Shine Top!
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Joined: Feb 2007
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From: rancho cucamonga
Hey guys,
I believe this is my first post on here and I just wanted to clarify a few things for those of you who could possibly be interested in our product.
We were approached to do this project because there a few of you who seem to simply love the design of the Spoon Top.... with the side windows of course. Unfortunately, Spoon did not offer their product with the side windows as seen on their track cars for reasons I am not absolutely sure of. Regardless of their reasoning was, it's a shame that they didn't.
Not only do the side windows greatly enhance the look of the top, but greatly enhances visibility, hence safety...if you're planning to daily drive with it of course. Our products are sold with an "offroad use only" disclaimer for liability purposes.
The hardtop is self supporting and does not need a roll cage. I'm sure a roll cage would provide added safety/protection in case of a roll over, but you can make the same argument for a soft top, oem top, or Mugen top. There are rumors that Spoon did not offer side windows because the top would need a roll cage for support. I'm not sure if that makes complete sense, but we've been able to offer this top as a self-supporting unit no problem.
For some reason, there are few vendors that advertise the Spoon Hardtop as a dry carbon unit. From our experience, it looks and feels like fiberglass. Our FRP unit is about 14 lbs without hardware, which is pretty much the same as the Spoon unit. Strength seems to be the same as well. I would really have to question if the Spoon hardtop being offered for around $4,000 is really a dry carbon unit. Just a lil sumthin to think about.
We are currently waiting on production of all the hardware needed to make this work. We should be able to see some results by late next week. All hardware will be included in the final price.
Windows will be included as well. We are currently looking at using a special Lexan known as Mr10, which is known to be scratch resistant. Lexan is much lighter than glass and I hope you guys have no qualms with that
.
Regarding the rear hatch of the hardtop.... the hatch only weighs 5 lbs and can be removed in 30 secs. If there are suggestions on hinge designs that won't disrupt the flow of the hardtop, we would be more than happy to listen to them. Hinges are something that can be offered in the future if we can come up with a good solution.
The cost of the hardware and the windows will help us determine the final price of the product. I am simply here to provide information and there will be vendors on here to help service your needs regarding this product.
Spoon came out with a great design and all we've done is improved on the design based on feedback from enthusiasts such as yourself and we're also offering this product at a much more affordable price. For those of you actually looking to purchase the items, I'm sure you can do the math.
I believe this is my first post on here and I just wanted to clarify a few things for those of you who could possibly be interested in our product.
We were approached to do this project because there a few of you who seem to simply love the design of the Spoon Top.... with the side windows of course. Unfortunately, Spoon did not offer their product with the side windows as seen on their track cars for reasons I am not absolutely sure of. Regardless of their reasoning was, it's a shame that they didn't.
Not only do the side windows greatly enhance the look of the top, but greatly enhances visibility, hence safety...if you're planning to daily drive with it of course. Our products are sold with an "offroad use only" disclaimer for liability purposes.
The hardtop is self supporting and does not need a roll cage. I'm sure a roll cage would provide added safety/protection in case of a roll over, but you can make the same argument for a soft top, oem top, or Mugen top. There are rumors that Spoon did not offer side windows because the top would need a roll cage for support. I'm not sure if that makes complete sense, but we've been able to offer this top as a self-supporting unit no problem.
For some reason, there are few vendors that advertise the Spoon Hardtop as a dry carbon unit. From our experience, it looks and feels like fiberglass. Our FRP unit is about 14 lbs without hardware, which is pretty much the same as the Spoon unit. Strength seems to be the same as well. I would really have to question if the Spoon hardtop being offered for around $4,000 is really a dry carbon unit. Just a lil sumthin to think about.
We are currently waiting on production of all the hardware needed to make this work. We should be able to see some results by late next week. All hardware will be included in the final price.
Windows will be included as well. We are currently looking at using a special Lexan known as Mr10, which is known to be scratch resistant. Lexan is much lighter than glass and I hope you guys have no qualms with that
. Regarding the rear hatch of the hardtop.... the hatch only weighs 5 lbs and can be removed in 30 secs. If there are suggestions on hinge designs that won't disrupt the flow of the hardtop, we would be more than happy to listen to them. Hinges are something that can be offered in the future if we can come up with a good solution.
The cost of the hardware and the windows will help us determine the final price of the product. I am simply here to provide information and there will be vendors on here to help service your needs regarding this product.
Spoon came out with a great design and all we've done is improved on the design based on feedback from enthusiasts such as yourself and we're also offering this product at a much more affordable price. For those of you actually looking to purchase the items, I'm sure you can do the math.
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From: Sunny Socal
Originally Posted by JDM_AP2,Sep 5 2007, 12:10 PM
is there an eta on the release for the tops i will buy one for xmas...
Ken, I added your post to the original
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From: rancho cucamonga
Thank you groundzero...
Sinji... It will be out MUCH faster than that It's all up to our hardware manufacturers from this point on. The hardtops are being made regularly at a rate of approximately 3 every two weeks so if this is something you want soon...you know what to do.
Sinji... It will be out MUCH faster than that
It's all up to our hardware manufacturers from this point on. The hardtops are being made regularly at a rate of approximately 3 every two weeks so if this is something you want soon...you know what to do. 
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 21
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From: rancho cucamonga
When it comes to creating such a large and intricate piece in Carbon fiber, the project becomes more of a work of art than just a production piece. We have to take into consideration the risks of making a noticeable error and the extra time and headache factor in making the product right. It becomes more than just the extra cost in materials. With that being said, we will have to make several pieces first before we can access our cost and risk vs reward factor before we can give a final price.
We don't do dry carbon parts but we can offer an infused carbon product, which will result in similar weight and strength performance characteristics.
I can only say that it will be significantly more expensive than an FRP version. This is a different ball game compared to making carbon hoods and hatches that are relatively flat and simple.
We don't do dry carbon parts but we can offer an infused carbon product, which will result in similar weight and strength performance characteristics.
I can only say that it will be significantly more expensive than an FRP version. This is a different ball game compared to making carbon hoods and hatches that are relatively flat and simple.
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It would be nice if the side windows have the option to "pop-out" a little for ventilation. That will circulate air in the car and give it a "convertible " feel.
If you can make this feature as an "option", that would be great. just something to think about.
If you can make this feature as an "option", that would be great. just something to think about.
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From: Sunny Socal
Originally Posted by DDSracer,Sep 7 2007, 08:14 AM
It would be nice if the side windows have the option to "pop-out" a little for ventilation. That will circulate air in the car and give it a "convertible " feel.
If you can make this feature as an "option", that would be great. just something to think about.
If you can make this feature as an "option", that would be great. just something to think about.