I own a top for my Caterham

[Saudio]

I got it out of the trunk yesterday and looked at it, all folded up neat.  And I suspect that is exactly what it will look like when I sell the car someday.  I'm 6'2", and old, and I seriously don't think I could get into the car with the top on without spraining something or worse.  

 

I have considered the possibility of leaving several snaps undone and then having a third party snap me into the cockpit after I have settled in, but I guess that is cheating.

 

Am I alone on this?  Any other owners who have never driven with the top on?  

[MV8]

As I understand it, facing forward, closest foot in, head against the inside of the passenger side "door", then drag in the opposite foot. A removable steering wheel would be a nice option.

There are bigger versions with room.

 

[IamScotticus]

I did same recently,  pulled a hood out of a box.  I found it had shrunken.  Might want to try fitting your hood to see if will go on at all.

Now considering buying a new set.  But I avoid getting 7 wet if at all possible.  A weather kit is low priority for me, opting for long sleeeves.

Edited June 8, 2023 by IamScotticus

[Taber10]

My Seven is an SV, but I am 71 years old, seriously overweight, 6 ft 3 in, one hip replaced, second hip is a candidate, and I can get in with the top up.  MV8 "Nailed It" with the procedure posted.  I try not to get my 7 wet, but some car shows, long-scheduled club events, Florida's unpredictable weather, etc. and it just happens.  I don't carry the doors very often, but I always have one of the two tops with me when I go out.

[IamScotticus]

when I'm ready to drive again, I will just keep a "shower cap"  

[MV8]

Snap clips could be added to the dash for a custom tonneau cover that has a zipper down the center so the driver can fit while leaving the pax side installed. Keeps the water out to a degree.

 

With a lot of sun or rain, a jeep type tonneau is practical. Uses straps at the back and snaps to the windscreen. I saw one on a birkin.

[Stevensonjr]

A Jeep type bikini top I had made locally works well for me. I’m 80 and can get in and out with very little problem. Keeps the sun off my bald head when it’s too hot for a cap. It was 103 degrees yesterday here in South Louisiana.

I have a full top and doors for cold weather driving.

[MV8]

Here is one I saw at a LOG event in BHM many years ago.

[Saudio]

I must say that I am impressed by those who are older and larger than me who can get in with the top on.  Maybe I just need to give it the old college try, but I'll need a spotter ;-)  

[Stevensonjr]

 

I forgot to mention, I do have a quick release steering wheel. Bikini top and a standard steering wheel would be difficult but possible.

[slowdude]

Softbits has a half top with a zip cutout, it looks like it has solved the solution to what MV8 has indicated. Last winter I had it out (before salt), and the roof up and doors on with a heater and it was quite toasty.

[Saudio]

On 6/16/2023 at 2:07 AM, slowdude said:

Softbits has a half top with a zip cutout, it looks like it has solved the solution to what MV8 has indicated. Last winter I had it out (before salt), and the roof up and doors on with a heater and it was quite toasty.

Do you have a link for that?  

[slowdude]

3 hours ago, Saudio said:

Do you have a link for that?  

https://www.softbitsshop.co.uk/the-half-hood-classic---includes-storage-bag-820-p.asp

 

The easy in zips are what you want.

 

Here's a screnshot of it. 

[Saudio]

On 6/17/2023 at 2:24 PM, slowdude said:

https://www.softbitsshop.co.uk/the-half-hood-classic---includes-storage-bag-820-p.asp

 

The easy in zips are what you want.

 

Here's a screnshot of it. 

Thanks for that SlowDude!