Was the Safari merely a mirage?

[guruerror]

We've all seen pictures of the Safari Edition concept...but has anyone actually SEEN one at a show? And, if so, was the unit actually soft-top? I've always thought the pictures floating around the Internet looked a bit 'fake.'

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i271/guruerror/H2_SAFARI.jpg

Fake or not...I'm obsessed with the concept of an H2 with a soft-top and have always wondered if it was truly 'doable;' without compromising the structure of the vehicle, that is.

According the EPC there are four 'bows' (#2 in the below diagram) that run across the roof of the vehicle.

This is where I require feedback from someone with structural knowledge...would these bows be primarily to support the sheet metal roof in the event that a load was placed directly on it; OR would they also provide structural integrity to the body of the truck to prevent twisting and bending when articulating over rough terrain?

Notice how the Safari edition does not appear to have these bows...but again, it's just a 'concept vehicle' so it could just be for 'looks.'

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i271/guruerror/H2_ROOF.jpg

[splne1]

HMMM that also gives me an idea of a full glass top!!! I love the idea of the safari and I am also in on this thread. I think it is doable.:popcorn:

[mightyepp]

A ragtop on an H2 should work. I saw a SUT that had one. There should be no issue to put one on an H2 SUV. Just no more roof rack.

[HMH2SUT]

Great question! I have thought about a rag top since I bought my SUT. I have seen pics of an SUT with rag top but nothing detailed and no info about it... I have brought my rig to a local Convertible shop to get their take, they were drooling over the chance of chopping it up.

I am no expert on the structure of the H2's but if I was cutting such a big hole I wouldnt do it with out boxing the opening for rigidity and to transfer stresses.The convertible shop said the same.
My biggest draw back was finding a reputable ragtop maker, I wasnt able to find any good feedback about the current suppliers of large tops. Some swear buy them then 50 say they leak everywhere. I may be wrong and If i am someone please let me know cuz id love to chop it up.

[NJ H2]

I'm sure these guys could give you some info:

http://www.newportconvertible.com/product.jhtm?id=287&cid=154

http://www.newportconvertible.com/assets/Image/Product/detailsbig/h2%203.jpg

[Scarsman]

http://www.newportconvertible.com/assets/Image/Product/detailsbig/h2%203.jpg

EEEEWWWWW!

[The_Yeti]

Just threw up in my mouth a little.

[twr]

Just threw up in my mouth a little.

Me 2, but it was one hell of alot of work i beat!

[dvl57]

I remember a while back that concept H2 was offered on ebay. I forgot if it ever sold. It was last year sometime.

[guruerror]

I'm sure these guys could give you some info:

http://www.newportconvertible.com/product.jhtm?id=287&cid=154


I sent those guys an email to see what they thought...we'll see.

Here's my idea...I think this would be the best of both worlds; a ragtop while still providing structural integrity.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i271/guruerror/H2_ROOF_OPT_1.jpg
This concept only requires that one bow be removed (the one directly above the rear passengers) and still provides a ragtop opening roughly the same size as the Safari. The remaining 'visible' bow (between the front and rear passengers) could be wrapped like the roll-bars in the Wranglers.

[Rico001]

HMMM that also gives me an idea of a full glass top!!! I love the idea of the safari and I am also in on this thread. I think it is doable.:popcorn:

I wondered about that too, or why not 2 sunroofs with the other one for the 2nd and 3rd rows too.:jump:
~Richard

[guruerror]

Let's revisit this topic...

Say I had some cash to throw at this (canvas roof similar to the Safari concept)...what kind of shop should I be searching for? I googled a bit but can't seem to find the right kind of establishment to do this kind of work.

[seventwozero]

Let's revisit this topic...

Say I had some cash to throw at this (canvas roof similar to the Safari concept)...what kind of shop should I be searching for? I googled a bit but can't seem to find the right kind of establishment to do this kind of work.

I'm sure any shop like West Coast Customs would be more than happy to take on a job like that. Considering the scope of the project, I would personally want a well known shop to be doing the work and not your average, local "custom" car shop where they slap lowering springs, body kits and new paint on imports.

I thought, and could/probably am, be wrong, but I had read somewhere that ReconH3 had found a shop that an ex Boyd Coddington employee worked at/owns who was able to do his custom project. Maybe shoot him a PM if your serious about the inquiry.

[guruerror]

I'm sure any shop like West Coast Customs would be more than happy to take on a job like that. Considering the scope of the project, I would personally want a well known shop to be doing the work and not your average, local "custom" car shop where they slap lowering springs, body kits and new paint on imports.

I thought, and could/probably am, be wrong, but I had read somewhere that ReconH3 had found a shop that an ex Boyd Coddington employee worked at/owns who was able to do his custom project. Maybe shoot him a PM if your serious about the inquiry.
Are you sure ReconH3 is the member name? I can't find him in the member list.

[wingn69]

the full glass top would be cool idea.

[slippy]

I think to make it look right you would need the SUT. The slide back design looks goofy to me. I would make it look more like a H1 soft top.