Day 12 of 20 Specials: All-New 818 Hard Top Pre-Orders!

[Dave Smith]

As we are rapidly approaching production on our brand-new 818 removable hard top, we are accepting pre-orders that are fully refundable for customers who would like to reserve a place in the production line.

Pre-orders are $99 and the price of the hard top has been established at an introductory price of $2,499. Once production begins, the price will increase to $2,999. Click here to place your pre-order for a 818 hard top. (http://www.factoryfiveparts.com/818-hard-top-pre-order-deposit/)

http://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/DSC_6211.jpg
New production 818 hard top painted with quarter glass installed.

The removable hard top includes the following parts/assemblies:
– Composite hard top with molded inner liner and air duct to engine bay
– Composite rear hatch with liner
– Front windshield glass
– Side window glass
– Rear quarter window glass
– Rear hatch glass
– Power window motors, tracks, weatherstrip, and channel
– Power window switches, wiring, and fasteners
– Windshield mount brackets and hatch hinges
– Exterior door handles and key set

http://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/DSC_6208.jpg
The new hard top design will be standard in the new Factory Five 818C model along with a re-designed front end.

http://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/DSC_6192.jpg

Above and Below: New 818 removable hard top with power window mechanism and front glass.

http://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/DSC_6159.jpg

http://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/DSC_6201.jpg
Rear quarter window glass

http://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/DSC_5204.jpg
The 818 removable hard top will come in gel-coat red and requires body work.

http://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/DSC_5210.jpg
The 818 removable hard top is retro-fittable to all 818S models. It does not fit 818R models.

[Dave Smith]

http://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/DSC_5206.jpg

http://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/DSC_5225.jpg

Terms & Conditions of 818 Hard Top Pre-Orders:

Pre-order deposit will determine production scheduling.
Production is slated to begin in July/August 2015
Pick-ups are free. Shipping and crating fees have not been determined and price of $2,499 does not include shipping or crating.
Orders are taken first come, first served.
Hard top orders are non-transferable.
Introductory price is $2,499 and pre-order deposit will be subtracted from the price at shipping.

[David Hodgkins]

Man that coupe is a sweet looking ride! I guess I'll find out on the 13th if I fit!

:)

[Niburu]

OMG HOF times infiniti, and it looks nice too.

[nkw8181]

Pre-ordered! Hope I fit lol: I'm only 6'1" :) now what's this about a remodeled front end?

[flynntuna]

Outstanding! Can't wait to see the completed car!

[michael everson]

Just placed my order.
Mike

[rori]

Available in white?

[nkw8181]

I called and asked. Only available in red.

[Dave Smith]

The official plan is to manufacture the hard tops and the other 818C parts in red gel coat. However, existing customers who have white panels will be able to order these parts in white. The revised front end which will be unveiled at Open House continues the seamless panel construction, but the hard top is a multiple part mold and has three main seams that will need body work. I can't tell you how they will look with simple gel coat repairs to the seams as I haven't done that.

[michael everson]

Dave, I will take mine in white. Nose too?
Mike

[Dave Smith]

Mike - The white panels are going to be a challenge because we gel coat in production batches, but the guys will accommodate you. As far as the nose is concerned, when we unveil the car at Open House, we will have the 818C order forms and pricing online and ready to go. We will also have pricing for the new designed front end parts which are retro-fittable to all 818S models. The hard top does not interchange with the 818R models, but the front end panels should. I don't want to release any details on the front end as it is integral to the new 818C release and a cool surprise.

[Martin]

Whats the code for that silver colour... peeing my pants here... Assume its a Sherwin Williams colour?

Martin

[wallace18]

Awesome looking hardtop!

[AZPete]

Yippee! I just placed my preorder for the new hard top! I'm also hoping for white to go with my white 818S . . . and the new front end . . . in white. The more finished hard top, in silver, really is HOF beautiful.

[rori]

That's really great news Dave. I wasn't planning on painting right away, so white would be preferred for a temporary fit. Preordered!

[Aero STI]

I'm incredibly excited to get a new front end. That's the only part of the body that I can't stand the fit and finish. Will the existing carbon splitter fit with the new front end?

[brian b 36]

my orders in cant wait

[07FIREBLADE]

Just ordered. Can't wait for the open house

[metros]

That color silver sits the car very well. Good taste in paint colors as they all look very different but good in their own right.

[bbjones121]

Will glass windows work with the soft top? Also, when you say removable hard top, do you mean the center section is removable? Thanks.

[bbjones121]

Looks awesome by the way!!

[Flamshackle]

Oh wow that looks absolutely amazing!

I can't wait till open house and to get my coupe!

[Pearldrummer7]

Dave, two things. One- what is the paint color for the gray R you guys have? I would like to investigate that color a little further...
Two- Please give us R guys a hardtop! You'd have my money immediately :)

Looks great!

[Dave Smith]

The crew is working very hard on this project (and has been since SEMA 2014) and we're on the last stretch before showing off the three distinct models, the 818S, 818R and 818C. I'm pleased with the progress of the 818 program and it has delivered on the design goals set forth over three years ago. We've tried very hard to maintain interchangeability with parts as we've found out with the Hot Rod that variations make the vehicle more usable and fun. The window glass is at the tooling/first article stage so final parts have not been released. To my knowledge the windows were fit specifically to the hard top and the hard top provides more space than the soft top, so using them with the soft top would not work. I don't know how far off they are and I'd say that until we fit the final parts together the plan is to use the soft top as designed with soft top windows. The paint is Sherwin-Williams and part of our work with them and Carls Collision so we'll release that when we can.

The discussion of the R-model is going to happen after the 818C launch. There are competing projects, BUT within the scope of the 818 program, I know that one path is the 818CR. We've got a great race plan for this summer, but honestly I will look at the 818 program after the release of the 818C and upgrade parts to select the next stages for the platform. Thanks.

[milkman dan]

Dave, quick question regarding the windows... what was the reasoning behind powering them? Simplicity? Is the weight comparable to what it would be with hand cranks?

In any case, I echo the sentiments in this thread- I think it really looks great! Can't wait to see the new front end, too!

[Dave Smith]

Good question. Weights not really a concern as the mechanism is relatively light and also simple. It's funny you asked because last weekend I replaced the rusted out window tracks in my old VW bus. A more simple and elegant crank window does not exist than the ones in old VW's. As far as the 818 is concerned, I think the decision came in part from our experience with windows in the GTM and Hot Rod and the learning there. To me personally, the design is a modern one and power made sense. Still the decison and configuration was Jim's to make and he knew he could go either way. The feedback helps the design and engineering team tremendously but also highlights the complexity of the project. Making this part (coupe with windows) is an extremely challenging peice of engineering. It has to satisfy so many criteria and also function in a variety of modes. I would say that this project separates the pros from the rookies for sure and I'm dying to show it off at Open House and going forward.

[longislandwrx]

Dave, two things. One- what is the paint color for the gray R you guys have? I would like to investigate that color a little further...
Two- Please give us R guys a hardtop! You'd have my money immediately :)

Looks great!


I may preorder the hard top regardless, the $99 is refundable they said.

removing the top sidebar and the reworking the hoop are not herculean tasks.

the big thing will be if the window is big enough to climb through.

[bbjones121]

Thanks Dave, my other question was regards to the statement, removable hard top. Are panels going to be removable like in a T top or something?

[Dave Smith]

Sorry. Removeable as in the entire top. No targa option/design. Changing from a roadster to a hard top is going to be about 3x more time-consuming than with the 33 hot rod. There is an inner cockpit bulkhead and window that separates the driver from engine compartment. Still, I can see this as a change-over twice a year for those wanting to use both set-ups (roadster in warmer months and coupe in colder months or vice versa in warm climates!).

[nkw8181]

Awesome! I love hearing better news I will take mine in white as well. Looking forward to seeing the new front end. I may add it as well and take it in white (if possible).

[matteo92065]

Me too. White.

[C.Plavan]

I may preorder the hard top regardless, the $99 is refundable they said.

removing the top sidebar and the reworking the hoop are not herculean tasks.

the big thing will be if the window is big enough to climb through.

With a halo race seat, it would be very tough. I was thinking the same thing. But the R main hoop is low as it is. Making another lower hoop, your helmet might be above the bar, which is not good.

[Niburu]

Is the outside door handle/opener from a first gen Miata?

[Kalstar]

I'll take mine any color you want. I'll even take an irregular one if need be :-). Just excited to get my hands on it.

[bbjones121]

Sorry. Removeable as in the entrie top. No targa option/design. Changing from a roadster to a hard top is going to be about 3x more time-consuming than with the 33 hot rod. There is an inner cockpit bulkhead and window that separates the driver from engine compartment. Still, I can see this as a change-over twice a year for those wanting to use both set-ups (roadster in warmer months and coupe in colder months or vice versa in warm climates!).

Thanks Dave. Yeah, here in Denver that would be perfect option/process. Any possibility on a soft top discount? Now that hard top ( with all that it comes with) is almost same price? ;)

[mn_vette]

Dave,

The coupe looks awesome. Two quick questions for you.

1.) Is the FFR trunk kit useable with the coupe?
2.) Are you guys working on an AC system for the 818?

Thanks, keep up the good work!

[TouchStone]

I second the AC system. Being in Texas, I'm planning on getting some sort of AC working. But if FFR releases a kit then I'd get that no question.

[Frank818]

Wow really nice design, I must say!

And really nice for Dave to reply multiple times! So many priorities but you find time.

For those who might know anything about the new front end, is it fairly retrofitable to the old 818S with the old front end design?

[TouchStone]

We all just need to wait a few more days. It's just too exciting! :D

[metros]

It's been reported that the new front end will be backwards compatible with the 818s and R IIRC.

[65 Cobra Dude]

The new nose is absolutely retrofitable. Just placed my order for a white top.

Dave, if you need a guinea pig, I'm in.

Thx,

Henry

[Flamshackle]

Man that coupe is a sweet looking ride! I guess I'll find out on the 13th if I fit!

:)

Ok please someone confirm they fit thats over 6.4"

I believe it will be the case as I sat in the 818 at the start of the year with the soft top and I had loads of room and good visibility. Let me know if you fit all good man

[Kalstar]

Ok please someone confirm they fit thats over 6.4"

I believe it will be the case as I sat in the 818 at the start of the year with the soft top and I had loads of room and good visibility. Let me know if you fit all good man

The coupe gives the occupant more headroom then the soft top does.

[David Hodgkins]

Ok please someone confirm they fit thats over 6.4"

I believe it will be the case as I sat in the 818 at the start of the year with the soft top and I had loads of room and good visibility. Let me know if you fit all good man

I will, with pics!

:)

[chucky797]

This thing looks awesome.

[Lumpyguy]

how does the top separate at the front? at the top of the winshield frame or the bottom? also can the hard top be removed and still install the old rear deck lid for a summer car?

[07FIREBLADE]

It can be removed to convert back to a regular S from a C, but its going to be pretty labor intensive to do so.

[Kalstar]

Windshield is part of the hard top.

[weendoggy]

Man that coupe is a sweet looking ride! I guess I'll find out on the 13th if I fit!

:)

Thanks. I'm in for the coupe version if you fit. I know I'm more vertically impaired than you. :) 6'2" vs. sasquatch ;)

If this is what I think, I'm in for the build. Need a new project to keep me busy.

[Kalstar]

A fellow forum member is 6'6"and he fits in my 818 just fine and there is more headroom in the coupe. I have personally been in the 818 coupe.

[Samiam1017]

do they have a estimated price on coupe kit or will you have to buy a "S" and the coupe top?? I would think a coupe kit wouldn't be 3000 more than an "S".

[07FIREBLADE]

I would think it would be at least 2k over a S kit. You get the top and the new front end with it. They have to recover some of that money spent in R&D.

[Kalstar]

I am guessing 3k, purely a guess though.

[wildbill]

Should be roughly $3k (price of hardtop kit), less the price of the components being replaced (ie: windshield, windshield frame, any panels, etc.). Hopefully low $2's over the standard kit.
I'm pumped.....been holding out on my order for a coupe.

[bbjones121]

I wonder how many pre-orders they have received on the hardtop.

[FFR-ADV]

Great job by the entire Factory Five team. I can't wait to see the 818C at the open house in person.

I ordered my hardtop for my white 818S on June 4th. Thank you Dave, Jim, Jesper and the entire FFR team! Well done!

[TrickyPete]

45 hours and 25 minutes left! Eeeeeeeee! *jumps up and down like a kid*

[milkman dan]

45 hours and 25 minutes left! Eeeeeeeee! *jumps up and down like a kid*

This. Very much this!