Hard top

calSRQ · #1 (**permalink**) 08-31-2013, 08:30 PM

My FFR cobra came with an APE hard top that was never mounted. I also have a rod tops soft top- also not mounted. Original builder just couldn't drill the body...though he did an incredible job finishing the hard top to match the car. Hard top gives a cool different look to car but just doesn't seem practical to me (especially given I live in Florida). I'm sure I could engineer so hard top can be mounted with the same rear anchor points as soft top - I just don't ever see using the hard top. I also don't want to get rid of a matched top on a whim, but as a newbie am I looking at this wrong? From some of the other posts seems like few use hardtops. I could store it -plenty of room...but hate storing something for years I never end up using.

Thanks for any input.

Cal

LMH · #2 (**permalink**) 08-31-2013, 10:26 PM

Depends on where you live and the weather. If you get a lot of rain or it's cold, you may find you like having the top.
At any case, I would probably keep it even if it's not used. Someday, you'll sell the car and it might be worth a little more with both tops.
Larry

Dwight · #3 (**permalink**) 09-01-2013, 06:24 AM

I live in North Alabama and we can drive all year long with a hard top. I can find a buyer for your top if you want to sell.

Do you have pictures?

Dwight Frye algunruner@aol.com

Dwight · #4 (**permalink**) 09-01-2013, 06:26 AM

one I installed this B&B top for a friend.

Dwight · #5 (**permalink**) 09-01-2013, 06:28 AM

this is an Ape top on a Hurricane, Coach Mike's

Dwight · #6 (**permalink**) 09-01-2013, 06:30 AM

Coach Mike's first Cobra was a FFR with the Ape top.

427 sam · #7 (**permalink**) 09-01-2013, 09:55 AM

Hi with the UK weather i have to say my top is used on a regular basis, love it winter and during rainy summer days. regards Sam

windy · #8 (**permalink**) 09-01-2013, 10:49 AM

Keep the top handy. As a fellow Floridian, I have frequently considered adding a hard top during my last 7 years of Cobra ownership. If you also happen to have a/c, you will significantly expand your driving season in Florida. As you have found by now, daytime driving in a convertible can get too hot very quickly without the shade of a top. I have a soft top, but the soft top is not exactly confidence-inspiring over 70 mph...

calSRQ · #9 (**permalink**) 09-01-2013, 11:28 AM

Thanks for the input - yes my car has ac by vintage air. Hopefully I can figure out a way to use the soft top clevis mounts to secure the hard top too in order to minimize the holes in the body....

MotorcityCobra · #10 (**permalink**) 09-01-2013, 02:01 PM

I'm in process of building my cobra, but I too have the hard top, soft top, and I'm including AC. My thought is to make an adapter for the soft top to utilize the hard top mount points. Haven't gotten to the point of designing it yet, but seems like it would work.

calSRQ · #11 (**permalink**) 09-01-2013, 08:48 PM

I plan on spending time tomorrow installing the soft top. Not sure yet but looks like the hard top might line up with soft top clevis mounts, or be close enough. Original hard top (purchased in 2002) came with large C clamps to secure back....clamps about 2" rear of door latch and they are a PITA. I barely have any room to work the clamp under the lip of the body...and it scares me that I'll crack the fiberglass lip. I'll post some pics as it might help you in your build.

MotorcityCobra · #12 (**permalink**) 09-03-2013, 06:47 PM

Thanks. I'd appreciate it.

Dwight · #13 (**permalink**) 09-25-2013, 05:51 PM

wrong thread

mdross1 · #14 (**permalink**) 09-26-2013, 03:44 AM

Wanted a hardtop for our car was told could not set it up for both tops. It's understandable with the row of pins and the hardtop utilizing the same real estate.