Transparent Clamshell

[calexand]

I am looking for a transparent clamshell for my targa so the engine is visible from the outside. I have seen several see-thru engine covers for non-targa models, but not the clamshell for targa tops. I know if the top is in there the engine won't show, but at least for all the times the targa top is on, I would like the engine visible. If you have seen this anywhere, or know someone who makes it, I'd love to hear.

Thanks,
Chip

 

[SJJ28]

Science of Speed has a Cantrell concepts Carbon Fibre one that can work with the targas.

Steve

------------------
Steve
89 325is "snowmobile"
91 NSX
01 MDX
02 M3 SMG

"automotive indulgence"
www.thelastdetail.com

 

[calexand]

Originally posted by SJJ28:
Science of Speed has a Cantrell concepts Carbon Fibre one that can work with the targas.

Steve

Thank you, Steve. I went to the Science of Speed site and couldn't find this, though, either by browsing the categories or searching for Cantrell. Do you have a specific URL you could post? Also, with this being made of carbon fiber, would it really be see through to the engine, as opposed to just showing the carbon fiber?

------------------
Chip Alexander
'97 Blue/Tan NSX-T with Tubi Exhaust, Italian Horn
'92 Green/Tan Lexus SC400 Coupe
'02 Blue/Tan BMW 325iT Sportwagon

 

[docjohn]

If you are handy with cutting tools and plastic you can modify the stock components and you can choose how big you want the oppening.I'm sure there are some previous posts about this mod.

 

[QWKSLVR]

Chip, here's the link. None of the covers available are specifically made for the targa tops per se, but if you scroll down, you will see that you can buy separate brackets that would allow you to use the cover w/ NSX-T. Perhaps you haven't seen these in person, but the idea is, only the the outer rim of the cover is carbon fiber, the center section is cut out & has either a mesh or lexan plasic insert. So yes, you can see the engine thru the center portion, there's no such thing as transparent carbon fiber if that's what you were thinking. http://www.scienceofspeed.com/products/exterior_performance_products/NSX/Cantrell_Concepts/engine_cover/

 

[calexand]

Originally posted by QWKSLVR:
Chip, here's the link. None of the covers available are specifically made for the targa tops per se, but if you scroll down, you will see that you can buy separate brackets that would allow you to use the cover w/ NSX-T. Perhaps you haven't seen these in person, but the idea is, only the the outer rim of the cover is carbon fiber, the center section is cut out & has either a mesh or lexan plasic insert. So yes, you can see the engine thru the center portion, there's no such thing as transparent carbon fiber if that's what you were thinking. http://www.scienceofspeed.com/products/exterior_performance_products/N SX/Cantrell_Concepts/engine_cover/

What, there's no transparent carbon fiber? ;-) I had just been wondering how something described as a carbon fiber cover could show the engine -- but now I see it is carbon fiber *and mesh of multiple types or lexan* as you describe.

Unfortunately, though, this is not what I am looking for (although I definitely appreciate your posting). Note that it says "Targa NSX owners: the Cantrell Engine Covers are available for targas...The targa top may be safely placed in the trunk..."

The car has very little storage capacity for weekend trips as it is, so I don't want to put the top in the trunk. Too bad they just don't make a whole clamshell just like the single-layer ones shown, or alternatively a way to simply clamp the top down securely to the one layer and avoid the top piece.

Chip

------------------
Chip Alexander
'97 Blue/Tan NSX-T with Tubi Exhaust, Italian Horn
'92 Green/Tan Lexus SC400 Coupe
'02 Blue/Tan BMW 325iT Sportwagon

[This message has been edited by calexand (edited 06 January 2003).]

 

[LJSB]

Is this what you are looking for?

------------------
www.vincesautobodyworks.com

 

[calexand]

Originally posted by pbassjo:
Is this what you are looking for?

Yes! That's what I mean! Where can I get it -- is it something you make? How much does it cost? Is the opening size variable, so it could be a bit larger? Do you have any other photos, such as looking straight down at the engine through the opening?

Feel free to email me at [email protected] if you prefer that to posting the info.


------------------
Chip Alexander
'97 Blue/Tan NSX-T with Tubi Exhaust, Italian Horn
'92 Green/Tan Lexus SC400 Coupe
'02 Blue/Tan BMW 325iT Sportwagon

 

[docjohn]

Joe I'm glad you posted .Your work was exactly what I had in mind for this fellow.

 

[Option2]

How much would something like that go for?

------------------
Jay
'91 Red/Ivory (Sold)
'96 Red/Black

 

[Hrant]

Nice!!!

Now Joe if you can work on that other project .........

 

[LJSB]

Hrant,
I thought you had that one solved.
What happened with that company?

 

[LJSB]

I made it some time ago so these costs are guesses but I don't think they are too far off.
I didn't use the screen that is on the NSX Prime DYI that you get from Home Depot. That's too thin and is meant for mud, ala sheet rock type.
1)Screen: $30-$75.00 from a metal supply house
2)3M panel bonding adhesive about $27.00 a large cartridge.
3)The under side covering about $20.00 a roll.
4)Black, felt welt: $30.00 for a roll and that should do a few.
5)3M Super Spray Trim adhesive.
6)Fabricate new prop rod catch/anchor point.
5) 4-5 hrs labor @$42.00 per hour.
6) shipping w/insurance to CA $50.00 each way?
7) Sales tax
It's has to look just right and isn't something I rushed doing but should have about a week turn around not counting shipping. Screen was epoxy primered and painted. Cutting underside insulation on hatch and bonding black fuzzy material took some time to make it look correct.
I'm not looking to make a killing on this just a nice mod that looks OEM that I and the owner can be proud of. It does not rattle, fall apart or discolor after more than 3 driving seasons (I'm in the cold NE!) These numbers look like about $500.00 all told using your top of course.

------------------
www.vincesautobodyworks.com

[This message has been edited by pbassjo (edited 07 January 2003).]

[This message has been edited by pbassjo (edited 07 January 2003).]

 

[Hrant]

Originally posted by pbassjo:
Hrant,
I thought you had that one solved.
What happened with that company?

the story gets knottier by the month .... will send you an e-mail ....

 

[POWERED by HONDA]

So... Hrant... is this secret project for a clear Targa panel?

 

[Hrant]

Originally posted by POWERED by HONDA:
So... Hrant... is this secret project for a clear Targa panel?

Close but no cigar .....

I just confirmed again today that it is quite cost prohibitive and there are liability issues. But, we are still working on my other project, and I am now finally a little more optimistic ..... stay tuned ....

So Joe, I think there is hope after all .....