Roadster Hardtop

[ghowe]

Quick question -- is anyone making a hardtop for the roadster or is the convertible the only option?
Thanks

[skullandbones]

I know they exist. I saw one on ebay (used). A friend in our local club has one but I haven't seen it in person yet. Here is a link to the one I am describing.

http://apeproducts.com/index.html/hardtop.htm

They look a little funky sort of like those football type helmets they put on babies after they've had brain surgery. It just doesn't look proportional. JMO.


I have a corvette convertible with a hard top. Unlike these, it adds to the beauty of the vette. Too bad there isn't a comparable hard top for the roadster.

WEK.

[CraigS]

I have an APE top and I bought mostly because I really like how it looks. Good we don't all like the same thing right? If you think to go w/ this, verify that he has made changes to accommodate the different shape of the MkIV. Mine is a MkII but, w/ the dropped butt mod, it resembles the shape of the MkIV in the trunk area. You can see the gap along the side of the top is a tapered shape in this pic.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/craig-s/IMG_20150315_152158027_zps3qjth1ra.jpg

[Blue MK3]

I'm not a big fan of the shape of the APE top, but it has to be high in the rear to clear the roll bar(s). Same thing with the soft top. All other tops I've seen look the same. I guess you could remove the roll bar(s) and have a more streamlined top custom made. Probably cost a bunch for that. I had a Jag E-Type with a detachable hard top. It really looked good, but the car had no roll bar.

[skullandbones]

I have an APE top and I bought mostly because I really like how it looks. Good we don't all like the same thing right? If you think to go w/ this, verify that he has made changes to accommodate the different shape of the MkIV. Mine is a MkII but, w/ the dropped butt mod, it resembles the shape of the MkIV in the trunk area. You can see the gap along the side of the top is a tapered shape in this pic.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/craig-s/IMG_20150315_152158027_zps3qjth1ra.jpg

My comments were not to disparage anyone about the tops. It takes a diverse group to make this sport what it is. CraigS has some great ideas and advice on the forum and therefore one of those sometimes varying opinions. My personal taste on the curves and look of the roadster are just mine. I would probably enjoy such a top on mine (which would fit without mods) if I was doing across country trip or if I was trying to get some real speed out of the roadster (+125). It's just not for me and my driving habits at this time. I have seen some other versions of tops on the roadsters but they (the companies) didn't last or were one offs. It's sort of like the kit car industries. Some did not pass the test of time. I'm so glad I didn't send that deposit to the Florida company that went belly up just before I did. Whew!!!!

Good luck on your decision,

WEK.

[Jazzman]

Craig, would you mind adding a few more photos of the hard top on your car? I have never seen the full view. Thanks.

[stevenburgess]

Whitby makes one. I think it's $1300ish

[CraigS]

Here you go Jazzman
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/craig-s/IMG_6577-X31_zps5nc1uu0g.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/craig-s/IMG_0909Medium.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/craig-s/AX7122.jpg

[supersize92003]

I know posting photos isn't easy, but could I trouble you for a side view ?

Thank you, John T.

Cicero, New York

[CraigS]

This is the only 90 degree side view I have from quite a few years ago.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/craig-s/IMG_0349.jpg
This is before I did the dropped butt mod.

[supersize92003]

Looks great !!!

Thank you, John T.

[ghowe]

Thanks everyone. I have looked at APE and will go that way should I decide to add the top.

[NICK C]

I purchased an APE and like the aggressive look. The owner is Craig Anderson, a good guy who can answer other questions about your build. When I get to fitting the top I will post pics. Nick C

[Holland375]

And there is a few made by Bruce, do a search for mrbruce. He has 2 or 3 different ones, I got one of his and left my roll bars at the original height but hat to build he sides and hatch door so it would fit properly.