AC Cobra Hardtops

Gene_J · #1 (**permalink**) 02-26-2011, 09:34 PM

Got caught in the rain while driving my little supercar. After getting soaked I quickly discovered what an unpleasant experience being cold and wet is.

Then I tried getting a hard top because that experience brought visions of heat and A/C as well. What I found was an unacceptable waiting period.

Went to the phone; called some friends in the plastics industry (yes Mr. Robinson was right) and found making tops was not a big deal and not as expensive as I thought. So I started thinking: what shape, how much and how many. . . .

But before I get ahead of myself, does everyone wait for a sunny day to drive these little cars or am I just out-of-step?

Assuming I am not the only one in this pickle, which top designs are the best?

db replicas · #2 (**permalink**) 02-27-2011, 03:35 AM

Hi.
There are plenty of hardtops out there, the "Search" finction should pull up plenty of results.

mr bruce · #3 (**permalink**) 02-27-2011, 04:12 AM

http://www.clubcobra.com/classifieds...uct=3553&cat=2

mdross1 · #4 (**permalink**) 02-27-2011, 05:25 AM

Drive my car whenever the mood strikes.When building, the final touches were the soft top and tonneau.Water will still migrate in because it is what it is but by no means do you get soaked.One of the reasons why my floors are painted rather than carpet.Both work great but now need a hardtop just to feel like the car is as complete as it will ever be.I believe Ape Products has the top I want.Good Luck

kayakjack · #5 (**permalink**) 02-27-2011, 05:32 AM

I have a hardtop for my Superformance. With the sliding side curtains it keeps the car pretty dry in rain. But the big benefit for me is it allows me to use the car on cold winter days. The heater along with the top really works well.

I am considering putting it on for the really hot months - July, August. It is unbearable in the mid-day sun during those months. Top up with no sidecurtains would make it OK.

I actually do not like the look of the car with the top on. If it wasn't for the heat/cold/rain I would never put it on. But heat/cold/rain are part of living on this planet.

Jack

Dwight · #6 (**permalink**) 02-27-2011, 05:53 AM

here is a hard top for sale but it pricie, comes with the Cobra

Dwight

http://www.clubcobra.com/classifieds...uct=3552&cat=2

Dwight · #7 (**permalink**) 02-27-2011, 06:01 AM

sometimes your lucky when it rains

mrmustang · #8 (**permalink**) 02-27-2011, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gene_J

Got caught in the rain while driving my little supercar. After getting soaked I quickly discovered what an unpleasant experience being cold and wet is.

Then I tried getting a hard top because that experience brought visions of heat and A/C as well. What I found was an unacceptable waiting period.

Went to the phone; called some friends in the plastics industry (yes Mr. Robinson was right) and found making tops was not a big deal and not as expensive as I thought. So I started thinking: what shape, how much and how many. . . .

But before I get ahead of myself, does everyone wait for a sunny day to drive these little cars or am I just out-of-step?

Assuming I am not the only one in this pickle, which top designs are the best?

Cobra owners (most of us) get caught in the rain quite frequently, as long as you are going 34mph or faster the water goes over the windshield and over your head. Once you go below that, you will get wet.

As for hardtops, most owners (even when the cars where new) found them to be bulky and hard to remove at a moments notice. When traveling long distance they did not afford for any "fun in the sun"and were usually left at home unused in the garage. Of course some used the soft top, but like most British designs, it was only marginally sufficient at keeping the rain out of the passenger compartment. If you are planning a mass produced run of tops, you'll find a truly limited audience, once which may not cover your initial engineering and production costs.

Bill S.

Cashburn · #9 (**permalink**) 02-27-2011, 07:54 AM

Gene,
What make of replica do you own?

azfordman · #10 (**permalink**) 02-27-2011, 08:43 AM

I wanted a hard top for just the opposite reason...the thought of being baked by the sun on 100+ degree days was not something I was looking forward to. I have had the top off about half the time during this winter, great topless cruising around town, but great to have it on for longer cruises especially on the highway. The noise reduction at highway speeds is dramatic. Perhaps it is just my car, but I have never experienced any of the heat problems from the engine to the cockpit that I have heard about. With two front clips and two bolts in the rear, I can have the top on or off in under 5 minutes by myself. Hope this helps.

Bryan Anderson · #11 (**permalink**) 02-27-2011, 11:16 AM

here is a B&B hardtop that we are putting on a turnkey car right now just to give you an Idea of what ours looks like.

Gene_J · #12 (**permalink**) 02-27-2011, 01:39 PM

Dave,

I’m assuming you're located on the other side of the pond. I have noticed Cobra tops seem much more plentiful and varied where you are. Of course, that may also be attributed to the weather because the bulk of replica Cobras in the US are located in the Sun Belt. Many of the UK Cobra replicas also seem to have more luxurious interiors than the cars here.

That being said, my concern was I could only locate several hardtop manufacturers in the US; all of whom told me their lead time is 4 – 6 weeks. By that time I won’t need a hardtop. I'll need sunscreen!

Thanks,
Gene
--------------------------------------------
Jack,

I believe your Superformance hardtop is made by APE Products.

Yes, in the Southwest the late spring and summers can get hot so a top is a nice antiskin cancer tool.

Thanks,
Gene
-----------------------------------------

Dwight,

That is a copy of the Cobra Dragon Snake top.

“In 1964, Carroll Shelby's A.C. Cobras dominated the American road racing scene. The Shelby American racing team and independent Cobras won every race they competed in. Shelby had intended the Cobras to be street cars and road racers. Ford wasn't interested in drag racing and therefore neither was Shelby American. Along the way, a few of Shelby's employees convinced him to furnish them a 289 Cobra to build a drag car. They called it the DragonSnake.”

It’s a hardtop, but not too aerodynamic. I want to use my little car as a driver and I do lots of freeway driving.

Thanks,
Gene
--------------------------------------------
Bill,

Yes, during my jaunt in the rain storm I was torn between getting soaked and hydroplaning. Because of traffic concerns I chose the former as I didn’t want to slide under an 18 wheeler.

I was told a well made hardtop goes on and comes off faster than a convertible top.

There must be something else going on here Bill. Do most owners believe using a top is a Mortal Sin or is their supercar in the garage most of the time?

Thanks,
Gene

Bryan Anderson · #13 (**permalink**) 02-27-2011, 01:48 PM

I have the tops In stock so it would just be a matter of a few days to make a crate and ship we get 1500 for a top with rear window and all the mounting hardware, 1750 uif you want the side curtains

Gene_J · #14 (**permalink**) 02-27-2011, 01:59 PM

Mr Bruce,

Does your hardtop come with all the fittings (less side curtains) and weatherstripping?

How leak proof is the windshield area?

What windshield angle does it fit best?

Which wheel base replica (90-94-96) will it fit most securely?

How do you handle the "dead air" in the back?

How soon can one be ready to go?

Thanks,
Gene

Gene_J · #15 (**permalink**) 02-27-2011, 02:01 PM

Bryan,

Do you have any additional photos?

Thanks,
Gene

Bryan Anderson · #16 (**permalink**) 02-27-2011, 02:38 PM

yes the top comes with molding that goes all the way around the bottom of the top and seals great against the body, it has the chrome buttons for the body, the rear plexiglass window and molding, the clamps that hook to the windshield everything but the side curtains are included, our car is a 90" wheel base the angle of your windshield might need to be change a little to fit the curve of the hardtop. I could have everything put together and ready to go by the end of the week. you can go over to www.bandbroadster.com and go into the owners group photo section and see more hardtop. let me Know If I can get you anything else

SoTxButler · #17 (**permalink**) 02-27-2011, 03:08 PM

Gene,

These are some photos of my hardtop

RET_COP · #18 (**permalink**) 02-27-2011, 04:53 PM

I like my Hardtop for early spring and fall. Sometimes on long afternoon car shows the hardtop protects the interior from sun. All in all I'm glad I have a choice.
Lou

Gene_J · #19 (**permalink**) 02-27-2011, 06:59 PM

SoTxButler,

Now that is a clever approach!!

Gene

mrmustang · #20 (**permalink**) 02-27-2011, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gene_J

Got caught in the rain while driving my little supercar. After getting soaked I quickly discovered what an unpleasant experience being cold and wet is.

Then I tried getting a hard top because that experience brought visions of heat and A/C as well. What I found was an unacceptable waiting period.

Went to the phone; called some friends in the plastics industry (yes Mr. Robinson was right) and found making tops was not a big deal and not as expensive as I thought. So I started thinking: what shape, how much and how many. . . .

But before I get ahead of myself, does everyone wait for a sunny day to drive these little cars or am I just out-of-step?

Assuming I am not the only one in this pickle, which top designs are the best?

You might have missed the question buried in previous posts, but I believe someone asked which car (real or kit) you have? Not all tops will fit all cars out of the box.

Bill S.