Hard Top ideas

[flynntuna]

I thought I'd start this thread since the hard top discussion is on so many other threads.

What would like to see in a hard top design? T-Top, targa, replace the engine cover, or both engine and trunk covers? This a blank slate anything goes.

Personally I'd like to see a targa top option that replaces the engine cover it would incorporate the humps enough to cover the roll bar supports and include scoops for the TMIC. The profile would resemble the 914 to a degree. Gull wing T-Top with windows could be an option.

[Canadian818]

I like the targa idea, I'm also ok with a top that replaces the engine cover and I just swap when I want to go topless. Most seem to be in favour of AWIC so I would forgo the scoops. Roll up or power windows are a must.

[gpaterson]

I too would like a hardtop for the 818S that I am about to build. I think it would transform the 818 from a once in a blue moon vehicle to a daily driver. It rains quite often in New Zealand!

I very much like the designs of Vman7 (thanks Dave) 25984 as he obviously has a talent for design that makes the car look even better than in its opentop pose. If this is the basic format that the community wished to follow then it is a Targa top that would require a new engine and boot (trunk for you Americans!) cover. I think this is the best approach as the top can be taken off when the car is used on the track etc.

I think windup windows would also be necessary but you could probably get away with fixed windows if they were gull-winged from the new hardtop or a sliding sunroof was incorporated in the hardtop. Both latter suggestions seem to me to be a compromise though.

I note a few threads have already discussed this subject. Is there an unofficial project underway yet to progress this idea? I'd be happy to kick in some $$$ if such a project existed otherwise I may look to have one made locally.

Cheers

[Goldwing]

A soft stretch targa top could be a very doable way to go. Replace the engine cover with a rear cockpit lip that could be a bar hoop like a Honda CRX (I think it was) with some pleasing transition to the rear deck. A couple pins where the engine cover mounted and a mount along the roll bar hoop and it is in place. Then stretch the targa across to the windshield. A simple approach anyway, in theory. A top like that would store easily on board in case of rain. I would definitely want to work on traditional side windows.

[Xusia]

I love Vman's design, and in an ideal world, the hard top would look like that.

Replace existing engine cover? Yes.
Targa? Yes.
T-Top? No. Never been a fan.
Scoop? No. For me, the hardtop is for foul weather, not hard driving. I'd rather have the rearward visibility.
Roll-up Windows? Yes. But I see this as separate. I'd like them in the doors like real, normal windows so they can be used with other tops.

[Flamshackle]

I love the vman design. Would really be stoked to see someone follow through with a hard top for the 818. Comon FFR let's see how cool this little weapon would be as a coupe :-)

[ehansen007]

I've talked with FFR and there's no immediate plans for a hard top.

The Vman design is sweet. Love his work.

With that said, with the conversations I've had over the past week with my glass guy, extending the roof ala Ferrari 308/328 could create some problems. Because this is a kit and we are all knowledgeable about body fitment issues, it would be difficult to make a top with those dimensions that would fit with everyone's adjustments to their body and more specifically, the engine cover. Any hard top would have to be made so that it could be trimmed so it would not be a finished top. That makes it a bit easier for the builder and costs less. Still, the cost of just building the first one is a huge factor.

I'm not sure if we could simply find a top that already fits an MR2 frame (the radius has be perfect) and modify it or do it right and build a buck on the car and lay the glass on it. The latter gives us more creative ability but could cost up to 10K to get the negative done properly. So there's that. Also, shipping something this large is a major task. We're talking about crates, not boxes. Personally I think there would have to be a committed number of deposits to get the ball rolling which is a tough ask. So, not to make excuses here but just letting everyone know why I pulled it as a topic as there's lots of thinking to be done around this.

My next call is to Dan Ruth who did this for the hot rod already. I'd like to see what his feedback is. On top of all this. I do not want to step on FFR's toes as they are just releasing the Soft Top and this could alter their sales and efforts to release it. Waiting to hear back from Dave on this.

So lot's of thought is going into it, just not sure if anything will come out. I'm hoping that this helps anyone else considering it to see what may go into this. We all go in with the best intentions for sure and all want to see a good result. It takes commitment of time and money.

Cheers,

e

[Mechie3]

I'd like to see a removable rear targa piece that attaches to the existing engine cover. Then, a second piece attaches to the rear cover and the windshield (the targa top itself). Both pieces will be smaller and flatter than a one piece hard top, it allows for 3 configs: Coupe with top on, Coupe with targa open, Roadster.

[flynntuna]

I'd go for that.

[billjr212]

don't flame me too much for such a crazy/off the wall suggestion - but any thought on the hard top from the hot rod? Seems like the width would be close and you would be free to cut the front end off to match the curve of the windshield (since you obviously don't need the windshield portion of the hot rod hard top).

Obviously the style would not be ideal and this would be more of a hard top to throw on for spring and fall to extend the season a bit as opposed to something to attach and leave on all year.

And now I'll take a step back to allow you to express initial outrage, followed my a moment of mental tinkering. Photoshop experts?

[icky]

I like the way you think mechie3, I could also do with just a targa top to save money. I am no fiberglass expert but I was always thinking it was going to be molded as two pieces, regardless of what style hardtop we choose, for design, fitment and shipping reasons. $10k doesn't sound that bad to make a nice original looking plug, maybe when this thread moves further along we can set up a group buy and have the fiberglass company figure the cost of the plug into the kits.

[Canadian818]

I'll be going to an upholstery shop to have a bikini top made. FFR will eventually release a hard top, but until then I need some emergeny protection.

[wleehendrick]

I'll be going to an upholstery shop to have a bikini top made. FFR will eventually release a hard top, but until then I need some emergeny protection.

I'm with you. I'd love the soft top, but don't want to spend ~$3k. In my climate, a bikini top to keep to sun off in summer and a shelter from a little rain in our 'winter' is all I need.

[Vman7]

The idea behind my design was to be a 3 pc. fiberglass unit. Targa part, main section (including airducts) and the engine cover.

It would take some serious thinking and planning just to get it to sit just right, and that would just be the mockup before even making the mold. Either way it would be a serious undertaking, but if done right it would be worth it in the end.

Oh btw thanks for all the kind comments :) I wish I had some CAD drawings like the rear and top view to work with, since the side view example is just a mockup, not really complete.

David