The Bat Dude

Building the Bat Car

Fabrication and construction of Convertible  Top

 

  1. Fabrication and mounting of the bat fins.

  2. Engine Cover and hinge mounting

  3. Complete re wiring

  4. Fabrication of steel windshield frame

  5. Fabrication and construction of Convertible  Top

  6. Fabrication of back window

  7. Fabrication of Front Beam support structure

  8. Fabrication of Gull Wing Doors

  9. Constructing retractable Headlights

  10. Mounting and fitting of front turn signal lights

  11. Mounting and fitting of Gas Tank

  12. Fabrication and installation of side scoops

  13. Fabrication of a 2"body lift

Fabrication and construction of Convertible  Top

I found some Southco heavy duty draw latches so I bought three. One for each side of the top and one for the top center to latch the windshield frame to the top.

I built a steel frame out of 1/2" square section tubing. I formed the frame to fit inside of the fiberglass "T" top shell.

On the side of the car body, I mounted the draw latch receptacle.  I then attached the latch mechanism to the receptacle and welded the steel roof frame to the latches.

Once the frame fit perfectly inside the fiberglass top shell I used several layers of fiberglass mat and resin to glue the frame to the shell.

I used two pieces of 1/2" tubing screwed temporarily to the bottom front and bottom back to hold the fiberglass to the correct width while I filled the rest of the inside cavity with expanding polyurethane foam. I used a hand saw to shave the foam to the correct thickness. I then sanded it smooth with an orbital sander and sealed the foam with resin.

Once the resin had cured I laid up three layers of fiberglass mat and black pigmented resin.

When the fiberglass cured, I sanded the inside smooth.

Above: T-Top fitted and painted.

Above: Wiring for rear-view camera glued with RTV glue and plexiglass window rubber installed.

Above: I used a screwdriver to lock plexiglass window rubber into rear window opening.

Above: I used double sided carpet tape to glue vinyl diamond pattern upholstery to underside of the roof. Notice the camera (blue dot) on the top center of the back window in the photo on right.