Interior Exterior
Q:
I was getting pretty tired of the softtop sliding around in my trunk, worse possibly doing damage to the cam in bouts of 'spirited driving', so I've come up with a way of strapping it down more securely. A couple of clip on velcro straps.
You'll need some 1" and 2" nylon straps, 1.5" velcro, and a couple of clips for 1" strapping (see picture). Note: 1" grid board. All available at local fabric store (Jo Ann fabrics, or the like).
Next make the straps (see picture).
1. Sew 1" nylon strap around fixed end of clip.
2. Cut and sew 1" strap to end of 2" nylon strap.
3. Cut 2" strap to size (1" longer than strip of velcro which is around 9").
4. Sew remaning end of 1" strap to far end of 2" strap.
5. Sew strip of velcro to 2" nylon strap.
6. Thread remainder of strap through slipping portion of clip.
7. Repeat.
Note: Stick a portion of duct tape to nylon when cutting and melt (slide over hot iron) to prevent from fraying. I also stitched a square with an 'X' (instead of single row seam) to make all seams more secure.
Putting the straps on is simple. Just roll the top (whichever way you like), pull the straps around, clip, and tighten. I normally roll the supporting bars in as well (see picture).
Now just take the top and put in in the trunk velcro side down. How much more secure is the top with the straps? Well I was curious myself so I used one of those elastic bands (relaxed 15" long). It only took stretching to 25" before it started to slip (without velcro); 10" x spring constant.
With the velcro straps, it takes more than 3x the force; 30" x spring constant. And it hadn't started to budge. At that point I was pulling with pretty good force and didn't want to risk it giving and damaging the cam. I'm very pleased.
I made the straps a little longer than necessary for the top just in case I want to secure something else back there. Should work well with cardboard boxes and duffle bag.
-Frank.
A:
Wow, those turned out very nice. I'll be the first to ask: How much would you charge to make me a set in red?
--Josh
A:
Wow, those turned out very nice. I'll be the first to ask: How much would you charge to make me a set in red?
--Josh
Ha! My current job keeps me too busy already.
Cost of materials was only about $16 for all the goods (and that was overestimating the amount of 2" nylon). Only took about an hour (while watching TV). My mom is a seamstress, so some things rubbed off.
I can't imagine it'd be too tough to get an alterations/dry cleaner shop to stitch this up for a few bucks. Especially if you have the pieces pre-cut.
-Frank.
A:
I wrap the top in 3 velcro strips, and push it against the front of the trunk. The velcro sticks to the carpet. It's never moved, but again I live in Florida, so twisties are rare. But it hasn't moved when taking fast U-turns.
A:
PureEvil -
Keep an eye on how you roll that thing up. The fabric liner on my softtop was just starting to separate from the solid panels on each end until I began rolling it up with the exterior side of the top facing outward. Others have had similar issues....
-Chuck
A:
Keep an eye on how you roll that thing up. The fabric liner on my softtop was just starting to separate from the solid panels on each end until I began rolling it up with the exterior side of the top facing outward.
Thanks Chuck. I seem to remember getting the top that way (interior side facing out) out of the bag. It's only slightly more inconvenient rolling it with the exterior side facing out.
-Frank.