MK5 intel

[Myron Nelson]

Do any insiders, beta builders, or bald faced liars have any intel on MK5 tops either hard or soft?
I purchased my kit roughly one year ago and am just a couple of weeks out from being done (yes I know that they are never truly done). At that time it was said (I will stop short of saying promised), that the hard top would be available “before the end of the year” and the soft top shortly thereafter.
Now the “end of the year” mantra is being repeated even though we have crossed over into a new year.
Like anyone, I would prefer the engineering to be done well versus fast, but it would be nice to know where they are for planning purposes. I suspect that the windows are the biggest stumbling block.
As an aside, when I purchased I was 90% hard and 10% soft, but after careful consideration, I am favoring soft now for functionality and cost.
Thanks.

[michael everson]

I heard that Rod tops is back in business. Maybe look them up for a soft top.
Mike

[Dave Howard]

I heard that Rod tops is back in business. Maybe look them up for a soft top.
Mike

FFR used to offer a doozy of a premium soft top made by Rod Tops. I bought one for my 2012 MkIV/Coyote build. Fit perfect. No unsiightly push buttons on the fiberglass body. Just two small threaded buttons behind each door. We still use it every year. More for keeping warm on early morning cold drives to an event, or to get out of blistering sun on highway drives. We try to avoid rain. But on those occasions, the Rod Top is a solid 98% for keeping water out.

[Myron Nelson]

I looked up Rod’s tops and their offerings were limited to MK’s 1-3

[narly1]

I looked up Rod’s tops and their offerings were limited to MK’s 1-3

But new owners now. IMO it's worth a call.

Earl

[michael everson]

They definitely make one for the Mark 4. Mark 4 and 5 are the same in that area so it will fit that as well.
Mike

[Myron Nelson]

Thanks. I'm in Fiji at the moment but will check into it. How do they handle windows?
I'm fine waiting for something in-house. I would just appreciate more info on what their plans and timelines are. I believe they took the hardtop to SEMA but without windows.

[FFinisher]

But new owners now. IMO it's worth a call.

Earl

I will be installing a Rod Tops Top on my MKV in the next month or so. I am told there is no reason it won't fit.

[Myron Nelson]

I am going to call them on Monday. How do they incorporate windows and how much dinero for the whole package?

[Blitzboy54]

They were like $3500 ish. But the at was a couple years ago. I’m sure that’s gone up.

Here is an installation video FFR put out shows how it’s installed. My understanding is once fitted it takes 10-15 minutes to install.




https://youtu.be/jwvtEutfGqY?si=bikSUIGoytnNlyuM

[Blitzboy54]

Pt 2


https://youtu.be/BnL-JRQ2oXg?si=gZDpmXO-0l54XQzd

[Myron Nelson]

Cool thank you!

[Stangrob]

They were like $3500 ish. But the at was a couple years ago. I’m sure that’s gone up.

Here is an installation video FFR put out shows how it’s installed. My understanding is once fitted it takes 10-15 minutes to install.




https://youtu.be/jwvtEutfGqY?si=bikSUIGoytnNlyuM

Boy that's a nicely engineered piece!!! I wish they gave more shots of it installed but from what I could see it looks "right". I'm not sure if it would fit my 289 FIA car but it would definitely add some piece of mind if you wanted to take your car on a long trip.

Rob

[Myron Nelson]

I have communicated with Gil at Speedanddesign who took over the tops from Rod Tops.
At this point they only have tops designed for MK4’s and have two in stock (made two years ago) ready to ship.
They have been assured from FFR that the top dimensions are identical between the 4s and the 5s.
If I needed a top right away this is what I would have done, but I want a top with custom stitching that matches my interior and I don't need the top right away.
I spoke with FFR and they said that they are “close” to deciding on a supplier for their tops and are evaluating one right now. It may or may not be Speedanddesign.
I have decided to wait to see what FFR comes up with and compare with what’s available at that time.

[Stangrob]

I have communicated with Gil at Speedanddesign who took over the tops from Rod Tops.
At this point they only have tops designed for MK4’s and have two in stock (made two years ago) ready to ship.
They have been assured from FFR that the top dimensions are identical between the 4s and the 5s.
If I needed a top right away this is what I would have done, but I want a top with custom stitching that matches my interior and I don't need the top right away.
I spoke with FFR and they said that they are “close” to deciding on a supplier for their tops and are evaluating one right now. It may or may not be Speedanddesign.
I have decided to wait to see what FFR comes up with and compare with what’s available at that time.

Out of curiosity did you get any pricing info from them for the Mk4 tops? Just curious ;)

Rob

[John4337]

Here's my Mk4 with the Rod Top. We've had it for years and its a quality item that just works.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=226404&d=1772741590

[Stangrob]

Thanks! I was hoping someone would post a picture of their car with the top on. The installation video, while very helpful, didn't show the finished product.

Rob

[Avalanche325]

When I got mine I got quarter windows and a zip down rear window as extras. Well worth the extra cost if they still do that.

[Stangrob]

So, I have to ask - has anyone used one of the Rod Tops on a 289 FIA car? I don't know if the spot on the body where the top sits is the same between the "regular" roadster and the 289 FIA car (but I'm going to check with FF). If they are the same this would be a great thing to add - would give the car a longer range in regard to weather.

Rob

[Myron Nelson]

The price that I was quoted for a MK4 top was $4800 which, all things considered, seems reasonable.
Now then. I am going to go out on a limb here and offer an opinion that may upset some folks. I have no direct insider knowledge of what I am about to opine upon.
One thing that is established is that dimensionally, the MK4 top will fit on a MK5.
However, we all know that FFR engineering went to great lengths to lower the seats in the frame and lower the top profile by raking back the roll bars. One of the reasons given in the marketing material was to give the car a racier, sexier, more sleek look when a top is added. Judging from the picture, I am conjecturing that what FFR peeps want is a top that uses the lower clearance to give a sleeker look vs a stodgier boxier look of previous interpretations. Say Porche or even Miata vs say Morgan etc.
I too would like the lower sleeker look that the changes made to the MK5 can accommodate, therefore, I am waiting to see what FFR comes up with. The whole car is about aesthetics and it is amazing what just a couple of inches sleeker can do for a car’s looks.
I hope I'm right. Time will tell.

[Myron Nelson]

Porsche, I was torn between S and C before remembering it was both.

[Jeff Kleiner]

The "racier, sexier, more sleek look when a top was added" talk is directed at a hardtop. The Rod Tops profile looks "right" for a soft top but that same profile in a hard top doesn't. It probably doesn't make sense FFR or whoever might resurrect the Rod Tops soft top to tool up and produce 2 separate products; one for Mk4 and another for Mk5 when a Mk4 version could be used on either.

Jeff

[Myron Nelson]

Jeff, I appreciate your perspective but respectfully disagree.
Looking at a strict profile outline of a MK5, there should be no appreciable difference between a hard or soft top at the roofline. Yes the aft section extends further back, but the roof profile should be the same.
IMO, If FFR were pleased with the aesthetic of a mk4 top on a mk5, they would have already signed a supplier contract with Gill and be shipping out, especially since they are already behind their original schedule.
Instead they are looking and testing “other options”
Time will tell.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Jeff, I appreciate your perspective but respectfully disagree.
Looking at a strict profile outline of a MK5, there should be no appreciable difference between a hard or soft top at the roofline. Yes the aft section extends further back, but the roof profile should be the same..


Myron, There's more to it than that. In the case of FFR's new Mk5 hardtop there absolutely is a difference in it's profile. The windshield is higher which in conjunction with the lower roll bars (which are made possible by the lower cockpit floor) allows the top line to make a sloping curve downward all the way from front to back. I worked with FFR refining the Mk5 body during the design/prototype/design process and one of the key elements was that the hardtop roofline didn't have to go upward to the roll bars before it could slope down. With the standard roadster windshield that is not possible.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=226423&d=1772806907

Jeff

226423

[Myron Nelson]

Everyone. The quote I was given for the MK4 top was $3800 not $4800. Sorry for the confusion. I've had several numbers of several projects in my head lately.

Jeff. That is good info on the windshield, but it still doesn't negate the fact that the rear two bows of the MK4 top are higher than they need to be for the modified Mk5 roll bars, and for whatever reason FFR isn't promoting that readily available option to their customers as of a few days ago. Lots of MK5 kits, including mine, are getting to the point where those decisions need to be made.

[Jeff Kleiner]

... FFR isn't promoting that readily available option to their customers as of a few days ago....

What "readily available option" is it that you're speaking of?

Jeff

[Myron Nelson]

>>What readily available design?<<

The original Rod Tops design that has been off the market for about two years but has now been taken over by Speedanddesign. They offered immediate shipment of previously fabricated MK4 kits.

[Jeff Kleiner]

>>What readily available design?<<

The original Rod Tops design that has been off the market for about two years but has now been taken over by Speedanddesign. They offered immediate shipment of previously fabricated MK4 kits.

Can you please share website or contact info?

Jeff

[J R Jones]

There is a company in Nashville by that name that does hot rod interiors. Goggle it, they have a Facebook page.
jim

[DW66]

For anyone that questions the Rod Tops design and quality it is very very good. I think I might have one of the last ones from Rod Tops when Chad was there. My top is honestly on more than its off as my wife and I do longer trips and like the overhead coverage. My top probably has 12K mikes on it and many with the windows in. I also have the Breeze roll bar so there would be plenty of room to lower my top but I feel that it would get claustrophobic in the cabin. I get compliments about my top most everywhere I go. I personally think Rod Tops nailed it with the design and shape. Hopefully the new owners can continue the quality.
Dave

226426

[Myron Nelson]

Jeff,

Since he’s in business to sell tops I don’t think that he’ll mind.

Gil Vigil
Rod Tops
Speed & Design LLC
505-480-3461

[steno]

That top is a piece of art! I love mine and use it for long trips and crappy weather!

[Doublemyv]

Hi Guys, I spoke to Gil Vigil on Wednesday March 11 to ask about a custom "Rod Tops" for my FormaCars stretch MK4. I asked if the custom stretched top could be made this year ? NO was his answer, as he is still moving equipment from Rod Tops to his shop in Nashville, and has about 130 backorders to fill before he considers any custom stretch tops. Nice guy, straight answers. I'm looking forward to working with him in 2027. Mark

[Fuel an]

I made a separate post, but bought one of his tops in stock Thursday. Great communication and the top arrived today, less than 4 days.