Gen 3 Hardtop Questions

[Stogge]

Hey Guys,

Quick question, will an Autoform hardtop from a 2005 fit on a 2004? I assume it will, just wanted to make sure?

Also, anyone have one laying around that they would like to sell?

Thanks!

Zack

[Stealth78]

Hey Guys,

Quick question, will an Autoform hardtop from a 2005 fit on a 2004? I assume it will, just wanted to make sure?

Also, anyone have one laying around that they would like to sell?

Thanks!

Zack

Unfortunately I cannot guarantee it but I believe your suspicions are accurate. I cannot imagine they would not be compatible between the two years.

[Redx]

Stoggee where are you located?

[Stogge]

I am in Raleigh, NC. Any reason not to think a 2005 top will be incompatible with a 2004? Just bought one, hoping it works.

[DEMO MAN]

I am in Raleigh, NC. Any reason not to think a 2005 top will be incompatible with a 2004? Just bought one, hoping it works.

Any AutoForm hardtop from a 03 to a 10 will fit your car. I have a top I plan to sell after a Nov race if you have time to wait.

[pokeyl]

Any AutoForm hardtop from a 03 to a 10 will fit your car. I have a top I plan to sell after a Nov race if you have time to wait.

What color, I am in north Florida, and I can wait! Shoot me a PM and a pic of the top. Thanks

[DEMO MAN]

What color, I am in north Florida, and I can wait! Shoot me a PM and a pic of the top. Thanks

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Top is Toxic Orange Pearl, it's in great shape inside and out. I did have to drill (3) 1/4" holes to secure top at 200+. It tends to start lifting in center around 160 MPH but it's fiberglass so it should be an easy repair.

[City]

I did have to drill (3) 1/4" holes to secure top at 200+. It tends to start lifting in center around 160 MPH but it's fiberglass so it should be an easy repair.

That's a very common issue for so many of us! ;) Sorry, I just couldn't resist.

[FrgMstr]

Had no issues with my Lemke top lifting at 191mph on multiple runs. I did however lay down a stip of clear bra across the front for better aero.

http://www.kylebennett.com/files/hfpics/Texas%20Mile%20Oct%202015%20Viper%2003.jpg

[DEMO MAN]

That's a very common issue for so many of us! ;) Sorry, I just couldn't resist.

I was at Wannagofast Ocala and watched a hardtop come off at the 1/2 mile. I can imagine that the instant daylight and rush of air is quite exciting. I'm trying to avoid that if I can. The Lemke top fits more like the OEM convertible top across the windshield header, AutoForm overlaps the glass and tends to catch air in that area. I tried using helicopter tape in that area but it wasn't any help. The top still lifted and just took the tape with it. After that I decided to bolt it down, I probably could have gotten away with a single bolt but if 1 is good then 3 is better.

[AutoformSteve]

I believe the main cause for the gap in the center of that style Autoform top in some part is due to over tightening the center latch. If there there is too much tension put on the latch...the top pivots around the mounting point and actually pulls the top up in the center. As long as the pins are seated in the receivers in the windshield frame...you should only need slight tension in the center to hold the top and the pins from backing out of the receivers in the windshield frame. That being said...we try to keep the center trimmed as small as possible....but at the Extreme Speeds some Viper owners are reaching...the center really needs to be taped so that air doesn't get under it. (David...overkill...lol)

[AutoformSteve]

Oh...all Gen III and IV convertibles are the same body and top wise...small changes in seal conditions but all of our tops fit 2003-2010
FYI...we do make a top that fits like the stock top around the windshield frame as well. I call it the Flat Top.
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[DEMO MAN]

I believe the main cause for the gap in the center of that style Autoform top in some part is due to over tightening the center latch. If there there is too much tension put on the latch...the top pivots around the mounting point and actually pulls the top up in the center. As long as the pins are seated in the receivers in the windshield frame...you should only need slight tension in the center to hold the top and the pins from backing out of the receivers in the windshield frame. That being said...we try to keep the center trimmed as small as possible....but at the Extreme Speeds some Viper owners are reaching...the center really needs to be taped so that air doesn't get under it. (David...overkill...lol)

Hey Steve, I do agree with you on the latch as I've seen what it does when it's overtightened and latched. I might could have just taped the seam and not had any issues but if you ask those who know me well I tend to overdo everything. I definitely am interested in your flat top that fits the windshield frame like the OEM soft top does. I will be running again in Nov and I expect to be into the 205-210 MPH range this time. After that I will mod the car a little more and my next attempt will hopefully be close to the 225 mark and that's with a NA Viper. I want to tell you how much I appreciate all the help and the great parts you produce for the Vipers, AutoForm is a class company and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend you and your company to anyone. Thanks