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Learning how to build Lotus Seven replicas...together!
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PostPosted: November 3, 2020, 7:54 pm 
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Joined: January 1, 2015, 1:55 pm
Posts: 327
I've had fun this summer driving my car. I'm fortunate to live the Adirondack Mountains of NY. There are some great roads to take here and in VT and NH too. I've put over 4,000 miles on the Wildcat.

I thought that it would be cool to have a removable hardtop. Looks like I have my winter project.

Having fun.
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PostPosted: November 3, 2020, 9:08 pm 
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Joined: July 17, 2008, 9:11 am
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Location: West Chicago,IL
That does look nice, real nice! :cheers: I can see the side windows, if flat could easily be made of tempered glass of Plexi/Lexan. The rear window however is destined to be plexi/lexan if it is to be economically. Can you find an existing rear glass design that would complement the rest of the car? it would require tweaking the design a bit.

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PostPosted: November 3, 2020, 9:34 pm 
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Joined: April 23, 2006, 8:26 pm
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Location: SoCal
Being into astronomy, I wonder what planet you took that "photo" on, what with the three-sun reflections!

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PostPosted: November 4, 2020, 1:55 pm 
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Joined: November 13, 2009, 9:31 pm
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Location: Connecticut
For back glass a guy has been popping up on the assorted car shows I watch named Kotto Auto Glass in California. He stocks a ridiculous amount of windshields, and cuts out portions for other uses (just saw him make a VW bug rear oval window glass replacement recently).
Just need to find a windshield tall enough and with the right curvature, and he would cut it to shape. Of course, you might need to drive to CA to have him work with you...
If you produce the top, he might be able to make a template and supply you glass.
Don't need the safety glass for the rear, but it isn't an issue either.

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PostPosted: November 4, 2020, 10:30 pm 
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Location: Holden, Alberta, Canada
Rear window from a PT Cruiser? They be cheap at the auto recyclers.

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PostPosted: November 5, 2020, 10:06 am 
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Joined: June 15, 2010, 8:29 am
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Location: Duxbury, MA USA
Even more Cheetahish...which I love and have loved since my teen years. If I was not already overwhelmed with projects, I would be interested in your kit. ...and then my wife would have me shot! ...oh heck, she might even do it herself.

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PostPosted: November 7, 2020, 10:26 am 
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Joined: January 1, 2015, 1:55 pm
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Thank you for all of the comments, input, and suggestions! I understand about having too many projects!

A gentleman that's on a Cobra forum that I frequent did the photoshop. He might be from another planet. :) He does good work and I appreciate his efforts.

The side windows can be flat. I had planned on making them from Polycarbonate sheets. I had been planning to make the rear window from it as well. I want to keep weight as low as possible so I probably will stick with the plastic rear window. The final shape to be determined.

I get to Southern California every couple of years. My brother lives in Rancho Sante Fe. I've even driven one of my previous cars there. That was an April trip. No top. No heater. Had a blast!

I had been using floor mounted pedals. I set up the frame that I'm finishing now to take Wilwood reverse hanging pedals. This gives me several more inches of leg room. With them I can sit 3 inches lower. This would result in a possible roof height of 39-40 inches. I can see the possibility of a coupe with a really low, sinister looking roof. Similar to a Kellison J5. So many possibilities and possible projects! Maybe lift off like the old Sterling kit car.

I have a MGB convertible top frame. It, of course, will latch to the MGB windshield that I'm using. I'm going to see if I can modify the frame to be usable for my car.


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PostPosted: November 8, 2020, 2:08 pm 
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Joined: January 1, 2015, 1:55 pm
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I spent a little time mocking up a top. I used foam pipe insulation tubing and duct tape. Obviously the final shape will be tweaked and refined. This mock up is enough for me to see that I'm going to like the final version. I sat in the car and can tell that visibility will be very good. Now to do the real work. :) Having fun

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PostPosted: November 9, 2020, 11:05 am 
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Joined: October 24, 2008, 2:13 pm
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Location: Carlsbad, California, USA
Yeah, it's definitely looking good. As you say, now onto the hard work.

Cheers,

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