Hardtops

[Tenrocca]

I reckon Les in right in that there is no one size fits all for hardtops even for the same make unless its a factory car. Im sure my windscreen is on a slighty different rake to just about every other CR out there. Buy something close to what you like and adapt - fibreglass work is not that difficult.

The hard soft top looks OK - but if your going to have a hard top then shouldnt it be smooth? Soft tops can look dicky IMO so why makea hard top that looks like one?

The daytona style looks awesome - Thast what I would put on mine if I go that way eventually - maybe get a homebush one and modify.

Cheers

[Merv and Sharon]

I am quite happy to do the fibreglass work and I am quite useful in that area but I was also thinking of a soft top as well and if there are none made for the Harrison ... adapting one from another maker maybe an option. That may be equally problematic, however.

Merv

[SoTxButler]

Merv, I am sure almost any can be adapted. Needless to say, the bodies are all a little different (windshield rake, etc.). This top attaches with two clips on the windshield and two clamps behind the seat. It seals against the body with a rubber gasket.

The top shown is mine being fitted on another Butler at Ron Butler's place. I will be painting mine black to match my car. I am told to put some diatomaceous earth in the paint and the result will be dulled, flat and have a fabric like finish....sort of like texturing a wall.

Anyway, good luck.

[Rebel1]

Merv, I'm away with work at the moment so don't have access to my pictures etc.

The number I sent for Steve will give you a good starting point for a hardtop.

As to a soft top, I have a set of bows/screen channels for the RMC you can copy.

[Merv and Sharon]

Thanks again Les. I will call Steve today.

Thanks also Russ, you have been most helpful.

I seem to be aiming at a soft top and making a hard top. I did see this one, but was not convinced: http://www3.sympatico.ca/cobraboy/hardtop.htm


Merv

[Rebel1]

Merv, You may not be able to contact Steve until after hours.

Starting with the basic molding you should be able to construct a top not unlike Cameron's.

Cheers
Les

[Merv and Sharon]

Thanks Les. Have chatted with Steve and we are going to make two hardtops in a month or so from his mould that will fit our extended body Harrisons. Should be fun!

Merv

[Rebel1]

That's great Merv.

When I get back to Brissy I'll send you some pics of where mine is at.

Before I left on this trip I managed to re-do the front channel (top of windscreen seal) and glassed the back flange to a perfect body shape.

Now it's just getting the side window shape right.

[SoTxButler]

Merv,

Post pics so that we can all see the new tops. Good Luck

[Merv and Sharon]

Thanks Les and will do Russ when I get some!

Cheers,,

[Merv and Sharon]

Cameron - any pics of the inside of yours (thinking about sound insulation) and the front or rear edges?

Merv

[WKB]

Hi Merv,
The photo below is my hardtop. It was built by Homebush Fibreglass to suit the extended Harrison. Since then there has been modifications to ensure it fits correctly. The underneath has been coated with a resin and microscopic balls(can't remember the correct name for them) mixture to thickness of about 2mm thick to act as an insulation.
The back window is what Homebsh fits. If you are going to build one and fit a rear window like the SPF I think there is someone in the club with a mould to manufacture this type of window.


Warren

[Merv and Sharon]

Thanks Warren. It is amazing what is happening out there. You have done a great job with that. Homebush Fibreglass - when did they do it? Seems a neat moulding.

Merv

[Cameron Parsons]

Sorry Merv,

I'm in transit relocating from China to the US and all I have is the photo's in my album.

The inside has a cushioned insulation, neoprene would give the same type of finish.

The front is a channel with a rubber moulding that fits very snug over the windscreen top edge. The rear has a large soft rubber seal (about 1" thick) that sits on the rear sill. I used a clear 3M tape to prevent marking the paint and after years it's still good. The top is very closely contoured to the body.

One note. Hardtops are NOT quieter, in fact it's louder than having the top off. You get the sound both captured in the cabin and transmitted though the top like a speaker. but for long distance driving and when the rain is coming down, it's brilliant.

I can get you some when I get to the US in a few weeks

Cameron

[Merv and Sharon]

No, this helps Cameron. Some pics later would be helpful. I have had 3 hardtops on other cars and with the exception of the old Merc (steel, heavy and well insulated) they were all noisier than having no top. All were quieter than the equivalent soft top, however.

Hope the US move goes well and that the US immigration guys are nice. When we moved to live in upstate NY in 2006 we had no hassles as all the paperwork had been done months before.

Cheers,

Merv

[Cameron Parsons]

Thanks Merv, this will be our second US tour. But this time I am definitely bringing back more than hand luggage

What took you to NY?

Cameron

[Merv and Sharon]

I was visiting professor at the Rochester Institute of Technology and Rochester U.

Merv

[Cameron Parsons]

Wow, good for you Merv,

the only way I got near a Uni was as a Visitor

Don't be a stranger if you get to Wisconsin.

Cameron

[Merv and Sharon]

It was a lovely part of the US but the wind off those lakes in Fall would make a Cobra hard to use for more than few miles - without a hard top and serious heating. Fantastic people up there and Toronto is close. You will be close to the lakes as well there I suspect. Fantastic sailing as they are so deep.

Merv

[Merv and Sharon]

Some pics of hardtops and fittings.

Merv