S13 Convertible, Removable Hardtop Build

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Draynor
Posts: 2
Joined: Mon Nov 23, 2015 1:21 pm
Car: 71 Datsun 510 wagon, 93 240sx convertible hardtop, 95 200sx

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Hey everybody, just joined NICO! Usually just on the Datsun forums.

Here is my 510...

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Anyway, a couple people have told me to make a thread on here, so here it is.

Little backround,
Im Derek, 20 years old and a semiconductor/aerospace Tig welder/fabricator.

I have always wanted a s13 vert with a hardtop. I picked up my first vert last year but ended up selling the shell because I pulled the sr20det for my 510.

So with that vert gone, I didn't get to do the project.

Fast forward to August 2015...

Picked up A 93 240sx convertible with a broken soft top frame from a customer at my buddy's shop, drove it home for $850!

My buddy is lending a hand with this project since it is so awkward to move around by yourself. We have about 40 hours into it so far.

The soft top frame snapped on PO, due to flying open while driving.

and so it begins...

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Broken top, time to go!

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Picked up a S13 coupe roof from a buddy for $50!

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First mock up.

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Retained the factory soft top sealing plate and latches for the front!

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Took off the factory convertible quarter panel trim and cut the lip of the QP down a 1/4", starting to fit better!

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These next pics are from 10/23/15.

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ready for a rear window!

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Last night I picked up the last few pieces I need to finish this up. Got a coupe rear window and all the trim pieces for the roof for $80! It was unbelievably hard to find a used rear coupe window!!!

The window is just sitting there, but fits great! The door Windows line up perfect, just need to get the window trim and seals cut to length and fit up with the front edge.

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That's all I have for now, I'm getting excited, close to time for the road! I need to work on some latches for the C pillars and a seal. There will be locating studs on the B pillars.

Also a lot of people have been asking about this. The top so far with all the factory coupe glass, weighs under 100lbs!


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biggie
Moderator
Posts: 10330
Joined: Wed Jul 24, 2002 2:31 am
Car: '16 Q70L/'14 Q60S Vert/'19 Armada/'09 FX35
Location: Clemmons, NC

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Good work, hope all goes well.

project//s13
Posts: 25
Joined: Fri Nov 27, 2015 7:51 am
Car: 200sx s13

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looks good

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Topless_S13
Posts: 23
Joined: Sun Jan 17, 2016 6:19 pm
Car: 1994 Nissan 240SX Convertible
Location: Indiana

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I have ran across a few pictures of this project on instagram, looks good man!

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AZhitman
Administrator
Posts: 71061
Joined: Mon Apr 29, 2002 2:04 am
Car: 58 L210, 63 Bluebird RHD, 64 NL320, 65 SPL310, 66 411 RHD, 67 WRL411, 68 510 SR20, 75 280Z RB25, 77 620 SR20, 79 B310, 90 S13, 92 SE-R, 92 Silvia Qs, 98 S14.
Location: Surprise, Arizona
Contact:

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Sonofabeach!

Dude, that's freaking awesome. People have been chattering about doing a removable hardtop for an S13 vert since the late 90's... I even did some preliminary work trying to 'mad-scientist' something for my 'vert back in the day.

I'm impressed.

So, I'm thinking the Miata side latches might be a good option for the B-pillars. The rear should probably 'float,' with maybe a fat rubber seal on the decklid, unless you're planning on some serious stiffening of the chassis - the last thing you want is for everything to fit nice sitting still, only to find out it's intolerable (or dangerous) when taking a corner (or flexing the chassis, like entering a driveway at an angle).

Nicely done so far, sir. Mad props!

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Topless_S13
Posts: 23
Joined: Sun Jan 17, 2016 6:19 pm
Car: 1994 Nissan 240SX Convertible
Location: Indiana

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The real question is, would you make another one? lol

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DeXteR
Posts: 2702
Joined: Sun Sep 25, 2005 9:01 pm
Car: 14 Titan Pro4X
05 Xterra OR
92 300ZX Slicktop
94 Sentra RS Rally Car
Location: Beulah, MI
Contact:

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Awesome. Like Greg mentioned, this is talked about frequently, seldom attempted, and never executed well. This looks promising. Keep up the good work.

Draynor
Posts: 2
Joined: Mon Nov 23, 2015 1:21 pm
Car: 71 Datsun 510 wagon, 93 240sx convertible hardtop, 95 200sx

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Thanks everyone, the comments are much appreciated!

I got the door window seals and trim fit up, I'll snap a pic when I have some time. In the middle of moving to a shop space finally!!!

I have thought about it, and I will make a mold of the roof so it can be duplicated out of fiberglass or possibly carbon fiber! But Im not going to learn how to do it, or at least any time soon, I'm a metal guy lol.

If someone knows of a quality fiberglass shop, let me know!

Or any good training books or sites I could read on! I'm sure I can learn to lay fiberglsss, just gotta find the time!

o0Syn
Posts: 73
Joined: Fri Nov 13, 2009 7:34 am
Car: 92 Nissan 240SX Convertible
Location: Milwaukee WI
Contact:

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Any updates on this awesomeness?

GrinnReaper
Posts: 3
Joined: Tue Oct 11, 2016 4:08 pm

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This is exciting to me..! Greg would know... I am finally looping back and have s13 vert plans like the Deathstar.

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Topless_S13
Posts: 23
Joined: Sun Jan 17, 2016 6:19 pm
Car: 1994 Nissan 240SX Convertible
Location: Indiana

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Whatever came of this project? I want to know what the finished product looks like!


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