Custom Soft Top

[406Special]

Not sure about using the 405 DHC frame for anything more than inspiration or a guide. The good photo doctored by Claude, using one supplied to me for colour reviews by Sam Frost has issues. Firstly the doors of the 406 are longer than the 405 judging by the forward nature of the 405 hood from the side. Also the 406 does not have a quarter light whereas the photo shows that the 405 does (does it?). Having a removable side window that could be secured in place behind the doors so that rear passengers can see out would be useful and merely create more issues for sealing by the hood over the back and top of the windows. On other cars with such an arrangement, these windows roll down into the bodywork.

All interesting. The more one looks at it there seems to be the following choices, each increasing the cost and maybe, just maybe increasing value, aesthetics, enjoyment etc.

1. Do nothing, keep going as originally planned - no extra costs (enough already!)

2. Webasto sun roof with wide large patch above heads to enjoy air and light - probably easiest and simplist conversion, well known and not too expensive - see http://sunroof.webasto.co.uk/product...andia-400.html

3. Simple, removable frame and hood, plastic rear light, no side lights and similar to 405 mechanism - still has issue of front door frames remaining and so not being a frameless design compromised - also issue of petrol tank filler and possible reduction in tank capacity to get a solution - cost may be less than a fixed drop top, but not desirable - me thinks

4. Fixed hood and mechanism with glass or plastic rear light (screen) and removable/fixed side glass (could even be the orignals), leaving the roof section only as fold back. Compromise here is that it does not provide for a frameless convertible or full open top as side glass remains in place with metal frames.

5. Redisgn front and side glass for frameless look and good sealing and a completely folding hood and glass rear light (heated of course). May or may not replace front screen (not really necessary). Would provide a complete convertible experience and look, but still must have issues regarding petrol tank, rear seats etc, resolved.

I intend getting a quote of the Webasto Hollandia 400 to see if that is the easiest and preferred cost option to sunshine motoring without having to plough a new field full of compromises and no doubt lots of extra money.

Clyde

[Hydroglen]

Why a Webasto as opposed to a metal sunroof? A metal one might be
available from a wrecking yard and then fitted to the Bristol. Mercedes
and Jaguar come to mind as possible sources.
I always thought the Webasto looks untidy and home made, with the folds
flapping around like laundry in the breeze.
Dorien

[Claude]

Originally Posted by Hydroglen

Why a Webasto as opposed to a metal sunroof? A metal one might be
available from a wrecking yard and then fitted to the Bristol. Mercedes
and Jaguar come to mind as possible sources.
I always thought the Webasto looks untidy and home made, with the folds
flapping around like laundry in the breeze.
Dorien

Webasto makes a modern sunroof, glass electrical motor with a sliding cover that matches the headliner... exactly like new sunroofs. I had one installed in my 411 in the USA. As I recall it cost about $1,000

[Claude]

1.
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5.
6. Go the Blenheim Speedster route. No top, micro windscreen, tonneau cover. And if you do, shorten the body to 404 size - easy to do as the chassis ends at the rear axle, the boot hanging off the end is entirely surplus, thus you have a good panel beater slice out a hunk.

http://quick.village-town.com/406-2.jpg

Claude

[Max Tone]

Just joined, guys. Great thread!

Speedster route interesting & fun, Claude. If chopping tail, how about grafting on back end of scrap 405 to get fins & 404 look!

Alternatively, chop 18" out of 405 chassis & body to get 404 lookalike. Front doors look to be about same size, rear windows different, but I reckon it would look cute. You'd need to get hold of 404 torsion bars/mounts, or convert to coilovers.

But back to your ragtop, Clyde.........it might be worth looking at Alvis hood & frame, if dimensionally similar; the morphed pic with 405 hood looks just like Alvis. Red Triangle bound to have drawings, if not parts on shelf.

I noticed in early post that you are planning a 'left-field' engine, Clyde; please tell us more!

Merry Xmas all,

Rob