Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Gregs672000 wrote: Tue Aug 22, 2017 10:45 am Yes, I do have only the bikini for my car, a 67.5. It uses the stock windshield bow and latches. It connects with arms to the rear soft top clips (the middle ones, not the one closest to the rear bar), and uses a wrap with snaps to attach to the padded rollbar. It works well and really helps to cut down on wind or sun, but it will not keep you totally dry. My only change would be to make the arms adjustable so you can further tighten the top. It tends to stretch some from heat and wind while driving, but it sure is easier to use than the soft top I never did. I have a lot more room behind the seats and can store 2 folding chairs and the top no problem. If you send me your cell phone number I can text you some pics.

I have not looked closely at a later car bow but am somewhat familiar... I don't see any reason why it would not work just the same.

Greg - Of course I think of a potential project and not only have you done it but executed and documented it here. I recently bought a '69 less the body/frame to solve my engine woes hopefully and got a roll bar in the deal and have been fantasizing about doing a bimini top. Can you provide details, did you sew it? Impressive whoever did it. I am in the shade business and am either going with an exterior solar shade or sunbrella type fabric. and use some type of fastex buckle/strap/tensioner to the back. I would need a windshield bow, the one main thing I didn't get from my new parts haul.

I'm always happy to try and help! However in this case I can't take any real credit for the top other than suggesting a general idea and giving some $$ to the guy who made it!
I'm happy to share pics, details (like how it attaches to the rollbar), pros and cons, suggest improvements, describe materials... anything I can do to help. But making something like this was well outside my wheel house, so no manufacturing help there! I'm still very happy with it. I have not taken it back to have the arms made adjustable but I think that would be a design improvement. And maybe some kind of center rod (round stock, or maybe flat) with a slight arch that runs from the rollbar forward to the windscreen to support the center section. Might reduce flapping (I don't think I get a lot, but I don't see what it looks like at speed either). I think it would improve the look and overall functioning.

I happen to drive by the upholstery/boat top shop that did mine as it's near my home and it has been closed for quite some time... until about two weeks ago I saw the shop was showing signs of work again, so I may drive by and see if he's still there. If so, I may see what he thinks about the upgrades.

P.S. Since I did mine, several others here have done their own renditions using a variety of ideas and materials so I hope they chime in as well!

Have you seen these? Some will probably be upside down, but correct when selected...

Gladisco, I took a more minimalistic approach at this by securing a Keder Awning rope and groove to the very top of the windshield where the stainless bling resides. Not having a Rollbar though I had to create a fake one just behind the headrests for it to secure to along with the teardrop hooks. This system deletes the need for the front Softtop Bow. Got some awning material cut down to a template made from cardboard and sewn together.