Hardtop removal options

I was considering rigging the hard top in a way that it could be easily removed on nice days in the summer. I was wondering if the bolts could be replaced with latches, the type that pull down and lock in place. Has anyone considered or done this to theirs?
Thought two above the windscreen and two each side in the rear body, possibly some locating pins would be needed to help keep it in place and make fitting esier; also some kind of expandable gasket all round so that it seals when its fitted.
So am I mad or is this a real option.

What about them quick twist fasteners i think dzeus fasteners would fit through std bolt holes
Probably lose some body rigidity though.


Lynall

would it not be easier just to buy a full tilt for the back of the 90 and lose the hard top and at least then the soft top can be taking off and put back on with ease

Lynall: Twist fixings? hadn’t thought of those; wonder how much rigidity you would loose by making these changes? keep it coming cause it ell all add to a decision.
S&R: I did consider fitting a cab and using a soft-top but I do like the hard top and would rather keep it if it came to one or the other.
I know this is different but I had an Alfa Romeo boat tail spider and had a soft and hard top for that; I always went with open or teh hardtop, guess I sort of thought of the idea from there. I was just wondering if there was a way of gaining the best of both without compromising the integrity of the vehicle? As I said this could turn out to be nothing but a bad whim, but nowt gets done if you don’t give it thought, I can be a little unorthodox

Can't remember who makes them, but there are latches on the market which have a locator and a hole for a pin to lock them in place.

Off the wall suggestion is to approach someone who makes discotheque equipment, as they used to be used for clamping the lids down over the decks.

This from an old gimmer who was once a 'pop jock'!

OSD

You could use sports car hood fastenings for the canti rail (windscreen top) - MGB might work - I thought about doing the same when I had an MGB and a 109
Dzuss fastenings might be a bit lightweight unless they make them bigger than I`ve ever seen them.
For the sides and back to locate to the rear tub, how about the j clamps and brackets that hold Ifor tops down - still involves bolts but should be easier

Rather than use LR's many bolts on each side use a pice of 2mm steel with larger bolt holes and have 3 bolts on either side then 4 along the rest

The plates sandwich together then so rather than 30mins to take off it'd be 5 using those quick release lug nut things

Many thanks again for your thoughts on this.

I pretty sure I know the fixings your on about regards DJ stuff, remember them when we helped pack from a do the other month, could be on to something there. Also Dr E has a good idea too I shall now take some time to look at said bits and decide the next move.Cheers all.

Cam locks (the quick release for the wheels, seat post etc) from bicycles make reasonable quick release fasteners. Used them for loads of fixings when i used to run up and down to trade shows and had to set things up fast.
They need a bit of thought tho' to make them really fast.

i kept it really simple for years, row of roofing bolts across screen (slotted head quick to undo with screwdriver) and 4 'G; clamps where the bolts would normally go. never moved n could get roof off in under a minute in sunny weather

Cheers Steve

OFF OFF OFFF!!!!!!!!!!

Silicon adheasive on standard seals. Stick these to roof. Saves a pile of hassle.

Try Europa spares for all manner of weird and wonderfull fittings...

MX

How about the overcentre catches about half way down this page?

Tailgate Fittings and Fastners

Geep said:

How about these?

Click to expand...

Those are the ones I had in mind.

OSD

Firstly sorry for disappearing, thanks for all the great input, those catches are exactly what I had in mind. Pornstarmax love the enthusiasm Its going to be fantastic with the roof of in the summer.

My bloody spine gave out last week, I’m barely walking at the moment but I’m up and about. Spent the last few days working on my website and doing a few pages on teh landy. So frustrated starring out the window in this lovely weather soo many things I wanted to get on with More time to plan and sceam I guess

Im now wondering about the rear door? Some sort of quick release or as it is, I guess its just a few bolts and its off anyway, going to search for a tail gate to use whilst shes flat me thinks.

Thanks again all. :tea:

Oldseadog said:

Those are the ones I had in mind.

OSD

Click to expand...

That’s a seriously useful set of appendages

I use a couple of these for the rear door. Sorry but I don't know the size.