[radms]

I took the roof off for the first time the other day (Bought the car just before the winter) and, as you all may know, it's a bit of a PITA to put on and take off. The roof for the Elise is very similar to the Targa roof found on the corvettes, which have cam-handles so you can easily pop it on and off.

I rendered this really quickly, any reason why it wouldn't work? Because the cam-handle does the tighening and loosening, once fitted and tweaked, it would mean that you can put a dab of Lock-tite at the end of the thread, screw it into the roof and call it a day.

Let me know what you guys think

 

[bbs350z]

Im all for simplifying the removal process, and i like your idea. I say go for it!

 

[Coyne]

I thought about this, but the main problem would be the covers would all have to be left off in this case. Also, the way that they connect wouldn't leave any room to operate these. The clearances are too tight I think. Someone should just completely redesign the roof hardware including the mounting brackets.

 

[chris2pher]

Not sure I see the value these provide. You already need the allen wrench to install the windshield piece. Might as well just use the same tool for the rest of the bolts while you're at it. Doesn't take me more than 2 minutes to remove or put on.

 

[Riceburner98]

I would think travel would be an issue as well..? (Which is what Coyne's getting at I think) The rear bolts drop quite a ways down when they're unscrewed to the machined section - on my top at least the brackets just barely get out of the way with them all the way down. I usually just take the bolts all the way out and remove the brackets, but then it's pretty easy to drop the bolts behind the passenger seat....... The cams would have to be quite large I'd imagine to get that much travel?

Then there's the windshield piece like chris2pher mentions.. Interesting idea, but probably hard to pull off.. (no pun intended!)

 

[bri3d]

You could easily replace the windshield trim's attachments with hand bolts - it's not like they need to be torqued down that far.

 

[sturgeongeneral]

I thought about this, but the main problem would be the covers would all have to be left off in this case. Also, the way that they connect wouldn't leave any room to operate these. The clearances are too tight I think. Someone should just completely redesign the roof hardware including the mounting brackets.

I agree with the above. The trim pieces would not fit with them but I like your thoughts on improving on the current hardware.

 

[motosport]

I sure miss the simplicity and quality of my (prior) 914 which had a 30 second roof removal latch system and the roof never leaked. I also miss the comfort and ease of access...two steps forward, two backward.

 

[Coyne]

I sure miss the simplicity and quality of my (prior) 914 which had a 30 second roof removal latch system and the roof never leaked. I also miss the comfort and ease of access...two steps forward, two backward.

German engineering v.s. ... Well, for all I know German designed this too. Just at an English pub.