how about one of these mounted on each screw? powder coated black of course :cheers:
Quick Release for Top
Pro
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 594
Likes: 0
From: HEMET California
Re: Quick Release for Top (JCAIRE2)
I would gladly pay over 100 bucks for a item that would let me take the top off easily.It would have to be easy to put the top back on because thats the part i have the most troubles with.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,178
Likes: 1
From: Bahston Mass.
Re: Quick Release for Top (SOVAIN1)
You know, this is funny. Sunday when I was putting my top back on, I looked at my wife and said "This thing will be ON more then it'll be off this summer, what a PAIN". Mainly cause my front brackets were lose, and I didn't know it.. But either way, it's a royal PITA.
Sign me up, if a quick release system were made, I'd be in line for one!!!
Sign me up, if a quick release system were made, I'd be in line for one!!!
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 12,968
Likes: 0
Re: Quick Release for Top (JoeAngelicchio)
ok.....what if it were possible to turn the screw without using the tool, say that the screw had a **** attached to the end of it or the screw was attached to a small ratcheting ****. would that make it easy enough? :cheers:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,178
Likes: 1
From: Bahston Mass.
Re: Quick Release for Top (atotalnincompoop)
Well, half of what makes it a pain, is the use of the ratchet, but, I can't see using say a thumbscrew, and getting it tight enough, by hand, to secure it, where with a latch, you could crank it into place.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 12,968
Likes: 0
Re: Quick Release for Top (Jbaker)
its difficult to get the latch right, i have tried several ways and haven't been satisfied with any yet. we worked on it again this evening and started thinking about the "**** thing". one of the problems with the latch method is making it low profile enough that i won't hit my head on it. I have the seat all the way back when i drive, shorter people may not have this problem .
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,496
Likes: 1
From: alaska
Re: Quick Release for Top (JoeAngelicchio)
whatever anyone builds please dont do like all other aftermarket enhancement products makers do and thats:
figure development time,production and materials costs,double that figure for a base retail price (sop) and THEN-double the figure again because "hey its for a vette,these guys have bucks."
i'm really getting annoyed at some of the obvious price gougings i'm seeing just because its a vette part,when the same component for a camaro or bird is less than half the money.
theyre not airplanes for cryin outloud, :rant:
the ratcheting deals would be nice,but not cool enough to show off.
im imagining reaching in and grabbing a clasp of some sort and snapping it down with a solid pop noise, x4 and grabbing the top off. :) i.e. quick release top mod
[Modified by mitymek, 9:07 PM 6/18/2003]
figure development time,production and materials costs,double that figure for a base retail price (sop) and THEN-double the figure again because "hey its for a vette,these guys have bucks."
i'm really getting annoyed at some of the obvious price gougings i'm seeing just because its a vette part,when the same component for a camaro or bird is less than half the money.
theyre not airplanes for cryin outloud, :rant:
the ratcheting deals would be nice,but not cool enough to show off.
im imagining reaching in and grabbing a clasp of some sort and snapping it down with a solid pop noise, x4 and grabbing the top off. :) i.e. quick release top mod
[Modified by mitymek, 9:07 PM 6/18/2003]
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,700
Likes: 3
From: Lebanon KY
Re: Quick Release for Top (atotalnincompoop)
lever type handle release? similar to the handles on a c3.
i'd be willing to pay ~$100 for something that would save me all the hassle of using the ratchet
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Re: Quick Release for Top (corvettemaster)
Yeah, the fronts may be more difficult. They'd most likely have to stay on the car. perhaps the plastic trim could be cut to allow more clearance for the latch.
You also have to think about keeping it clear of the visor.
You also have to think about keeping it clear of the visor.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
From: Lisle Ontario
Re: Quick Release for Top (CentralCoaster)
Would someone be able to take some pics of where the bolts are? I don't have a Vette yet and would like to see how this could get done.
Thanks
:seeya
Thanks
:seeya
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,914
Likes: 0
From: Shindand AB
Re: Quick Release for Top (JoeAngelicchio)
Ever since I got a cordless screw driver with a long 40 torx, I am more likely to take the top off since it is much quicker.
As for a new release,I do know that it will have to be something that can tighten down as well as the current system, cause just a 1/4 turn too loose on either corner can be heard.
As for a new release,I do know that it will have to be something that can tighten down as well as the current system, cause just a 1/4 turn too loose on either corner can be heard.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: LELAND NC
Re: Quick Release for Top (JF_AH_64)
I want one too!! I would gladly pay around $100.00 for it!!! I live near the beach and would like to have my top more out than in, but we get much unexpected rain. :sad:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 799
Likes: 1
From: Fremont CA
Re: Quick Release for Top (JoeAngelicchio)
Good luck.
Following is an excerpt from Michael Lamm's book, "The Newest Crovette: From A Through Z-52" (First published in '83 so it's NOT refering to C5's).
Following is an excerpt from Michael Lamm's book, "The Newest Crovette: From A Through Z-52" (First published in '83 so it's NOT refering to C5's).
Doug Ego mentions that, " We'd never analyzed a targa roof before, and when it was modeled on the computer, we had to make some estimates of the stiffness that would transfer load into the hatch roof from the quick-release latches. These latches were originally similar to the type we'd had on the '82 Corvette."
"When we got the prototype on the road, we found that those assumptions were way too stiff. The latches weren't able to transmit as much load into the hatch as the car wanted; they'd actually pop open."
"So we had to go from the quick-release latches to a bolt on hatch roof. We measured the maximum load going through the latches and found it to be about half a ton."
"When we got the prototype on the road, we found that those assumptions were way too stiff. The latches weren't able to transmit as much load into the hatch as the car wanted; they'd actually pop open."
"So we had to go from the quick-release latches to a bolt on hatch roof. We measured the maximum load going through the latches and found it to be about half a ton."
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,496
Likes: 1
From: alaska
Re: Quick Release for Top (JoeAngelicchio)
this site has some interesting latches http://www.unitedgroupcommerce.com/s...file.asp?id=35
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Fairfax VA
Re: Quick Release for Top (atotalnincompoop)
I would gladly pay in the neighborhood of $100 for this. The roof screws and the high step over to get in the car are the reasons I have thought of getting a C-5. If just one could be fixed I could handle having the other and wait on the C-5.
The problem I could see with the hand screw idea is people with less hand strength. I know personally that my wife would not be able to get them tight enough. I personally like the Dzus fastener idea. With that you could carry a small screwdriver (if needed) or simply use a quarter. Just a thought.
The problem I could see with the hand screw idea is people with less hand strength. I know personally that my wife would not be able to get them tight enough. I personally like the Dzus fastener idea. With that you could carry a small screwdriver (if needed) or simply use a quarter. Just a thought.