Hardtop Fittings

[IanA]

Hi All
I've just bought a hardtop, doors and tailgate for my 1980's 1600 4speed. I'm having fun getting the front edge of the roof to match the fold-down tubular windscreen frame but it'll be done.

What tintop are the tailgate gas lifts from??? I'll measure the closed and extended dimensions and approach my local parts shop but any indication would be welcome.

Also- should I expect my insurance premium to drop???
Cheers
Ian

[techsec]

Some one did tell me once that the gas units looked similar to the ones used on Reliants Simitars.

When I needed something on T4's rear hatch I used the manual release click bonnet/boot stay units like some of the old cars had.
These are in the Europa catalogue page 11.
They do the auto release ones BARCS or the manual release ones BMRCS

I have not personally noticed any real difference between the insurance on our soft top Jago's and T4 which has a hard top.

[robert_wylde0208]

Hi Ian

I am having the same problem as you really... BUT I am not going to use gas struts. These can casue a problem as the distance the strut travels from the closed position to the open position is really quite small. So what I am using instead (when I have earn't some money) is to use something from Eurpoa that isn't very expensive. Its a bar that has a bar in it and it extends out and then locks into position. If you want when I have found them I will post the part #

[techsec]

The items you are suggesting are the ones in my posting on this topic.

As I say there is an auto one which locks and unlocks upon the unit being stretched past the latch position or the ones I have on T4x4 which require you to flick the catch in to close the unit.

[IanA]

Yes I found those bonnet supports on the Europa website today, may have been on their Cobra pages. Both auto (lift to release like on a 105E bootlid) and the manual release one that Chris mentions- mind your fingers!!! A lot cheaper than gas lifts at < £8 each. However they are 10" long closed and 20" long when open- may be some other sizes available.
Cheers
Ian