Coupe Gullwing Roof Panels

[JB91710]

Hi Folks,

Why Gullwing roof panels? For two reasons. To make it much easier for big and old guys like me to get in and out and for an open top option.

Have the factory leave out the two tubes that run from the top of the rear roll hoop to the windshield hoop. Install one or two tubes in the center and add gusset tubes in the corners. Then cut the roof out on each side and add gutters, hinges at the center and pistons to hold them open. A pair of spring loaded rods on each one to latch them. By removing the hinge and piston pins you have T Tops.

What do you think?

[Gromit]

go all the way... and run a window frame and attach the doors as well. that would be a classic look full gull-wing doors.

[JB91710]

go all the way... and run a window frame and attach the doors as well. that would be a classic look full gull-wing doors.

I was looking for the easiest way out And have an open cockpit. With the door out of the way and the roof panel up, it would be much easier for a big framed guy to get in and out. When I was at the showroom, the only car I was comfortable sitting in and getting in and out of was the '33. The roadster doors would have had to be notched out for my left arm or I would have to lean over toward the center. I'm only 5'-11" but I'm 220 with a big upper body. I looked at the coupe with the door open and said, "No Way." Same with the GTM.

[GoDadGo]

Asking Factory Five To Alter Their Kits Really Isn't An Option!

When I ordered my MK-4, I asked to simply leave the engine mounts off and that request was a No Go!
Doing mods is fine with them as long as you are doing them yourself.

It Would Be Way Cool Though!

[JB91710]

Asking Factory Five To Alter Their Kits Really Isn't An Option!

When I ordered my MK-4, I asked to simply leave the engine mounts off and that request was a No Go!
Doing mods is fine with them as long as you are doing them yourself.

It Would Be Way Cool Though!

That's what I thought. Liability is tough enough without introducing mods.

[John Dol]

I remember seeing someone that was working on T tops at one point. Can't remember who though.
Actual gull wing doors would be awesome. Funnily enough my son was just asking me about doing that to my coupe as he likes the Mercedes.

John

[WIS89]

I remember seeing someone that was working on T tops at one point. Can't remember who though.
Actual gull wing doors would be awesome. Funnily enough my son was just asking me about doing that to my coupe as he likes the Mercedes.

John

John-

Is it possible that you are thinking of the t-top design that Don was working on for his hardtop for the roadster?

JB- I think what you describe could be done. I know it would take some frame mods, with a bit of work, I think you can make the frame do what you need, and the fiberglass work is manageable. The hardware for what you want is available, etc.

I know I am oversimplifying this, but if you have the courage and skills, this can be done! I think it would be really cool to pull this off! I really love the gullwing idea, but that might be a bridge too far!

Let us know if you go ahead with this. I know there are lots of folks here that could help you with your plans, and help you make good decisions.

Good luck!

Regards,

Steve

[CraigS]

There was a thread maybe 2 months ago here or on the other forum about doing this on a hardtop on a roadster. In there was a link to an older thread showing how he did it. Sorry I can't be more specific but I think it will be worth the effort to search.

[John Dol]

Steve,

It was definitely a coupe. The two outer bars where moved to the center to facilitate the T tops.

John

[Garry Bopp]

JB,

Did you try sitting in the coupe? It is actually quite roomy inside ... just need to learn the technique for getting in or out, trial and error.

Garry

[WIS89]

Steve,

It was definitely a coupe. The two outer bars where moved to the center to facilitate the T tops.

John

Sorry John! I hope I didn't offend.

Regards,

Steve

[John Dol]

Steve,

Not at all, I tried looking for the pictures but so far not succesful.
It was a builder I had never seen before, and haven't seen since. Think it was a grey bodied coupe.
Maybe someone else remembers this or knows the builder??


John

[John Dol]

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?15944-Removable-Top-for-a-Coupe&highlight=Coupe+tops

Found what I thought was the t-tops thread. It's a sun roof instead.
Guess I wouldn't be a very reliable eye witness!!!��
Just scroll down

John

[mjazzka]

I started the other thread, as you will see my idea was exactly what you came up with pretty much by moving the two bars inside. I don't think I will be doing that mod for a WHILE if at all, but Cobraphx replied with a pretty good sunroof he was working on.

For what it's worth, I'm 6' 3" and yes, it's hard to get in. Once I'm in it's all right though. I think the Spyder would have been the perfect kit for me :D

[JB91710]

JB,

Did you try sitting in the coupe? It is actually quite roomy inside ... just need to learn the technique for getting in or out, trial and error.

Garry

Yes Garry, I did sit in the coupe and you are right, it is comfortable. !!!A thought I had always wondered about just jumped into my head!!! I wonder if FFR still has the molds for the Spyder's dash board which I would imagine would work in the coupe. THAT, was a beautiful dash. Very much like the Gt-40. Closing in on 66 years old, I would still want a car I could get in and out of fairly easily and sit in comfortably. Plus, an open top is great for foliage time.

[JB91710]

I started the other thread, as you will see my idea was exactly what you came up with pretty much by moving the two bars inside. I don't think I will be doing that mod for a WHILE if at all, but Cobraphx replied with a pretty good sunroof he was working on.

For what it's worth, I'm 6' 3" and yes, it's hard to get in. Once I'm in it's all right though. I think the Spyder would have been the perfect kit for me :D

Years ago I was trying to figure out which FFR kit to buy that would fit me, my life style and my wallet. I cam up with the GT Spyder. Contacted the factory and found out it was discontinued. That's when I started to build my own car. I loved that dash board they had.

[John Dol]

FFR does not have the Spyder dash but you can still get it from Bill Hough. The guy that made the original Coupe bodies for FFR.
I bought one, but it's not an easy fit. Mods have to be made in order to get it in there. That's not to say that it can't be done because it has. I ended up modifying it to the point that it wasn't a dash anymore and threw it out.
It would be better to modify the frame to make it fit.

John

[RoadRacer]

I don't know what the coupe doors look like, but have you ever seen GT40 doors? they go into the roof. Well, while in UK I wanted to have "airflow" so I cut the top of the doors off, and created a system where two tubes were glassed into the lower normal door, and pins glassed into the now t-tops. A strip of foam and some cam-locks and I had removable t-top on my GT40, and still waterproof.

Worked a treat.. just throwing it out there as another idea

[JB91710]

I don't know what the coupe doors look like, but have you ever seen GT40 doors? they go into the roof. Well, while in UK I wanted to have "airflow" so I cut the top of the doors off, and created a system where two tubes were glassed into the lower normal door, and pins glassed into the now t-tops. A strip of foam and some cam-locks and I had removable t-top on my GT40, and still waterproof.

Worked a treat.. just throwing it out there as another idea

When I first saw the GT-40 I thought those doors were very cool. IMO Every square inch of the 1969 car is the best looking car ever made. The seats and dash are perfect.