folding roof for fb?

farkamhall · Post by **farkamhall** » Wed Oct 31, 2007 7:36 pm

anyone on this forum who can make a folding roof frame for fb or who can point me in the right direction. i only want the frame made not the covering material.thanks

retro · Post by **retro** » Wed Oct 31, 2007 7:59 pm

might be a long shot but try mg clubs and other convertable car clubs. Some one would have to remake the frames.

farkamhall · Post by **farkamhall** » Wed Oct 31, 2007 9:11 pm

cheers retro, please pm the details of the engine crane guy when you get a chance.thanks

Smooth customs · Post by **Smooth customs** » Wed Oct 31, 2007 9:39 pm

Building a proper folding roof is a science

Seeing this is for your 4 door project it will present problems not evedent in a stsndard two door type.

You first need to look at how soft top roofs are constructed and the manner in which they fold down and away.
Factory converts have a pocket in the rear part of the Quarter panels and a lower parcel tray to allow the folded roof to drop into.
Something you will not be able to do, possibly only the lowered parcel tray.

The pivot point that the main rear frames are located on govern the length of the number of folding sections that will be needed to give an out of the way roof when folded.

You have to make a header panel that conforms to the shape of the top of the front screen and a method of locking it in place when up. The fully extended roof bows must be like a stressed member when up so minimal movement is possible when the car is driven at speed, the same with the material that covers them.

Side windows! if you are going to have any are part of how the roof is designed as well and there sealing? when the roof is up.

You have picked possibly the hardest conversion to do and maintain 4 door.
It is not an impossible task but will keep you and anyone else that is involved thinking hard to solve the little things that are taken for granted on such a project.

farkamhall · Post by **farkamhall** » Wed Oct 31, 2007 10:28 pm

many thanks SC, will take all of that into account as it is still a fair way off but like to be organised.will have a chat with the people taking the roof off also as i am sure they may be able to assist.thank you for your time in repling in such detail,very much appreciated.

Devilrod · Post by **Devilrod** » Wed Oct 31, 2007 10:30 pm

Maybe look at a chev one in similar shape model to cut down to suit?

Harko · Post by **Harko** » Thu Nov 01, 2007 11:31 am

Ive got a convertible here if you need to have a squizz at how it all works , Shellharbour on a Sunday arvo

EK JAY · Post by **EK JAY** » Thu Nov 01, 2007 11:35 am

Hi
My dad designed and made electric fold down
roofs for his convertable commodores i can see
if he still has the plans for these they might be of
some help .

farkamhall · Post by **farkamhall** » Thu Nov 01, 2007 3:34 pm

hi EK JAY. that would be fantastic mate and really appreciated, please pm me if you can.thank you very much.