UPDATE: This also ran in October of 2016. I’ve still not uncovered any more relevant information about these tops. However, I can tell you that the Plastic Turning Company suffered a break-in on March 15th, 1970. the company was located at 511 Lancaster St, Leominster, MA.
In March of 1969, Four Wheeler Magazine featured Plastic Turning Company’s Topless Top. It was built from plexiglass and was offered in a clear and tinted model. The company was based out of Leominster, Massachusetts. Has anyone ever seen one of these out in the wild? I didn’t have much luck searching Google for other images.
I can’t imagine driving around in what appears to be a fishbowl. Thermal gain from the sun would be brutal, as well. I can’t believe they sold a whole lot of these…
It wouldnt have taken very long for cracks to have developed at stress points (screw heads) and once they start, they dont stop. Even if you just parked it and didnt stress it, it would have crazed and discolored before too long as well. Seems like a good idea but not sure it was ready for prime time.
I’m curious as to how many they thought they would sell. I too don’t see it as very practical. I also didn’t see any subsequent ads in Four Wheeler, so they weren’t pushing the tops very hard. The fact that Four Wheeler was more a western magazine probably didn’t help their sales either. If they sold any, it was likely in the New England area.
I can’t imagine what happens to that plexiglass in the event of traffic accident. Maybe just grab your neck to protect your jugular?
I think that thar ideer was thrown atem fer the AMC Pacer!? FUGLY
Barry: It sure does have a Pacer kind of feel. Perhaps Turning was a contract not he Pacer 🙂
Bob: I hadn’t thought about that. But, yeah, this top requires a full body suit for safety.
I laughed so hard at the shards of plexiglass comment that I almost choked. I was thinking the very same thing!
The first thing that comes to mind for me is the thought of using a magnifying glass to burn ants way back when. Here is the ants revenge! Better get some 5 million spf sunblock! Hey, no blindspots…
America’s version of the PopeMobile lol.
TOPLESS ?? OH MY ??– I THOUGHT THIS WAS A FAMILY FORUM ?? — MY CHILDREN MAY BE IN HERE ??