83 replies to this topic

[jonnyboy]

Taken a fair bit of sorting out redesigning the brackets has been something that added a bit of time onto the project but I'm pleased to say that you can now order a brand new hardtop for your VX!

They are exact copies of the OEM hardtops but I have changed the brackets so you don't need a cover that comes down and obscures your view like on all previous aftermarket HT's I've seen. Only available unlined for the moment but I'm sure you could get a lining put on quite cheaply if you felt you needed it.

Here are some pics. On these pics they don't have the window seals fitted yet as it started snowing but the seals I'm using are OEM lotus Elise seals which are identical to the original Vaux seals. As you can see they also have side seals and front and rear seals as per the original units.









You can see the redesigned brackets on here. The rear ones for the first few sets are Elise HT rears but after that all four will be in this arrangement.







Some of the stock in case you were wondering about availability



I'm now taking orders. Payment by bank transfer or pay on collection no paypal on these I'm afraid due to the fees. They are available unpainted but with the holes pre drilled ready for assembly or fully painted and assembled. The unpainted ones require only final finishing and spraying. My sprayer is not cheap but he's very good and charges £150. You can probably get it done for less but I always use the same guy purely because he is so good.

Prices are £450 for the unpainted and £650 for a painted one with assembly. Insured delivery in the UK is £30 if you are in mainland Europe its just whatever the cost is basically.

I can advise on delivery times but allow a week for the unpainted ones and two weeks for the painted ones. Painted ones are done as per the correct paint codes which should match providing your car hasn't previously had any other paint. Obviously a 100% match cannot be totally guaranteed for that reason but if you have original paint its 95% going to be perfect. Its advisable to get metallic silver hardtops colourmatched to the car though.

Any questions please drop me a line.

[booboo]

well done jonnyboy, they look well, any better pics of the fittings m8, well done

[jonnyboy]

I cant give all my secrets away m8 They were the hardest bit to do, that and making sure the two molds line up.

[booboo]

hope all gos well with the sales, m8

[The Batman]

How are they fixed down

[jonnyboy]

Do you mean the brackets? Rears are Lotus ones (ie same as the OEM Vaux ones) fronts are metal brackets made specially for these hardtops. Incidentally the reason you cant use Lotus front brackets is that p;art of the assembly is only available when you buy the hardtop

[Nev]

Look slike a good fit

[fred666]

Brilliant work mate! shows the persistance was well worth it. How long do these take to fit compare to oem items as ou've mentioned new brackets??

[jonnyboy]

Just the same really 4 bolts, one on each corner.

[Whiteboy]

Great job, I just hope the couriers donot let you down. Steve

[N17VES]

Do you mean the brackets? Rears are Lotus ones (ie same as the OEM Vaux ones) fronts are metal brackets made specially for these hardtops.

Incidentally the reason you cant use Lotus front brackets is that p;art of the assembly is only available when you buy the hardtop

You can buy the front locating dowels for the hardtop seperately - they around £13 from Lotus.

[jonnyboy]

You can't buy the bit they screw into though

[james12345]

I commend your efforts on this project, very well done. If I had the money I'd buy one straight away.

[Denthrax]

Wow! Good job. Very interested in buying one of these! Can you quote me on the shipping to Belgium?

[KurtVerbose]

Can you quote me on the shipping to Belgium?

And Switzerland - without the VAT as it's outside the EU.

[SteveA]

I very much doubt Jonnyboy is VAT registered, good try though

[jonnyboy]

Eu shipping just at cost with insurance. I'll check properly later on as someon in Switzerland has suggested a carrier.

[TJenkos]

I recommend InterParcel for your courier services - a bit like a comparison site

[Harry0075]

need one...wish I had some money for it now, think I need to add this to my wish list (will send this thread to the finance by 'accident' lol)

[jonnyboy]

They make a cracking Christmas gift