DB6 Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 So, thought I would take it out of the box and put it on, looks like its not been on 4 a few years. What a nitemare,I think I have done serious and permanent injury to my back, neck and fingers! It is the most ludicrous piece of crap I have ever seen, then how the hell do I get in,lol. I think I will just carry the toneau and a big brolly. Seriously tho, does anyone ever drive with the full wet gear up, I would rather be buried alive.:7rain: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pksurveyor Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 I used the half top from Soft Bit For Seven. The Caterham top is in the closet and has never been on the car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DB6 Posted September 23, 2008 Author Share Posted September 23, 2008 What is this "half top" deal, any pics / links, Cheers David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yellowss7 Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 I didn't include the top in my order as I figured I'd never be able to get it with it on. I did like Jon's. (Boxologist) I think it is a Soft bits for Sevens design. It has velcroed sections that you can peel back when the top is up and just step in. Pretty neat design. I'm sure he'll chime in to give a more accurate description. Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DB6 Posted September 23, 2008 Author Share Posted September 23, 2008 Thanks Guys, Yes I would like some more info on other options, the Caterham gear is a waste of time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scannon Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 This seems strange, I've had the top and side curtains on my Caterham many times. Its quite simple and takes less than 5 minutes. Have you RTFM? I always carry them in the boot as you never know when an afternoon shower/downpour will show up around here. As old, overweight and creaky as I am, I find it only slightly more difficult to get in and out with the top and side curtains on than with them off. I even had to run with the top up at a track event because I didn't have arm restraints http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/1839659179_SkipCannon-ZC.jpg YMMV, Skip Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DB6 Posted September 23, 2008 Author Share Posted September 23, 2008 Well all I can say is that either you are David Blane's brother or you have a totally diff design, mine is on a 1984 S Sprint and is factory original.It really is useless for me as I am not a deformed leprachaun ( who must have been the test dummy for the design). By the way what is ... RTFM? is that the yoga class I need to go to so I can wriggle in like a snake,lol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pksurveyor Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 http://www.softbitsforsevens.co.uk/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scannon Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 My Caterham is an SV so it has a 4" wider and 3" longer cockpit. The width won't make any difference but the length might make it a bit easier. As far as mods, it is factory stock in the cockpit area, only mods are in the drive train. RTFM = Read The F...ing Manual (a standard internet term ). The manual gives sort of a sequence for installing the top. I'm no relative to David Blane nor are there any contortionists in my family. I'm a 64 year old, 250 lb, 5' 9" couch potato with a torn rotator cuff in my right shoulder. Skip Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DB6 Posted September 23, 2008 Author Share Posted September 23, 2008 we have much in common Skip, lol. By the way I hear the Caterham Manual did not exsist in 84,lol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oilteq Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 Does everyone on this list live in warm climates? When the topic of weather gear comes up, rain is discussed, but not cold. I live in the Midwest and drove my Birkin in temperatures down to freezing. The weather gear and heater made it possible. Yes, you have to be a contortionis to get in, and if you have a passenger, he or she had better be a close friend. And the blind spots are huge. But weather gear extends the number days you can drive in cold climates. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitcat Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 I use the top on my Caterham a lot: rain is no stranger to the Midwest. The first time I put it up it took 45'. Now it's under 5'. I also use it to extend the driving season into the colder months. With practice, you will develop a technique for getting in/out smoothly (Although not gracefully). Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davemk1 Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 If it's just chilly - say down to 35* I use the side curtains and a warm coat, hat and gloves. If it's colder than that or if it is threatening rain I use the full top on my Birkin. I do a lot of out of town autocross events that I drive to and they always seem to let out at that time in the afternoon when there are thunderstorms forming. So I have the top with me when I get far away from home. It's saved me more than once. Hail really hurts! My top was made locally by an auto top and seat guy and he modeled it after my stock Birkin top. I needed a new one made to deal with the tall roll bar I made. It takes a few minutes to erect if it's sunny and forever it it's raining Overall I like it and it keeps me dry but I like driving without it best. Dave http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/1762733796_DSC_3839.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scannon Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 we have much in common Skip, lol. By the way I hear the Caterham Manual did not exsist in 84,lol. Here's the sequence I use. 1. After opening the boot all the way, lift the hood sticks and make sure the straps are at their loosest position as well as aligned on the hood sticks with the point where they attach to the rear of the car. 2. Unfold the top and lay it over the hood sticks and snap it to the windscreen header. 3. Make sure the hood sticks are still in their up and forward position and then begin snapping the rear snaps. Some sequences work better than others here. Experiment with starting at the middle of the back and working to the sides and vice versa. 4. When all snaps are in place, climb in the car and fasten the velcro around the hood stick, then reach over your shoulder and pull the loose end of each strap forward until the top is nice and taut. This became a little more difficult when I changed from the standard roll bar to the Caged version with the double diagonal cross braces. 5. Install the side curtains. If you have permanently mounted side mirrors, the side curtains will not stay open by themselves making it a little more difficult to get in and out. Getting in and out of a Caterham is never a graceful act especially with the top in place. With the top on I stick my right foot into the footwell, bend over as far forward as I can then extend my right hand onto the center console and sort of back into the cockpit. When I am mostly in, I put my left hand on the cockpit sill and use both arms to hold my butt above the seat while I draw in my left leg. Then I can sit down, unfold and start to breathe again. Top or not, I always slide the seat all the way back before exiting the car. Makes it much easier to get my feet and legs under the steering wheel. Ohhh, to be 30 years younger and 75 lb lighter! Skip Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boxologist Posted September 24, 2008 Share Posted September 24, 2008 http://inlinethumb33.webshots.com/8992/2239031920099946657S600x600Q85.jpg oddly my best pic of the 1/2 hood w/ double e-z in option. zipper sealed w/ velcro on the top mor better wind and precipitation protection. not as rigid as a one piece, but its very convienent. I never complain about the standard Caterham hood. if someone larger and older than me can get into, i can swallow my pride and look as ungainly as the next schmo sliding/falling in. Because everyone else looks funny once ur inside! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sean Posted September 24, 2008 Share Posted September 24, 2008 I don't have a top at all for my car, which I now think is odd, because I have actually been referred to as a "deformed leprechaun" in the past at least once (that I know of!). ISYN* * "ISYN" stands for "I Kid You Not" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoPho Posted September 24, 2008 Share Posted September 24, 2008 What's this rain and cold weather you speak of? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scannon Posted September 24, 2008 Share Posted September 24, 2008 What's this rain and cold weather you speak of? It's what the rest of the country gets in lieu of the four seasons of Southern California: Earthquake, fire, riot and flood. Skip Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparecr Posted September 24, 2008 Share Posted September 24, 2008 I have run with my top on a few times. I would even more but the fact I have 4 huge air filters that hang off my webers into the air makes me worry about sucking water. Since it is a 74/78 model it probally has the closest top toto the one that started the discussion. It is tough to get on (I would imagine after 4 yrs of no use it may have shrunk a bit, heat it up, a sunny July day works good, and it will go on easier.) Start at the windshield and work back, yes you will wonder if the windshield will break. After it is up it is no more diffcult to get in than a hardtop Elise. The noise well... Biggest problem are the old school side screens, the later model hign-vis work much better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoPho Posted September 24, 2008 Share Posted September 24, 2008 It's what the rest of the country gets in lieu of the four seasons of Southern California: Earthquake, fire, riot and flood. Skip I only get earthquake season where I live, but that's like only once ever ten years or so, and if you are prepared before hand, it will make a good James Bond Martini Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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