The P5: What Would You Change?

[Coss]

Ok, I'll play! How about...if it opened from back to front? This way would avoid " puckering" or "bunching up" the canvas, and if the pleats are made to lean to the back, it would form a "wedge-shaped air deflector" at the leading edge. Using some strategically placed rare earth magnets in the pleats ( as it folds up, the pleats would stick together) would keep the narrow end from hanging down thru the opening.

You left out a part:
"..... would keep the narrow end from hanging down thru the opening blocking your forward view through the windshield."

Always remember to bring out the safety aspect.

 

[NSTG8R]

You left out a part:
"..... would keep the narrow end from hanging down thru the opening blocking your forward view through the windshield."

Always remember to bring out the safety aspect.

I think that's what the magnets are for.

 

[Coss]

I think that's what the magnets are for.

I was just reinforcing his statement

 

[McBrew]

Bringing the top forward may negate the reason most people want a retractable top -- so they can see some sky!

When the top is all the way back on my Abarth, you have almost no view out the back. Being somewhat tall, I can see the roof of the car behind me... Unless it is a Lamborghini. They have a stop just before it goes all the way down. They call it "spoiler mode," which keeps the rear window in place for visibility. This is also the more you want when it's 55 degrees out, because it keeps the wind off of you.

spoiler mode, vs fully down...

 

[Husker1]

Custom canvas Elio cover, check!

Maybe two styles - one that covers the entire vehicle including the outriggers for storage, one that just covers the fuselag...uh, body. That'd be handy at work when you're just concerned about protecting the interior from sun damage, and would like something that installs/removes quickly.

I think this is what your after. I could see this being used more often than a "full" cover. I like the idea of both and still plan on building one.

 

[Frim]

Ok, I'll play! How about...if it opened from back to front? This way would avoid " puckering" or "bunching up" the canvas, and if the pleats are made to lean to the back, it would form a "wedge-shaped air deflector" at the leading edge. Using some strategically placed rare earth magnets in the pleats ( as it folds up, the pleats would stick together) would keep the narrow end from hanging down thru the opening.

Ok, I'll play too. I really like moon roofs, sun roofs, T tops, convertibles, rag tops, etc. but I like them on other people's cars. A hole in the roof by any name is still a hole in the roof. They all need maintenance. Most are security risks and many of them leak or whistle. But they are sure going to look nice at the Elio owners car show. I will be there to be impressed with other owner's innovations.

 

[outsydthebox]

You left out a part:
"..... would keep the narrow end from hanging down thru the opening blocking your forward view through the windshield."

THAT only happens after hitting Big Bumps!

 

[nickskeys]

Add ridges to the front fender skirts to look like the back skirt. I made a mock up.
View attachment 7629

How you do dat? I like it, I LIKE IT!!

 

[RUCRAYZE]

View attachment 8524


I think this is what your after. I could see this being used more often than a "full" cover. I like the idea of both and still plan on building one.

Hey an other 3 wheeler!!!

 

[nickskeys]

QUOTE="Lilfurbal, post: 126018, member: 6076"]I would certainly like lights / signal lights on the front tire fenders, as just thinking about it now without any lights has me very nervous. People won't see those, and will be more than willing to hit them.

I'm thinkin some kind of automatic daylight running lights that turn on automatically with the key in white for the front of the wheel fender, and red for the rear of the wheel fender. Those things need to be lit up somehow. They could make the lenses in the shape of the Elio logo. Very cool.