4145&start=443

We have another builder who followed suit with his own nice version. Here is a pic of his from this year's Midwest Gathering. Reach out to user: tailwind if you want more info.


Pretty cool design. I'm thinking I might get the zero doors/soft top AND build a hard top.
My idea is to build a buck, stretch aluminum sheeting over the buck, rivet the sheets together and then weld them to a frame work. When I look at that zero top, and the angles they're using...I'm imagining that shape should be able to be replicated in alum sheet and where some rounding is required, anneal and an english ball.


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 11 posts ] 

All times are UTC - 5 hours [ DST ]


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 13 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot post attachments in this forum

Jump to:  
POWERED_BY