Chimaera Cerb-style hood
Discussion
I have always thought that the straight line divide between the window/leading-edge of the hood was totally incongruous with the curvy nature of the Chimaera design and just doesn't sit right.
The "Chimaera Hardtop" thread got me thinking about how I could add the design elements of the Malaysian hardtops, without running into any of the issues raised in the thread (please see thread as won't go into it here....).
I believe that the only practical way forward is to re-design the existing elements slightly in order to minimise costs and retain functionality - ie. keep the targa top and alter the rear folding hood slightly.
If the hood is constructed with 2 clear plastic quarterlights (same material as rear screen) and the smaller rectangular "letterbox" screen (that one or two here have had fitted) - then you will come out with something that looks fairly similar to the Malaysian hardtop set-up.
You will be able to see the "rollbar" through the quarterlight, but if the "outside" of the rollbar is sprayed body-colour, then it will look as if it were OE.
Here is a hastily knocked-up impression of what I mean (apologies for nicking someones photo!)..:
The photo isn't quite right, as there appears to be no farside hood interior visible through the quarterlight - but you get what I mean...
Now if the hood/targa was made of body-coloured material or perhaps even used body-coloured vinyl - it would look much closer to the Malaysian hardtop, without losing any of the hood functionality, having to carry around extra bits, or making invasive changes to the car (ie. totally reversible back to standard)...
Guess I need some help from some people here with more experience in hood replacement, who might be able to point out if there is anything which will stop this from being a viable proposition - as my Chim needs a new hood, so I thought that if I'm going to do this now is the time...
Thoughts gentlemen..?
Dom
The "Chimaera Hardtop" thread got me thinking about how I could add the design elements of the Malaysian hardtops, without running into any of the issues raised in the thread (please see thread as won't go into it here....).
I believe that the only practical way forward is to re-design the existing elements slightly in order to minimise costs and retain functionality - ie. keep the targa top and alter the rear folding hood slightly.
If the hood is constructed with 2 clear plastic quarterlights (same material as rear screen) and the smaller rectangular "letterbox" screen (that one or two here have had fitted) - then you will come out with something that looks fairly similar to the Malaysian hardtop set-up.
You will be able to see the "rollbar" through the quarterlight, but if the "outside" of the rollbar is sprayed body-colour, then it will look as if it were OE.
Here is a hastily knocked-up impression of what I mean (apologies for nicking someones photo!)..:
The photo isn't quite right, as there appears to be no farside hood interior visible through the quarterlight - but you get what I mean...
Now if the hood/targa was made of body-coloured material or perhaps even used body-coloured vinyl - it would look much closer to the Malaysian hardtop, without losing any of the hood functionality, having to carry around extra bits, or making invasive changes to the car (ie. totally reversible back to standard)...
Guess I need some help from some people here with more experience in hood replacement, who might be able to point out if there is anything which will stop this from being a viable proposition - as my Chim needs a new hood, so I thought that if I'm going to do this now is the time...
Thoughts gentlemen..?
Dom
Edited by domV8 on Thursday 25th July 14:14
This is the idea that I mentioned to you about at the Surrey RR day, Peter...
Think the first reply was a good point - I wonder how much of an issue the folding will be?
Remembering that the front of the hood (near the rollbar) is supposed to be unvelcro'ed when folding down - how much tension would that release, and whether enough slack created to provide a smooth-enough crease in the vinyl (ie. not too sharp)..?
Thanks,
Dom
Think the first reply was a good point - I wonder how much of an issue the folding will be?
Remembering that the front of the hood (near the rollbar) is supposed to be unvelcro'ed when folding down - how much tension would that release, and whether enough slack created to provide a smooth-enough crease in the vinyl (ie. not too sharp)..?
Thanks,
Dom
I think the flex problem is very real. On my previous Chimaeras, whenever I have folded down the rear roof section, no matter how carefully I was, it was always very difficult to make it look perfect and you will be putting a vynel panel through hell.
I've always thought the rear screen is quite big as it is compared to many other 2 seaters such as a Z3.
I've always thought the rear screen is quite big as it is compared to many other 2 seaters such as a Z3.
that's the plans for mine.
££££££££'s.... You had beter get a bandit my friend if you know what's good for you! 
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