FFR Roadster Soft Top?

[CEH14]

Does FFR still make the soft top for the Roadster? I do not see it on their site for sale anymore. I know they worked with Rod Tops to produce this kit, can you get it from Rod Tops directly? thank you.

[Chopper]

I actually emailed them about it a couple of weeks ago. The response I got was that they have temporarily removed it from the catalog until the vendor can resolve back-orders with the material used to make the tops. Once the back-orders resolve, they will return it to the catalog. Also for reference, the part number is #15199.

[Jeff33Ford]

I ordered mine at the same time as my kit order. (Aug 21). I contacted Rod Tops a few months back and they said they have the order and are severely backed ordered. Glad I ordered it with my kit.

[CEH14]

thank you guys for the quick response, this is what I was hoping. I would like to start a roadster build in the next year or 2 and want the option of having a top. If they weren't available anymore than I might be persuaded to do a Coup build instead of the Roadster. At this time I would prefer to build a Roadster but want to build it as a touring car and feel the option of having a closed driving compartment might be a must on long road trips.

Does anyone have any feedback on how well the top with the side windows seal in the rain? I'm not really concerned about using the top in the cold its more for rain protection for me.

[John4337]

The Rod Top is well worth the wait. We've used ours alot and it makes longer trips much more comfortable. A couple of years ago we did 8 days, about 2500 miles. Ours is an early one, but they now offer quarter windows and a zip down rear window, go for those.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=172394&d=1663086603

[mburger]

Yep, if I recall there are only two options for the premium top. One is the roll down window in the back and the other are the quarter windows. The zipped in side windows came standard with mine.
One thing I want to point out that’s important is this. You are going to get wet. You may not get wet as fast or through and through getting caught in a storm with no top, but you will get wet. Having said that, I’d rather have the top then not. For me, living in southwest Florida the sun is brutal Especially with a black interior sitting at a traffic light it feels like it’s 15 minutes long. The top keeps the sun off of you and that in and of itself is worth having it, at least for me. It’s expensive, but very high-quality. I am glad I have mine. I think once you get yours, you will be as well.

[Chopper]

I plan on ordering one when they are available. My primary desire is shade in the summer, maybe extending the driving season in late fall or early winter...although the first time VA "thundersalts" because someone utters the S word, that's it for the roadster.

As far as getting wet...out of curiosity, where does most of the water come in?

[John4337]

In my experience the top is actually pretty water tight. I get a drip at the center of the header. I’ve found that a piece of rubber liner less electrical tape seals it. The leaks are actually from the car itself, mostly the windshield sidebars. Water also flows in at the door gaps at the cowl. We’ve driven in rain like this for hours, and been comfortable. I installed A/C which deals with the humidity inside.

https://youtu.be/srcA8T0qpvg

John

[Blue Viking]

I am glad i opted for the quarter windows, makes a big difference. Also have the zippered rear window, not sure how much i will be using that.

[Papa]

I have this top, but interestingly, I've never installed the side windows. Looking at the way they install, you will likely not stay dry in a heavy rain. My one experience driving in the rain, water was coming in at the windshield posts, under the rubber seal mostly.

[Avalanche325]

One hint about the zipper-down rear window. DO NOT just roll it down and let it sit on your paint. Get yourself a large micro-fiber towel.

Here is what I do:
1. Lay the towel on the trunk.
2. Pull the window outside onto the towel.
3. Fold the excess part of the towel over the plastic window.
4. Roll it up.
5. Tuck it inside.

I keep a hand towel behind my seat for drips.
NEVER lose your sense of humor. Especially when the rain pours on your leg from the door gap.

The side windows actually do a great job. Without them, you are going to get wet thighs.

[John4337]

I have this top, but interestingly, I've never installed the side windows. Looking at the way they install, you will likely not stay dry in a heavy rain. My one experience driving in the rain, water was coming in at the windshield posts, under the rubber seal mostly.

They work well, just don’t install them as per the FFR video, the long tab goes inside the sidebar and your windwings stay out.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=118479&d=1575430275

[mburger]

One hint about the zipper-down rear window. DO NOT just roll it down and let it sit on your paint. Get yourself a large micro-fiber towel.

Here is what I do:
1. Lay the towel on the trunk.
2. Pull the window outside onto the towel.
3. Fold the excess part of the towel over the plastic window.
4. Roll it up.
5. Tuck it inside.

I keep a hand towel behind my seat for drips.
NEVER lose your sense of humor. Especially when the rain pours on your leg from the door gap.

The side windows actually do a great job. Without them, you are going to get wet thighs.

Just to add to these great points and ideas, you HAVE to put paint protection film on the car where the base of the top sits. The rubber gasket on the bottom of the frame is soft and squishy and seems completely harmless but believe me, it WILL scratch your clearcoat and you WILL have to buff that out and polish it. Ask me how I know. So I just put a three or 4 inch wide strip of track day tape where the frame sits then put the top on and I’m good. Coincidentally I just removed my top because it has been on for several months. I wanted to remove the paint protection tape and clean it up before applying more and putting the top back on for the reptile round up. Attached are pictures of what would have happened to my clearcoat had I not protected it. One photo shows a yellowing that always seems to happen on that straight section. Pull up the tape and it’s as good as new. Also, in one of the photos you can see where I missed the corner when applying the protection tape. I will have to buff that out.

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[65 Cobra Dude]

Is that an external trunk hinge Mark? ��

[mburger]

Is that an external trunk hinge Mark? ��

Insert negative and snarky comments here!!!

[Blue Viking]

Just to add to these great points and ideas, you HAVE to put paint protection film on the car where the base of the top sits. The rubber gasket on the bottom of the frame is soft and squishy and seems completely harmless but believe me, it WILL scratch your clearcoat and you WILL have to buff that out and polish it. Ask me how I know. So I just put a three or 4 inch wide strip of track day tape where the frame sits then put the top on and I’m good. Coincidentally I just removed my top because it has been on for several months. I wanted to remove the paint protection tape and clean it up before applying more and putting the top back on for the reptile round up. Attached are pictures of what would have happened to my clearcoat had I not protected it. One photo shows a yellowing that always seems to happen on that straight section. Pull up the tape and it’s as good as new. Also, in one of the photos you can see where I missed the corner when applying the protection tape. I will have to buff that out.

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Good tip Mark. Never used this before, any particular brand you recommend? Probably nice to use in front of the rear wheels as well...

[DW66]

172451 I have had very good luck using clear static cling for my rear spats. Goes on and off real easy and very cheap. You can barely see it in this picture.

John can you post a side picture of your car with the side curtains in ? I expect my top from Rod Tops this week and am curious about your comment of putting the side curtain piece going inside the windshield side bar. Thank you. I love the look of your car by the way.

[mburger]

Good tip Mark. Never used this before, any particular brand you recommend? Probably nice to use in front of the rear wheels as well...

No particular brands that I could recommend. The track day type comes off much easier when you are ready to take it off but it also has a slate cloudy or opaqueness to it. Most of the protective film is covered by the top so you really don’t see much of it anyway. While this sounds silly, for my spats I use textured black peel coat paint. It looks like leather and it is thick and protects the paint underneath. Whenever you want, just peel it off the car.

[Jeff Kleiner]

I have this top, but interestingly, I've never installed the side windows. Looking at the way they install, you will likely not stay dry in a heavy rain...

Dave,
Wise words from Ralph Button many years ago---"You won't stay dry but you'll get less wet" :) If anyone would know, it's Ralph!

+++ on the clear protection film recommendations.

Jeff

[John4337]

172451 I have had very good luck using clear static cling for my rear spats. Goes on and off real easy and very cheap. You can barely see it in this picture.

John can you post a side picture of your car with the side curtains in ? I expect my top from Rod Tops this week and am curious about your comment of putting the side curtain piece going inside the windshield side bar. Thank you. I love the look of your car by the way.

I don’t have a good one, but if you zoom in, you can see the tab inside of the side bar here. There is a small tab behind the bullet mirror that stays out side and is held by a snap that you’ll put it. The instructions are good on how that goes on. I’ll try to get out in the shop and get a better photo for you.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=118478&d=1575430239


John

[DW66]

Thanks John I appreciate it.

Jeff,
I'm guessing you recognized my car?;) I read that statement from Ralph before, I believe it. I use to be a CJ5 guy so I have a little experience.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Jeff,
I'm guessing you recognized my car?...

I do! And I'm an old CJ5 guy also :)

Jeff

[mburger]

I don’t have a good one, but if you zoom in, you can see the tab inside of the side bar here. There is a small tab behind the bullet mirror that stays out side and is held by a snap that you’ll put it. The instructions are good on how that goes on. I’ll try to get out in the shop and get a better photo for you.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=118478&d=1575430239


John

Still one of my favorite cobras. The British green, under car exhaust and no scoop or stripes makes this look like a classic street car. Love it.

[Jeff_J.]

Great info guy's, thanks for posting!! I'd been contemplating the Premium top, should have ordered it with the kit I guess. The info on the window sides was what I was going to check on before ordering.
John - you have a great looking car..
Jeff_J

[mburger]

In my earlier post I mentioned how I didn’t quite completely cover the corner with my protective film. This is a picture of that corner after applying some polish. You can see the damage done. As they say, “it’ll buff out“ lol

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[John4337]

Here are some shots of the installed side curtain.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=172484&d=1663186833

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=172480&d=1663186833

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=172481&d=1663186833

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=172482&d=1663186833

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=172483&d=1663186833

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=172485&d=1663188413

The plastic has taken a beating, scuffed up and cracked, I'll look for an upholstery or boat shop to redo them. I'm thinking of trying to make them with a zipper so you can open/close them while in the car.

Thanks for all the kind words about the car.

John

[mburger]

John, what is that on the top where the snap goes at the front corner?

[John4337]

John, what is that on the top where the snap goes at the front corner?

Which photo?

[Blitzboy54]

FFR has a list you can get on. They will email you when they are available again

[mburger]

Which photo?

I am on my iPhone so I guess picture number two. It shows the very top corner of the convertible top right near the top of the windshield. My top has a black snap button head about the size of a dime.

[John4337]

I am on my iPhone so I guess picture number two. It shows the very top corner of the convertible top right near the top of the windshield. My top has a black snap button head about the size of a dime.

I think you may be seeing the top of the side curtain below the snap, but I’m not sure. There’s a little tab of plastic there the tucks up under the top

[mburger]

I think you may be seeing the top of the side curtain below the snap, but I’m not sure. There’s a little tab of plastic there the tucks up under the top


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[John4337]

172491

That’s the snap that attaches the top to the header bow

[DW66]

John,
That's exactly what I wanted to see. Thank you very much I appreciate that. Its been 11 weeks since I ordered my top. I spoke with Chad at Rod Tops yesterday and he is hoping to ship this week. Fingers crossed. I had already purchased the body fittings and drilled the holes before the car was painted so at least that part is done. Thanks again.

[Chopper]

I got an email from FFR a couple of days ago saying that the soft tops had been returned to the parts catalog, and I see them on the parts site.

[DW66]

Just be patient. Chad (Rod Tops) is extremely busy and short handed. I’m expecting mine to be delivered today. It took a very long time to get. FYI.

[tinman]

I ordered a top last week. The order is still waiting to be fulfilled. There was no options for quarter windows or rear zippered window when I ordered. Do they call or email about options. I don't want quarter windows.
I appreciate the good info in this thread.

[steno]

FFR sells the top… contact Rodtops about the options. Chad treated me right!

[John4337]

I ordered a top last week. The order is still waiting to be fulfilled. There was no options for quarter windows or rear zippered window when I ordered. Do they call or email about options. I don't want quarter windows.
I appreciate the good info in this thread.

Call Chad at Rod Tops direct.

[Papa]

Call Rod Tops before they ship your order! When I ordered mine, FFR said to give it a week and then call Rod Tops to add options. When I called, my top was on the shipping dock ready to be picked up by FedEx! They pulled it and made the changes I wanted and then shipped. If I had called an hour later, it would have been too late, and I'd have had to ship the top back to them to get the modifications made.

[DW66]

tinman, I strongly suggest the zip down rear window. I believe my car is the quietest in all configurations with the side windows out and rear window rolled down. Louder inside with windows in and rolled up. I do not have the quarter windows and don't find visibility to be an issue. I love the top. Drove it to work last week in 25 degree weather.

[Papa]

tinman, I strongly suggest the zip down rear window. I believe my car is the quietest in all configurations with the side windows out and rear window rolled down. Louder inside with windows in and rolled up. I do not have the quarter windows and don't find visibility to be an issue. I love the top. Drove it to work last week in 25 degree weather.

I have the zippered rear window on mine, and they made mine so that the window rolls up and is stored/strapped at the top to eliminate the issues of the window laying on the paint.

[DW66]

That's interesting Papa mine rolls down. I like that idea. I use static cling on the body where the top sits and window rolls down to protect the paint.

[mburger]

I have the zippered rear window on mine, and they made mine so that the window rolls up and is stored/strapped at the top to eliminate the issues of the window laying on the paint.

Same with my top Dave. I didn’t request anything specific to the window except I wanted it able to open and close.

[tinman]

I talked to Chad and added the rear zipper window.

[Papa]

Another "top" tip ... give the thumb screws that hold the header to the windshield a twist every time you get in the car! I had the driver's side screw back out while driving once -- I thought I was going to lose the top or destroy the windshield before I was able to stop and re-attach it.

[Ducky2009]

Has anyone ever installed the soft top with Kirkey high back seats? I'm concerned about the shoulder wings on the seat protruding out too far. Thanks

[steno]

Do your Kirkeys extend out of the cockpit? If not you won’t have a problem!