Hardtops

Merv and Sharon · #1 (**permalink**) 06-12-2009, 12:24 AM

Can anyone tell me which cars (CR, DRB, etc.) have hardtops available? Also, if not available (like my Harrison), can one be made and how might this be done? Any pics of hardtops and their modes of attachment to the body would be much appreciated. Advice on insulation between the 'top and the body could also be useful.

I seem to recall seeing a Harrison with a hardtop some where ...

Merv

strida · #2 (**permalink**) 06-12-2009, 01:02 AM

Hi Merv,
If you go to the Snakebite site and scroll down the categories you will find soft tops and hard tops listed for the different manufacturers including Harrison.

regards, Dennis

Merv and Sharon · #3 (**permalink**) 06-12-2009, 01:19 AM

Yes Dennis - just now noticed that. I was wondering how much adjustment is needed and if anyone has done that?

Merv

Rebel1 · #4 (**permalink**) 06-12-2009, 01:41 AM

Merv, Funny you should ask.

I am currently working on a hardtop for my RMC, which of course is the same as a Harrison.

My hardtop started as a Homebush (... shhh Homebush is also a flopped RMC) but I didn't like it. You know what happens when you don't like something on your cobra ... you re-make it.

All hardtops involve a LOT of work to fit and you will need be comfortable in fibreglass laminating.

Actually, what might be better for you is there is a cobra owner in your neck of the woods who only recently took a basic mold off my hardtop.

I do have this fellows contact and I will seek permission to pass on his details.

Give me a call if you still have my number.

Cheers

stumpeater · #5 (**permalink**) 06-12-2009, 10:20 PM

Merv, I thought you lived in Queensland?"Beautiful one day, Perfect the next" It's only us Mexicans that should need one of them, (Plus a heater)!

Shelby400 · #6 (**permalink**) 06-12-2009, 11:12 PM

Homebush is actually flopped off an Arntz Butler.

Merv and Sharon · #7 (**permalink**) 06-12-2009, 11:46 PM

Occasionally we need protection from ALL that sun! Not that we have seen much lately. One can hope ...

I am in Norway this week and if this is summer ..... geez!

What you say sounds interesting Les and I'll give you a call next week. I am pretty handy with fibreglass and have built several boats, canoes, and repaired and modified quite a few.

Far better than my welding skills!

Merv

Rebel1 · #8 (**permalink**) 06-13-2009, 12:53 AM

PM with contact details sent Merv.

Rob. Smith · #9 (**permalink**) 06-13-2009, 02:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rebel1

Merv, Funny you should ask.

I am currently working on a hardtop for my RMC, which of course is the same as a Harrison.

My hardtop started as a Homebush (... shhh Homebush is also a flopped RMC) but I didn't like it. You know what happens when you don't like something on your cobra ... you re-make it.

All hardtops involve a LOT of work to fit and you will need be comfortable in fibreglass laminating.

Actually, what might be better for you is there is a cobra owner in your neck of the woods who only recently took a basic mold off my hardtop.

I do have this fellows contact and I will seek permission to pass on his details.

Give me a call if you still have my number.

Cheers

G'Day Rebel.. I've got an RMC and would be interested in a hardtop later on.
Can you pass on some info please ?

Rebel1 · #10 (**permalink**) 06-13-2009, 02:28 AM

Rob, What exactly would you like to know?.

I'll PM you my number if/when you want to chat.

aussiecoupe · #11 (**permalink**) 06-13-2009, 03:42 PM

Hi Merv , I have seen a number of hardtops used and they have surved there owners well but the only problem they have all had is when on a long hall like the Nationals and the sun is out they cannot enjoy the open top. They also take up a lot of room at the house and motel rooms .

Heidelberg · #12 (**permalink**) 06-13-2009, 05:32 PM

Hi Merv,

I know that Superformance do a hard top as well...Cameron Parsons's SPF has one...maybe he and others could post some photo's for comparison of styles?

Regards...Paul

Rebel1 · #13 (**permalink**) 06-13-2009, 05:46 PM

Paul, The Superformance hard top is one nice looking unit.

I'm planning on a rear window similar to the wrap around superformance one.

I've just got to find Cameron's car to get that window.

Merv and Sharon · #14 (**permalink**) 06-14-2009, 04:50 PM

Thanks Paul and others. Some pics would greatly help me and others of the 'tops and the fittings to screen and rear if possible.

Are you saying Les that I should make one from a mould rather than buying and RMC one?

Merv

sambo · #15 (**permalink**) 06-14-2009, 05:08 PM

Merv, I think I've posted links to this hardtop before, but it's worth another look. By far the 'trickiest' setup I've seen. He quoted 1000 pounds for shipping to Australia! Go you halves in a container?

http://v8cobra.com/hardtop.html

http://www.v8cobra.com/images/h_top/IMG_1733.jpg

Sambo

Cameron Parsons · #16 (**permalink**) 06-14-2009, 10:23 PM

Here are some photo's for you... I hope this is useful.

Hardtop on for last years Nationals..

Profile

Rear 3/4 view

Tension Clips at windscreen edges

Another view showing the angle and leading lip of the hardtop, this sits over the screen top.

the top is secured by the two clips at the front and two through bolts on each side at the rear door post.

Merv and Sharon · #17 (**permalink**) 06-16-2009, 06:16 PM

Many thanks Cameron - these are extremely useful.

I am, however, confused about where to go with this. A hardtop for the Harrison 'could' (it seems) be adapted from the CR version (if available?) but a good deal of work would be needed to fabricate it, front and rear. It would also need to be lined internally. Also, it is best to do these things BEFORE painting I gather, to avoid scratching. Further, the hard top has limitations in use, storage and removal. I had one before on an MGA and a Merc SL. Great if you are going to leave it on for sustained periods.

So a softtop? I am told that there are no longer available any bows and frames for the Harrison through Snakebite or Warwick Harrison. No more are being made at this stage. One would need to be specially fabricated. I guess I could try to borrow one and get a copy made?

This is becoming an unexpected problem!

Merv

Cameron Parsons · #18 (**permalink**) 06-16-2009, 06:36 PM

Merv,

Storage is really easy for mine. I just use 2 rubber hooks on the garage wall and hang it by the rear rim like art

I have been doing that for years and there is zero distortion in the lid. I takes up very little room in the garage.

Would also look great in a bar/pool room..

Sorry I can't assist with the soft top. But in my experience, I have had the hardtop on way more often than the soft top. In fact I have only put the soft top on twice, but I do carry it with me most of the time.

Cameron

SoTxButler · #19 (**permalink**) 06-16-2009, 07:35 PM

Here is a Butler hard top. It is fiberglass and molded with simulated bows and a soft-top fabric like finish.

Merv and Sharon · #20 (**permalink**) 06-17-2009, 03:52 AM

Amazing Russ! Looks good too. I wonder if I cannot get a soft top frame for a Harrison Cobra if one from (say) a DRB would fit with adapting? Has anyone had any experience of this?

Merv