Glass top custom screen ...

[Schrade]

Glasstoppers know that the top is like a magnifying glass in summer - no matter if the A/C is set on SNOW or not; you cook, and your fanny cooks.

I did the painted top sagging headliner re-furb How-To, and I think no one is interested in those snappics; but we'll do a photo-doc for the glass top anyway . I DO like lookin' at my handicraft (and the ORIGINAL of course).





Haven't decided on images yet for the glasstop. ZR1 spash? ZR1 emblem? C4 logo? Another Scully? Green Beret 5th GRP? 2 this time; one inside, one outside lit up through the glass top...

ANYway here...

Create a template for the screen material:

Slide printer paper under the edge of the glass at the frame. Snug it good, and tape each piece to the previous piece 2x. Maybe tape the first piece also to the glass, but ONLY the first piece.

Leave small sections at the apex front, and apex rear. You're working with a compound curve, and you'll see why the small APICES (word for the day) later.

After taping paper for template around the perimeter, draw a line GENTLY with a Schrade [Magic] Marker. Gently, because you don't want to pull the paper out from under the glass.

After doing a trace, gently pull the paper out from under the glass. Where 2 pieces of paper are pulling against the tape, HOLD THE TAPE.

(first snappic is actually after removal of the template paper from under the glass}

[Schrade]

Now tape the template paper onto the backing material that you're working with.

I found Display FoamBoard, 3/16", with paper bound top and bottom, in 20" x 30" sections, at the local craft store, for $1.25 each (Crooks!!! ).

2 pieces make for the width of the top. When you tape them together (middle first), hold one piece angled upward in the middle, as you put down the tape. Let the piece down, and the tape 'binds' them together for this step.

Tape the paper template to the backing material. You're going to get a 'buckle' at the apices (remember the word for the day ).

Tape the middle of the 'buckle' down, and repeat as you work back to each corner.

DON'T get wise, and try to get the rearward edge on the edge of the backing material. DON'T....

[Schrade]

Forward buckle, flattened in the middle, worked outward.

[Schrade]

Time to cut.

SHARP single edge razor. Keep your non-razor fingers CLOSE behind the razor, to keep the paper from bunching up, and pulling off of the backing material.

You are NOT trying to cut all the way through the backing material, but only the template paper, while making a score marking on the backing material.

A continuous cut might not work in foam. It can 'bunch', as the paper might. Start a 'chop' motion, if necessary.

[Schrade]

Pull the excess paper.

Pull the template paper (I folded the template paper intact, and it will go in a 8.5" x 11" Manila envelope, if anyone wants it - PM @ me) (the excess backing material will also make a good template).

Then cut the tape between the 2 sections of backing material, and cut deeper through the pilot score mark, until a mark shows on the underside. Then cut the bottom, and do a dry fit:

The dry fit will seem bigger than the top opening, but when pressed evenly into the compound curve of the top, it's perfect. Snug - like good lovin'



Fabric, binder, and logos on the way!

[XfireZ51]

Chuck,

This is what I have on my acrylic targa from Mid America. What would be cool is taking this and applying the ZR-1 splash to it.

http://www.mamotorworks.com/corvette...%20top%20shade

[Schrade]

I browsed the T-Shirts there Dominic, @ MAM, and @ Eckler's, and I don't see a good ZR1 or C4 logo to hack and affix to the material...

Anybody with ideas here?

[scottfab]

Originally Posted by XfireZ51

Chuck,

This is what I have on my acrylic targa from Mid America. What would be cool is taking this and applying the ZR-1 splash to it.

http://www.mamotorworks.com/corvette...%20top%20shade

What's needed is photochromic glass (glass that changes shade with light intensity) It's the same glass as in Transition Lenses.

[XfireZ51]

Why couldn't we use the ZR-1 splash from the registry?

[Schrade]

Like so...

(on black background)