HARDTOP for MK4: Mr. Bruce or Precision Composites (NEE A.P.E)?

[Jeff's First FFR]

Hello all,
I hope the heat finds you well and working in an air-conditioned garage.
I am considering a hardtop for my MK4 instead of a soft top because it is half the price (!) Anyone have any experience with either Mr. Bruce or Precision Composites (nee A.P.E.)? Fit/finish? Weather protection? Ease of installation? Anything?
Thank you in advance,
Jeff

[Jeff Kleiner]

I did body and paint on Mk4 which included an APE/Precision Composites Hardtop. Although the manufacturer sold and represented it as being for a Mk4 (as can be seen from the label glassed into the top) it was not even remotely close to fitting. I had to cut it apart, reshape and modify, re 'glass and then finish the scars left from the surgery. In the end it all turned out well but it was FAR from "plug and play" and required a lot of hours to make it work (hours that the owner had to pay me for so keep that in mind when you're thinking "half the price"!)

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=173354&d=1664984635

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=173357&d=1664984635

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=173358&d=1664984635

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=173356&d=1664984635

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=173355&d=1664984635

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=173359&d=1664985804

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=173360&d=1664986689

Just an FYI before you proceed.

Jeff

[CraigS]

That looks like my APE top that I bought way before the MkIVs existed. I did the drop butt mod on my MkII which gave a rear shape similar to a MkIV. I closed that gap w/ foam insulation.
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I made the rear window easily removable so the top was always on the car. Side and rear windows in or out depending on the weather. BTW the rear side windows I added were a huge improvement.
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