Thursday 10th February 2005

TVR V8s get hard tops

At last you can keep your Griff/Chimaera carpets dry

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If you've ever wished your Chimaera or Griff had a hard top, now -- and at long last -- that moment has arrived. Promised by many third party suppliers over the last 12 years, MW Restorations has produced a direct replacement for the factory-folding roof.

It offers improved weather protection and security during the winter months and fits directly to the factory soft-top mountings. No bodywork modifications are required, so you can refit your soft top in about 15 minutes.

The hard top is a one piece moulding with all mountings pre-bonded in place. The polycarbonate windows are pre-fitted and all seals, glazing channels and brackets are included.

The company has full body shop facilities including a Spraybake paint oven, and can spray and fit the roof to match your TVR.

Prices

• Hard top finished in white gel coat with all windows and brackets: £399
• Paint hard top to match vehicle (metallic & Starmist colours): £175
• Paint & materials for above: £72
• Remove soft top and assemble roof to car, fit all seals etc.: £85

All prices plus VAT.

MW Restorations is in Saffron Walden, call Mike on 01799 584994, [e-mail]

More pics in this thread: pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=153383&f=9&h=0

Thanks to PHer Stuart Martin for the bottom pic.

[jem]

what are we going to complain about now on the forum?

ah yes, water coming in through the underside - phew.

J

[Zippee]

Is it just me or does the Chim actually look pretty damned good with the hard top on?

[donatien]

Zippee said:

Is it just me or does the Chim actually look pretty damned good with the hard top on?

Just you I prefer the Griff but I'm obviously biased.

[GCerbera]

I'm not biased and I prefer the Griff.

[IPAddis]

I've never really understood hard tops. What's the advantage? Security?

Ian A.

[wedgie]

I must say, they look pretty good from where I'm sitting - but how removable are they? Do you have to pay to get them refitted each winter?

[Stu247]

Looks great, but i can't think when i would ever use one

Then again, would look rather cool in cosmos blue
Hmmmm...but what about that V8 noise..???




>> Edited by Stu247 on Thursday 10th February 13:26

[morebeanz]

A mate of mine once had one for a Triumph Spitfire that was a fastback or hatch back version. Required the removal of the boot lid, but gave that Spit a bit of a GT6 look - pretty cool.

What would you reckon to a hatchback Chim!

[Stu247]

morebeanz said:

What would you reckon to a hatchback Chim!

Hmmmmmm....those grifter boyz would have a right laugh at that one.

A chims arse is big enough.

[Pierscoe1]

about time!!!

they would look awesome.... if...

only they'd put the extra effort in to have a proper curved rear window... they're curvy cars by design.. and a flat sheet of glass across tha back is at the very least, at odds with the rest of the car's shape.

otherwise, GREAT. if it weren't for the above, I'd seriously be considering a Chim with roof!

[Toffer]

Doesn't the roof on the Griff pick up the line nicely from the top of the wing...super shape!

[slikk]

Only my opinion, but they look awful. If you want a car with a roof, why not buy one in the first place?

kim
edited once i had calmed down

>> Edited by slikk on Thursday 10th February 15:29

[chimhunter]

IPAddis said:

I've never really understood hard tops. What's the advantage? Security? Ian A.

Had one for my S2000. In the winter it was warmer and more comfortable which was important when I was commuting. Plus leaving the car outside, the hard-top helped keep the inside dry.

So, not much point of a hard top if you keep the car in a garage and only use it on sunny days.

[gazzab]

I had one on an MGB roadster many yrs ago. I rolled the car and the hard top smashed up but probably saved me from losing the top of my head. Not that they are effective roll cages BUT are better than nothing?

[jellison]

arcbeer said:

Zippee said: Is it just me or does the Chim actually look pretty damned good with the hard top on? Looks good because it's starting to look like a Cerbera

I think the Chip looks all wrong with it where as it suits the Griff with it smaller boot / over hang.

[Podie]

Zippee said:

Is it just me or does the Chim actually look pretty damned good with the hard top on?

Suits the Chim better, due to the slightly higher haunches, than the Griff IMHO.

This however could be due to the colours of the cars though..

[Pies]

Wonder what sort of cabin temps will be attained during the summer on non A/C cars

[richb]

I suppose the plan is that in the summer you take it off Rich...

[Podie]

Pies said:

Wonder what sort of cabin temps will be attained during the summer on non A/C cars

"toastie"