Hard Top or not ?
Discussion
Now I know everyone will ask why anyone would want a hard top for their Chim, but I was wondering if anyone had taken the plunge and had one of the MW restorations ones. What did they think of it and how easy it is to remove.
The reason I ask is because according to my calculations it could actually be cheaper to have one of these than have the rear roof and targa re-covered and it should be better for winter mororing.
Any one got one?
The reason I ask is because according to my calculations it could actually be cheaper to have one of these than have the rear roof and targa re-covered and it should be better for winter mororing.
Any one got one?
Its not a simple job to remove the soft top completely, and AFAIK to put a hard top on this is what you'd have to do.
You have to physically sit in the boot, remove the carpet above the fuel tank, then find the 5 screws that hold the rear window in place, undo them, then you have to unbolt the 'sort-of-roll-bar' bit from both sides, unplug the electrics....
I've often wondered if it would be easier to manufacture some polystyrene panels (covered in some nice fabric of course) that mask over the fabric parts of the roof and are secured with velcro, since thats where most road noise comes from.
You have to physically sit in the boot, remove the carpet above the fuel tank, then find the 5 screws that hold the rear window in place, undo them, then you have to unbolt the 'sort-of-roll-bar' bit from both sides, unplug the electrics....
I've often wondered if it would be easier to manufacture some polystyrene panels (covered in some nice fabric of course) that mask over the fabric parts of the roof and are secured with velcro, since thats where most road noise comes from.
Ballistic Banana said:
If i could afford one I would have one in the flash, obviously for winter use only so wouldnt worry me that it would take 10-15 minutes to change it.
All IMHO
BB
Snap, I actually think they look quite nice, and like yourself BB I'd also have one for winter use if I had the spare cash (story of my life unfortunately)
as its the chimp forum 
Quite like the idea of the hardtop for the winter, daily driving an all. All that salt and oil can't be good for the soft top. But, I dunno, these look a bit dodgy to me...that rear quarterlight is awkward, no?
And is it my imagination, or is the hardtop on the strange black car in the top pic (what is it?) fouling the door release button?
And is it my imagination, or is the hardtop on the strange black car in the top pic (what is it?) fouling the door release button?
Can't understand why they are using polycarbonate. It will scratch very easily. Getting flat toughened glass made to measure is pretty cheap if you are prepared to have a run of 10 or so. Obviously will make the roof slightly heavier, but can't see that it matters.
Although producing a curved toughened or laminated backlight would incure jig charges.
Dave
Although producing a curved toughened or laminated backlight would incure jig charges.
Dave
At least someone gave it a go, and although I havent seen it in the Flesh(yet) widow maker was more than pleased with his.
What ever floats your boat I suppose, I mean with the soft top its not like you get the perfect vison through the rear window.
I am sure MW are open to comments on how they may improve(if you can call it that).
Personally I dont think you can knock it for that price,probably ell more than someone producing something not that much better for 3 times as much.
What ever floats your boat I suppose, I mean with the soft top its not like you get the perfect vison through the rear window.
I am sure MW are open to comments on how they may improve(if you can call it that).
Personally I dont think you can knock it for that price,probably ell more than someone producing something not that much better for 3 times as much.
I'm sure they're well made and fit well (I've not seen one, but I have no reason to doubt this), but I just can't see the need for one. My Chimaera is a daily driver... rain, shine, snow, ice, whatever.. yes the roof and rear window need a fair bit of TLC, but the car is dry... so why bother..?
I agree with Pod.
Ours is a daily driver any in the winter as long as it isn't raining the roof is off.
The car doesn't leak and for me it would be a pain to store so no thanks.
Not seen it in the flesh but it does look OK. Think our paint colour would also present another problem.
FFG
Ours is a daily driver any in the winter as long as it isn't raining the roof is off.
The car doesn't leak and for me it would be a pain to store so no thanks.
Not seen it in the flesh but it does look OK. Think our paint colour would also present another problem.
FFG
Have been considering one of these for while as think they look good - Griff especially (and I am Chimaera driver) - however I think colour and wheels may be part of what makes the Griff better here (IMHO anyway).
Anyhow quick play in Photoshop and look what you get:
Aarrgh.... New wheels, new dash, hardtop, Nitrons, New Carpets - where will it stop?????
Anyhow quick play in Photoshop and look what you get:
Aarrgh.... New wheels, new dash, hardtop, Nitrons, New Carpets - where will it stop?????
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