You know I got to have it.

 

Don't go freaky on me now, Bassmania

 

You mean we can't just buy a part that plugs in between two wires like the top pressure reducing resistor!!!!??

 

If I could do this the way I really wanted to, you would just plug your car's OBDII port into your computer's USB and I would download new software into your car ... and charge you for it !

 

I know, I got a little carried away but it's a beautiful thing.

 

"If this proves popular (and it is looking like it may be), I will consider making a custom printed circuit and create a module that will considerably simplify installation. This will take some time and involve some start-up costs, so when we get to that point, I will get a count of those interested"

PLEASE - Put me on that list! DaleD

 

See Attachment for how to do it yourself.

 

UPDATE August, 2011: A kit is now available to raise and lower: Convertible Top Remote Control - TheJagWrangler



Here is a short FAQ reproduced from the last page of the document:


What if I want to raise the top also?
I plan to manufacture a unit which will both lower and raise the top with the remote. Availability is expected summer 2011. Email me at WhiteXKR@comcast.net for information. You can also post or PM me through the forum.
I encourage you to contact me if you are interested. The more interest I get, the lower the manufacturing cost due to volume, and the lower the price will be.

Can you provide a kit of parts?
The manufactured unit will be sold as a complete kit.

Can installation be made easier?
Yes, the manufactured kit will be designed around a printed circuit module, so there will be no assembly involved, and the unit will be pre-tested. All wiring will also be pre-cut and color matched to the car to reduce the chance of error. Posi-Tap connectors will be provided to eliminate soldering.

Can I have this installed ?
A car customization shop may do this for you if you provide them with this write-up, or the kit when it is available. If you live within driving distance of Washington DC, I am willing to do a limited number of installations. Email me at WhiteXKR@comcast.net for information.

 

Great instructions and such a neat design.

One question - does anyone know of any likely complications fitting this to a RHD (rather than LHD) car? I.e are some of the parts going to be on different sides on my car?

 

Let me know when it's complete,would love to have this feature.

 

I believe that you just fit it on the drivers side, whichever side that may be. Your engine compartment fusebox is on the driver's side, correct?

 

The fusebox is on the left hand (i.e. passenger) side of the car - I guess I will have to route the cables round the back of the engine compartment. This assumes of course that the drivers door module is in fact on the drivers (i.e. right hand) side of my car.

Picture of engine compartment below (taken from the drivers side):

 

First of all, a round of applause and a clink of your glasses for WhiteXKR!!
This is really no big deal, cuz I'm sure I can live with it and it will probably never happen, but I just want to be sure of what to expect. If on some dark and stormy night, I turn on my headlights from the remote and 10 or 20 seconds later unlock the car with the remote, the top will start to go down, right? I understand that if I push the door lock button or if the timer times out the cyle will stop, but one could get a bit of a surprise by unwittingly triggering the sequence. I guess the answer would be to unlock the doors first if you're going to turn on the lights.

Again, this is absolutely no big deal, and the last thing I want to do is sound like I'm criticizing this wonderful piece of work. It's just the way my brain works.

Thanks.

 

Great feedback!...looks like I will need a RHD version with a longer cable. If you can open your top from the drivers door, the correct module is in there.

 

Hmmm, I guess that shows I never drive this car in the rain .

Actually, you are correct, if you want to use the remote activated headlight function, you will need to unlock the doors first (both of them, 2 presses of the unlock button), then the headlight button.

Yeah, thats right, I will call that a feature .

You bring up a good point though about unintentional activation. It would be nice if you could not only stop, but also reverse. Let me give some consideration to a timer cancel feature for the manufactured version. Since I am designing the timer myself for that one, it should not be too difficult. The off-the -shelf timer I used in my DIY writeup does not have a reset capability, so it is not easily feasible there.

Thanks for both the feedback and the kind words!

 

Love additional 'features'.

 

Uh oh... so if there's a zombie apocalypse and I'm running from the zombies in the dark I need to remember to unlock the car before I turn on the lights with the fob. Otherwise the top will drop and the zombies will rip me apart.

 

Jeez, what do you expect me to think of everything ??

 

I hadn't considered zombies in my fail safe analysis. Please cancel my order until the zombie issue is resolved.

 

You can never be too careful when it comes to zombies.