Hardtop question
Discussion
try www.elisehardtop.com www.hangar111.com www.eliseparts.com
...personally I couldnt justify £700-£1500 for something you would use for a few weeks a year.
They are a pain to fit, you need somewhere to store it...you have to make the decision roof on/off before going anywhere, you have to adjust the windows so that they dont leak with the hardtop on...and then re-adjust when you fit the soft-top etc.etc, they dont really make the car any more secure (you can get into an Elise with a coat hanger in 10mins - soft or hard top) and they dont really make it any more waterproof
to me the negatives/hassle is more than the positives!
the only appeal to me is that they do look quite good when they are on
...personally I couldnt justify £700-£1500 for something you would use for a few weeks a year.
They are a pain to fit, you need somewhere to store it...you have to make the decision roof on/off before going anywhere, you have to adjust the windows so that they dont leak with the hardtop on...and then re-adjust when you fit the soft-top etc.etc, they dont really make the car any more secure (you can get into an Elise with a coat hanger in 10mins - soft or hard top) and they dont really make it any more waterproof
to me the negatives/hassle is more than the positives!
the only appeal to me is that they do look quite good when they are on
Hi
I have a hardtop, original lotus item from my 1998 S1. It's azure blue and it's currently for sale on ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7916752677&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT
I no longer need it as an unfortnate incident involving a fence lead to my elise being written off.
I have a hardtop, original lotus item from my 1998 S1. It's azure blue and it's currently for sale on ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7916752677&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT
I no longer need it as an unfortnate incident involving a fence lead to my elise being written off.
Depends on how you use it. It's definately not a quick option, taking about 30 mins to install or remove.
I use mine from eg late October to early March, and I think it gives better weather protection, especially in the snow. I think the car defrosts/demists quicker when it's on, and retains heat better.
Can't say I've noticed much difference in the noise levels.
I use mine from eg late October to early March, and I think it gives better weather protection, especially in the snow. I think the car defrosts/demists quicker when it's on, and retains heat better.
Can't say I've noticed much difference in the noise levels.
wendyg said:
I think it gives better weather protection, especially in the snow.
You use your Elise in the snow???
I hardly ever drive mine when its wet. Not cos it scares me but I just don't see the point. You can't get maximum enjoyment out of it on public roads in the wet so I just don't bother driving it. But the snow!!! I don't even drive my beemer in the snow!
Dan
gadgeroonie said:
I'm sure this has been asked a 1000 times
About a million actually
gadgeroonie said:
are they any good ?
IMHO actually yes, I got mine with one, and whilst it's not been on since Feb, I'll stick it back on come November time probably.
gadgeroonie said:
where can i get one ?
Think this has already been answered - plenty about 2nd hand if you look carefully.
gadgeroonie said:
is the gull wing one any good ?
No idea mate, if it opens deep enough might be handy for avoiding the giraffe vs. letterbox entry/exit
gadgeroonie said:
has anyone got one for sale ?
Check Pistonheads classifieds, SELOC, BBS forums etc. Also Ebay. Others have pointed out where you can get one new also.
One point of note, I think there are some cases where if the car didn't come with one you may need some slight alteration to the mounting points on the windscreen header rail... not quite sure what, how or why, but it's a point noted in previous threads. Have a search through the past forum notes and see what you can find.
Cheers, Tim
Davey S1 said:
taking about 30 mins to install or remove.
??? Mine takes me 2 minutes max
Me too - best done with use of a friend though as it's a big bugger to lift and manouevre carefully.
Another point of note is that if you're buying a car, I personally wouldn't be too worried about getting one to be honest. It's a nice to have rather than an essential.
thought it was a must have when looking for mine... now realise i would not use it, too restrictive, even my roof stays off permanently these days just shower cape when left... and waiting for storms to become merely drizzle.
if it was my only car, daily use, through UK winter and left outside permanently I can see the point however...
lot of dosh.. the times my roofs been on and car has been in very heavy rain, leaks have been negligible.
J
if it was my only car, daily use, through UK winter and left outside permanently I can see the point however...
lot of dosh.. the times my roofs been on and car has been in very heavy rain, leaks have been negligible.
J
i got a full cover for the car - not a shower cap
its not the greatest fit - its blown off a few times in this crazy wind !!!!!
the trick is to pass the string provided under the car and fasten it down - seems to do the trick
The car only gets used a couple of times a week so i'm prepared to take the hassle until i can get the garage cleared out of all the junk
its not the greatest fit - its blown off a few times in this crazy wind !!!!!
the trick is to pass the string provided under the car and fasten it down - seems to do the trick
The car only gets used a couple of times a week so i'm prepared to take the hassle until i can get the garage cleared out of all the junk
Marsh said:
Can anyone recommend a good full car cover for outsdide use?
Halfords do one called a Tyvek - mine lived under one all last winter (it's in the garage now thought
) and it's very good. I think you need the medium one but cvheck on the sizing cards they have to check. Cost about £60 IIRC
djroadboy said:
I think it gives better weather protection, especially in the snow.
You use your Elise in the snow???
I hardly ever drive mine when its wet. Not cos it scares me but I just don't see the point. You can't get maximum enjoyment out of it on public roads in the wet so I just don't bother driving it. But the snow!!! I don't even drive my beemer in the snow!
Dan
Driving the elise in the snow is fantastic!
especially if you find the sainsbury's car park is empty, full opposite lock is the order of the day all at a maximum of about 10 mph!!
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