OOH! Carbon Fiber! I'd like one of those....
I agree with JMPRO, the best way would be to adapt to the existing top frame. We would have to determine what spacers are necessary and how to attach it. I called one of the salvage yards and a top in need of recovering is $320.
Opticaly clear is much more of a ***** to do. Requiring Decicant dryers (to elimate mosture/bubbles/splay), polishing etc....
Smoke would be much better. More forgiving in clarity and less chance of visual defects.
Using urethane trim strips on the edge would eliminate costs associated with edge polishing.
The other concern I have with manufacturing the entire top is liability. In this sue happy era we are in. Someone could sue the pants off of you if the top blows off, hits the car behind and causes an accident. I'll have to check with a lawyer freind of mine for advise (good think I fix his 911 every once in awhile). Probbably selling in a kit form would be best. I can see it now...
Why spend $800 recovering your tagra top when you can convert it for $350!
Checked with the higher ups....
Assuming I have a digitized model.
Design and Manufacture prototype mold - $1,200-1600
6 hrs design time
$500 for material and buildup of Renboard buck
4 hrs CNC Time.
Prototype parts - about $70 each (including bad ones), plus machine setup.
Trimming
3 hrs design time for trim path.
4 hrs CNC time to cut holding fixture
$300 in plumbing and vac cups
Depending on the volume - A production tool would cost betwen $3000-$6000. Just like a turbo, the faster you want to go and the longer you want it to run, the more money you have to spend.
The prototype mold would probbably make 80-100 parts.
Finished plastic part. No Hardware, Some Assy required (Just had to say that
) Would be in the $150-180 range plus costs associated in amortization of the tooling. Not including shipping or packaging.
Trimming would be +-.030" Wish my targa was that accurate...
Forming would be about 8-10 per hour.
How many hundreds do us pelicanheads think we would need? And what would we be willing to pay for a kit?
I'm not sure about posting url's. So PM me if you'd like the link to the company website.
Can somebody with a Saratoga top measure the thickness of their top? I'm thinking .250-.325" range.
Now for the disclaimer: The times and costs are rough estimates (without going thru formal quotes) for discussion purposes. The acutual costs may be higher but are belived by the author to be very accurate. The cost may be lower because the author also needs a top for himself and may be able to negotiate a beter rate. Your actual mileage may vary depending on how you drive. Always wear your safety belt and observe the traffic laws.
