Convertible Solaire - Revision history

Mitchn: /* Dealership Solaire Program */

2022-04-07T12:56:59Z

Dealership Solaire Program

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:56, 7 April 2022
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	The cars sold well and grabbed national attention. This was the first Honda convertible offered in the US. With their business growing and Solaire starting to work on the Subaru GL, they took the Prelude to the SEMA show in Las Vegas (either 1981 or 1982).		The cars sold well and grabbed national attention. This was the first Honda convertible offered in the US. With their business growing and Solaire starting to work on the Subaru GL, they took the Prelude to the SEMA show in Las Vegas (either 1981 or 1982).

	It is stated on several marketing materials that a second plant opened in Jacksonville, FL to help handle east coast sales. ~~No established proof has been made or shared~~ to ~~clarify a second location truly opened~~.		It is stated on several marketing materials that a second plant opened in Jacksonville, FL to help handle east coast sales. Al confirmed this was true, but did not know what company Jim had worked with to do the conversions on the East Coast.

	== End of Solaire ==		== End of Solaire ==

Mitchn: /* Construction */

2022-04-07T12:54:35Z

Construction

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:54, 7 April 2022
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	[[File:SolaireStructure2.jpg\|400px]]		[[File:SolaireStructure2.jpg\|400px]]

	The cloth top was made from a high quality German type ~~Haartz~~ sail-cloth, with a full rear window plus two quarter windows. It was modeled after a popular design during the time.		The cloth top was made from a high quality German type Hartz sail-cloth, with a full rear window plus two quarter windows. It was modeled after a popular design during the time.

	A custom one-piece fiberglass header was shaped above the front windshield with two metal latches to hold the top in place.		A custom one-piece fiberglass header was shaped above the front windshield with two metal latches to hold the top in place.

Mitchn: /* Dealership Solaire Program */

2022-04-07T12:54:12Z

Dealership Solaire Program

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:54, 7 April 2022
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	To order a convertible Prelude, only a direct Honda dealer could place it. They were not sold to individual dealerships or to the public. First models that could be ordered were available in a gold or silver '80's model, while silver, red or blue for '81 models. Your choice of top colors could be black, tan or navy. With a 50% deposit put down, the car was shipped from the dealership directly to Solaire, converted and returned upon finishing the remaining 50% deposit. Monthly delivery plans were available if a dealership felt more than one Prelude would be converted. Prices ranged from $14,000-15,500 US Dollars to purchase a Solaire in 1981.		To order a convertible Prelude, only a direct Honda dealer could place it. They were not sold to individual dealerships or to the public. First models that could be ordered were available in a gold or silver '80's model, while silver, red or blue for '81 models. Your choice of top colors could be black, tan or navy. With a 50% deposit put down, the car was shipped from the dealership directly to Solaire, converted and returned upon finishing the remaining 50% deposit. Monthly delivery plans were available if a dealership felt more than one Prelude would be converted. Prices ranged from $14,000-15,500 US Dollars to purchase a Solaire in 1981.

	The company claimed to have carried a $5,~~500~~,000 liability insurance per the conversions. The dealership could request a copy of this at anytime.		The company claimed to have carried a $5,000,000 liability insurance per the conversions. The dealership could request a copy of this at anytime.

	The cars sold well and grabbed national attention. This was the first Honda convertible offered in the US. With their business growing and Solaire starting to work on the Subaru GL, they took the Prelude to the SEMA show in Las Vegas (either 1981 or 1982).		The cars sold well and grabbed national attention. This was the first Honda convertible offered in the US. With their business growing and Solaire starting to work on the Subaru GL, they took the Prelude to the SEMA show in Las Vegas (either 1981 or 1982).

Mitchn: /* Dealership Order Only */

2022-04-07T12:52:54Z

Dealership Order Only

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:52, 7 April 2022
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	A lot of interested buyers made remarks how the car looked similar to a Mercedes 450SL. This was later used as promotional material to help customer traffic to Honda dealerships. It is noted that Bruce Meyers intentionally designed the rear shelf (or seat) to mimic the 450SL design. The Solaire turned out to be quite a fun, sporty package for buyers and it garnered a general buzz during late 1980 and early 1981. Featured in several magazines, including Motor Trend, AutoWeek, Small Car Trends, Car Collector, Automotive News and even on Charlies Angels TV Series.		A lot of interested buyers made remarks how the car looked similar to a Mercedes 450SL. This was later used as promotional material to help customer traffic to Honda dealerships. It is noted that Bruce Meyers intentionally designed the rear shelf (or seat) to mimic the 450SL design. The Solaire turned out to be quite a fun, sporty package for buyers and it garnered a general buzz during late 1980 and early 1981. Featured in several magazines, including Motor Trend, AutoWeek, Small Car Trends, Car Collector, Automotive News and even on Charlies Angels TV Series.

	== Dealership ~~Order Only~~ ==		== Dealership Solaire Program ==

	To order a convertible Prelude, only a direct Honda dealer could place it. They were not sold to individual dealerships or to the public. First models that could be ordered were available in a gold or silver '80's model, while silver, red or blue for '81 models. Your choice of ~~interior~~ could be black, tan or navy. With a 50% deposit put down, the car was shipped from the dealership directly to Solaire, converted and returned upon finishing the deposit ~~amount~~. Monthly plans were available if a dealership felt more than one Prelude would be converted. Prices ranged from $14,000-15,500 US Dollars to purchase a Solaire in 1981.		To order a convertible Prelude, only a direct Honda dealer could place it. They were not sold to individual dealerships or to the public. First models that could be ordered were available in a gold or silver '80's model, while silver, red or blue for '81 models. Your choice of top colors could be black, tan or navy. With a 50% deposit put down, the car was shipped from the dealership directly to Solaire, converted and returned upon finishing the remaining 50% deposit. Monthly delivery plans were available if a dealership felt more than one Prelude would be converted. Prices ranged from $14,000-15,500 US Dollars to purchase a Solaire in 1981.

			The company claimed to have carried a $5,500,000 liability insurance per the conversions. The dealership could request a copy of this at anytime.

	The cars sold well and grabbed national attention. This was the first Honda convertible offered in the US. With their business growing and Solaire starting to work on the Subaru GL, they took the Prelude to the SEMA show in Las Vegas (either 1981 or 1982).		The cars sold well and grabbed national attention. This was the first Honda convertible offered in the US. With their business growing and Solaire starting to work on the Subaru GL, they took the Prelude to the SEMA show in Las Vegas (either 1981 or 1982).

Mitchn: /* Construction */

2022-04-07T12:41:10Z

Construction

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:41, 7 April 2022
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	== Construction ==		== Construction ==

	The first prototype was noted as a "tank of a car", weighing more than the car originally did with it's solid top. The team went through many iterations, testing the rigidity of the Honda's unibody. The first test used 1/4" rectangular steel tubing in the B-pillars and door channel behind the lower rocker panels. Rectangular steel posts were added to the A-pillar window frame. The tubing subframe is visible on the silver '80 promo car ~~drive~~ by Jim Bruemmer (seen in Autoweek and Small Car Trends magazine, and on the top of this wiki page). After several trials, the steel tubing was removed and 1/4" steel plates were welded onto key areas. Later production models incorporated less bracing or smaller tubing, a sign that earlier models were well over engineered.		The first prototype was noted as a "tank of a car", weighing more than the car originally did with it's solid top. The team went through many iterations, testing the rigidity of the Honda's unibody. The first test used 1/4" rectangular steel tubing in the B-pillars and door channel behind the lower rocker panels. Rectangular steel posts were added to the A-pillar window frame. The tubing subframe is visible on the silver '80 promo car driven by Jim Bruemmer (seen in Autoweek and Small Car Trends magazine, and on the top of this wiki page). After several trials, the steel tubing was removed and 1/4" steel plates were welded onto key areas. Later production models incorporated less bracing or smaller tubing, a sign that earlier models were well over engineered.

	[[File:SolaireStructure1.jpg\|300px]]		[[File:SolaireStructure1.jpg\|300px]]
	[[File:SolaireStructure2.jpg\|400px]]		[[File:SolaireStructure2.jpg\|400px]]

	The cloth top was made from a high quality German type Haartz sail-cloth, with a full rear window plus two quarter windows. It was modeled after the ~~Mercedes 450SL top~~.		The cloth top was made from a high quality German type Haartz sail-cloth, with a full rear window plus two quarter windows. It was modeled after a popular design during the time.

	A custom one-piece fiberglass ~~windshield~~ header was shaped above the front windshield with two metal ~~clasps~~ to hold the top in place.		A custom one-piece fiberglass header was shaped above the front windshield with two metal latches to hold the top in place.

	The top folds down manually flush into the rear well, where a custom rear seat or a parcel shelf was placed (either was optional at the time). A matching ~~top~~ cover was provided to snap over the top when lowered.		The top folds down manually flush into the rear well, where a custom rear seat or a parcel shelf was placed (either was optional at the time). A matching beauty cover was provided to snap over the top when lowered.

			All parts were fabricated in the Solaire shop, including the Fiberglass and cloth work.

	The final construction for '81 models added only 15lbs to the original cars weight, equaling a total 2125lbs.		The final construction for '81 models added only 15lbs to the original cars weight, equaling a total 2125lbs.

Mitchn: /* Solaire Team */

2022-04-07T12:32:08Z

Solaire Team

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:32, 7 April 2022
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	[[File:Roadandtracksolaire2.jpg\|500px]]		[[File:Roadandtracksolaire2.jpg\|500px]]

	To lead mass market sales, they offered a fully backed 5-year warranty and exclusivity with Honda dealerships to help create the basis for Solaire's sales. To start the charge, they focused on the Volvo 626C and Honda Prelude (plus a Subaru GL). Phil Hunter lead their team as production manager through Solaire, while several other employees filled in for upholstery, fiberglass, welding, and body.		To lead mass market sales, they offered a fully backed 5-year warranty and exclusivity with Honda dealerships to help create the basis for Solaire's sales.

	== Construction ==		== Construction ==

Mitchn: /* How to tell if your convertible is a true Solaire? */

2022-04-05T14:19:28Z

How to tell if your convertible is a true Solaire?

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:19, 5 April 2022
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	It can also be indicated on the cars original paperwork, if it was converted as a "Solaire". Al confirmed that there were no markings or ID #'s stamped on the car during production at his shop in Santa Ana. If another coach builder did the conversion with a Solaire kit, they may have added their own unique identifier to the car.		It can also be indicated on the cars original paperwork, if it was converted as a "Solaire". Al confirmed that there were no markings or ID #'s stamped on the car during production at his shop in Santa Ana. If another coach builder did the conversion with a Solaire kit, they may have added their own unique identifier to the car.

	It is a known fact that Solaire was not the only company producing a convertible Prelude during 1981-82. It is confirmed that Jim Bruemmer sold licenses, or "conversion kits" to numerous coach companies in the US and Canada such as Steas, Con-Tech, Classic Touch, National Coach. Several kits were sold to a shop in Jacksonville FL, helping sales on the East Coast.		It is a known fact that Solaire was not the only company producing a convertible Prelude during 1981-82. It is confirmed that Jim Bruemmer sold licenses, or "conversion kits" to numerous coach companies in the US and Canada such as Steas, Con-Tech, Classic Touch, Silcco, National Coach (CANANDA). Several kits were sold to a shop in Jacksonville FL, helping sales on the East Coast.

	Al reported that he made a special trip to Japan for a John Honda (no company name given) who converted 2, while possibly ordering more kits. A half a dozen kits were sold to a company in South America.		Al reported that he made a special trip to Japan for a John Honda (no company name given) who converted 2, while possibly ordering more kits. A half a dozen kits were sold to a company in South America.

Mitchn: /* Cars In Progress */

2022-04-05T14:03:50Z

Cars In Progress

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:03, 5 April 2022
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	== Cars In Progress ==		== Cars In Progress ==

	5 Volvo 262C Solaire Convertibles for Volvo CEO Pehr G. Gyllenhammar (Solaire), 4 Kanzler Coupes ~~for~~ Enerset Kanzler Jr. (Newport Coachworks), 4 Test Porsche Cabrios for Porchse CEO Peter Schutz (Newport Coachworks). Rolls Royce Cornich (Newport Coachworks), Subaru GL (Solaire), Andial Porsche Dream Project but plans fell through due to VOA halting car sales (Solaire)		5 Volvo 262C Solaire Convertibles for Volvo CEO Pehr G. Gyllenhammar (Solaire), 4 Kanzler Coupes funded by Enerset Kanzler Jr. (Newport Coachworks), 4 Test Porsche Cabrios for Porchse CEO Peter Schutz (Newport Coachworks). Rolls Royce Cornich (Newport Coachworks), Subaru GL (Solaire), Andial Porsche Dream Project but plans fell through due to VOA halting car sales (Solaire)

	== Solaire Team ==		== Solaire Team ==

Mitchn: /* Solaire Team */

2022-04-05T14:03:16Z

Solaire Team

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:03, 5 April 2022
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	[[File:Roadandtracksolaire2.jpg\|500px]]		[[File:Roadandtracksolaire2.jpg\|500px]]

	To lead mass market sales, they offered a fully backed 5 year warranty and exclusivity with Honda dealerships to help create the basis for Solaire's sales. To start the charge, they focused on the Volvo 626C and Honda Prelude (plus a Subaru GL). Phil Hunter lead their team as production manager, while several other employees filled in for upholstery, ~~trimming~~, welding, and body.		To lead mass market sales, they offered a fully backed 5-year warranty and exclusivity with Honda dealerships to help create the basis for Solaire's sales. To start the charge, they focused on the Volvo 626C and Honda Prelude (plus a Subaru GL). Phil Hunter lead their team as production manager through Solaire, while several other employees filled in for upholstery, fiberglass, welding, and body.

	== Construction ==		== Construction ==

Mitchn: /* Cars In Progress */

2022-04-05T14:01:23Z

Cars In Progress

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:01, 5 April 2022
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	== Cars In Progress ==		== Cars In Progress ==

	5 Volvo 262C Solaire Convertibles for Volvo CEO Pehr G. Gyllenhammar (Solaire), 4 Kanzler Coupes for Enerset Kanzler Jr. (Newport Coachworks), 4 Test Porsche Cabrios for Porchse CEO Peter Schutz (Newport Coachworks). Rolls Royce Cornich (Newport Coachworks), Subaru GL (Solaire), Andial Porsche Project but plans fell through (Solaire)		5 Volvo 262C Solaire Convertibles for Volvo CEO Pehr G. Gyllenhammar (Solaire), 4 Kanzler Coupes for Enerset Kanzler Jr. (Newport Coachworks), 4 Test Porsche Cabrios for Porchse CEO Peter Schutz (Newport Coachworks). Rolls Royce Cornich (Newport Coachworks), Subaru GL (Solaire), Andial Porsche Dream Project but plans fell through due to VOA halting car sales (Solaire)

	== Solaire Team ==		== Solaire Team ==