PorKen

This is the 'super-lightweight' version, very few parts and < 10lbs, a 20lb+ weight reduction:



Minimal air noise, and no lifting, even at high speeds. Most of the noise came from where the plastic shop didn't quite follow my pattern.

No leaks inside:


3/16" transparent bronze formed acrylic panel, aluminum skirt, brackets, stainless steel fasteners.

I need to do a little more work on the fastening system, for looks and higher security. Currently it only needs two fasteners to keep it down. Once unfastened, it slides back into the roof for storage.

*Concept Thread*

heinrich

I like it Ken. Need to see the inside-out too....

PorKen

heinrich

Sssssay!! ... How hard would it be then to lose that false-bottom sunroof shelter and gain some headroom ... hhhhhmmmmmm????

nlneilson

What did you put in for your headlights.
Just got a '79 928, handles excellent. Removed the stock headlights and hardware yesterday, was going to put the 5 7/8 X 3 5/8 inch bulbs where the fog and parking lights are, the assembly that hold these bulbs have a clearance problem. Any info would be appreciated.

PorKen

heinrich,

Some grinding on the spot welds would remove it. You'd have to weld back in a cross beam.
...

nlneilson,

I'll respond in your headlight thread.

PorKen

3/16" acrylic panel with factory rear drip rail and aluminum skirt: 7lbs.

Factory sunroof, motor, rails, cover, cables, etc.: 32lbs.

BC

I'm in. I can't remember if you wanted money up front or later in the process. I'd really like a darker color though. Its always sunny here. Did you mention that the under panel coul dbe made out of something light and then slid over and back to create a shade?

Red UFO

Porken,

I like what your doing and will consider getting one if you offer them down the road.

Anyway you can retrofit this so if we hit he button to retract the sun roof. Your version retracts in and out just like the OEM one does?

That would be the killer app and you'd be rich enuff to buy a few more sharks!

I nominate Porken for lifetime Rennlist membership for even trying stuff like this that is long overdue? Can I get a second?

PorKen

BrendanCampion,

Well, since your the the Financial Professional, and I'm the engineer, maybe you should tell me.

Seriously though, I appreciate your interest. The price so far is in the $200-$250 range, but I feel I need to make it better before I can sell one.

I also need to get the proper equipment, for the forming especially.

Here's some of the colors from (TAP plastics) website: amber (408-5), red (210-0), yellow (430-7), green (545-2), light blue (625-5), dark blue (668-0), smoke gray (103-2), dark smoke gray (104-1), bronze (131-2), red (216-4), green (564-9)
Here's a PDF of (Pantone Colors)
I'm using the bronze (131-2).

A flexible screen could put inside the 'skirt'. Other options might be a thicker panel, a second darker panel, or coatings on the plastic.
...

Red UFO,

This version can be slid back manually. But it is not something you can do from inside the car. I'll post a pic.

I feel confident that a version retaining the tracks and motor could be made. Perhaps with just a different frame.

Styln928

Outstanding job Ken. I'm in when your ready to produce. I second what RED UFO said!

BC

I'm not interested in the panel moving - this is for weight savings in my mind, with the removal of the metal panel, the motor, etc.

Just let us know, and specifically, I'd be interested in the simplest, non-moving but no BODY-DRILLING solution with proper seals as you mentioned earlier, etc.

Thanks,
Brendan

drnick

slick! good work fella..

PorKen

Here it is when slid back:


I've figured out how to secure it from inside, and without the two front through bolts.

The next major task is to lay a fiberglass or plaster negative of the sunroof lid to simplify heat forming the panel.
...

stylin928, drnick,

Thanks!
...

BrendanCampion,

You've described exactly what I was shooting for with this 'race' version.

It's a bit more difficult, but I always design with the factory mountings in mind.

dprantl

Has there been any progress on this? If there were two versions, one lightweight and one motorized I forsee a great many sales.

Dan
'91 928GT S/C
'86 928S 5-spd w/LSD *sale pending*