27 replies to this topic

[martinf]

Hi all,

I've recently bought an 2.2 NA and have been considering the merits of getting a hardtop.

 

Could someone please tell me how easy/quick it is to install & remove an (OEM) hardtop. I understand that there is a 'fitting kit' needed - what's in the kit and where could this be bought (assuming the hardtop is supplied without the kit)?

 

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

 

[ayresyy]

If you end up with an OEM hardtop you should get everything needed with it. Takes about 10-15 mins to fit/remove it.

[hairy]

Have a look at pages 36-38 of the owners manual.

Edited by hairy, 06 February 2020 - 04:06 PM.

[paul_mck]

does a hardtop give more or less headroom than the softtop?

[martinf]

Thanks Guys,

Never thought to look in the manual

[techieboy]

does a hardtop give more or less headroom than the softtop?

 

A bit less and obviously no flex when it comes to crash helmets, cue head canted over at an angle if you're anything over 5'10". It also makes the interior more boomy and is a pain in the arse as there's no way to remove it and carry it with you, if you decide to remove it when you're out and about.

 

Hard top has been on my car for 4 or 5 days in 14 years, one of which was the day I bought the car back from the dealer and two of which where when the windscreen got replaced.

[dstarz7]

My VX had a hard top fitted when I picked it up. Got home and removed the hard top, hasn't been refitted to the car in nearly 4 years. 

[myles]

My VX had a hard top fitted when I picked it up. Got home and removed the hard top, hasn't been refitted to the car in nearly 4 years.

Get it sold....to me!

[apple2000]

Have mine on until May then goes back on again in September, its a lotus hard tops with the scoop, personally i cant fault the quality and the fit, miles better in the winter months.

[Bakazan]

If you end up with an OEM hardtop you should get everything needed with it. Takes about 10-15 mins to fit/remove it.

 

If you use an electric screwdriver and don't fit the covers you can fit or remove the OEM hardtop in about 90 seconds. I guess it must take a lot longer if you use a hand tool?

[martinf]

Ok, thanks again for all your comments and advice. very helpful.

 

I'm looking for an OEM hardtop in Silver (the V5 Says "Silver/Blue") - any offers please ! (I'll stick a post in the 'Car Parts for Sale' Section too)

[jonnyboy]

I have a sapphire black OEM hardtop available £650

[martinf]

Thanks, but Ideally I'm looking for one in silver.

[martinf]

Hi, Is there any difference between a hardtop for a Turbo or NA, or are they the same?

[Strugs]

Hi, Is there any difference between a hardtop for a Turbo or NA, or are they the same?

Same. Or, if they're not, they're certainly interchangeable.. 👍

Edited by Strugs, 09 February 2020 - 09:55 AM.

[martinf]

Thanks, that's the right answer!


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[jonnyboy]

Turbo ones are lined inside NA ones are bare plastic they fit though

[smiley]

Oem, the NA was the same silver color as the window band.

The oem turbo one was painted in car color.

20 years later, many have been repainted to fit peoples taste though.

 

[martinf]

Thanks for the explanation(s).

I'm a whole lot wiser than I was originally, that's not saying much though 😀

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[2-20]

Turbo ones are lined inside NA ones are bare plastic they fit though

Mine is a turbo ..and the lining has started to sag....
If you want to change it you have tp remove the side seals...