Soft Top from Rod Tops

B&B-Cobra · #1 (**permalink**) 01-07-2013, 08:03 AM

Thought I'd share another soft top option if any of you are thinking of going this route. My dad and I are planning to do the Hot Rod Power Tour this year along with some longer trips and we wanted to have a soft top as a backup. In our opinion, we never liked the look of the snaps on the fiberglass and were looking for a cleaner finish. We toured the Factory Five plant a while back and saw their new roadster with a soft top from Rod Tops. Great quality and it didn't use any snaps, just a turnbuckle system to make the frame rigid (the pics should show how it works). I'm 6'2" and I have about 3" of headroom with the liner.

At any rate, Rod Tops needed to make a mold for the B&B shell to create a soft top, so my dad drove the Cobra to Michigan and they made a mold along with the top. We're very happy with the craftsmanship and they were great to work with. Now that they have a mold for B&B, you can just call them up and they'll make it for you. Of course, you get what you pay for and the top will be about twice as much as the B&B option - but, you'd have to call to get an exact quote.

Website - ROD TOPS - Hot Rod Convertible Top Systems & Accessories (phone # 888-ROD-TOPS)

Grubby · #2 (**permalink**) 01-07-2013, 08:20 PM

Do you plan to do the whole tour? My wife and I have done two legs each of the last two years.

This year will be three legs.

First year was without a top and the second with a soft top in the trunk. It rained both years. This year the side windows will be in the trunk to.

John

B&B-Cobra · #3 (**permalink**) 01-07-2013, 08:54 PM

Yes, we're planning to be "long haulers" and do the complete tour. We figured it's convenient since it's starting in Texas this year, which is where the car is now. After it finishes in Charlotte, we'll drive it back to upstate NY so my dad can enjoy it for awhile. You'll have to PM which legs you're planning on doing and maybe we'll find each other somehow.

lnfletcher · #4 (**permalink**) 01-08-2013, 12:51 PM

Does the top store ok in the trunk?
Any holes at all?

Looks nice.

Grubby · #5 (**permalink**) 01-09-2013, 04:19 PM

I will be at the Memphis, Birmingham and Chattanooga legs. That means I will be sitting at the show in Memphis when you arrive.

Look for my car when you drive in.

John

B&B-Cobra · #6 (**permalink**) 01-09-2013, 06:21 PM

Hey Larry, it does fit in the trunk with no problem - with a little room left over. There are only 2 holes drilled in the fiberglass right behind the doors, kind of hard to see in the photos. But you can see where the post comes down right behind where the door closes. It does look sharp, I haven't had a chance to use it yet at highway speeds yet - it's always sunny in Texas!

John, I will definitely look for you in Memphis. Hopefully, our soft tops will stay in the trunk this year!

-Matt

NFLDMNBB · #7 (**permalink**) 03-28-2013, 08:27 AM

I called Rod Tops this morning to see what they get for the complete set including side curtains. It's $3,395. Would really like to have it but I have to really consider how much I really need it at that price.

Mach 1 Fan · #8 (**permalink**) 03-28-2013, 09:12 AM

When an where will your group be in Charlotte? I live nearby in Greensboro.

Michael

DonC · #9 (**permalink**) 03-28-2013, 04:17 PM

Looks kind of like the FFR top being offered now.
DonC

Jaydee · #10 (**permalink**) 03-28-2013, 10:43 PM

Would it look odd, if you had a soft top like a canopy on a ski boat. only the roof and no rear window. Enough to keep out the rain and sun?
JD

DonC · #11 (**permalink**) 03-29-2013, 08:35 AM

There's a fellow in Colorado that runs a "Bimini" top but you need either a full length roll bar or double roll bars to make it work.
It connects in the front just like a regular top and then fastens to the top of the roll bars in the rear. It uses a modified bow in the center. Does a great job of keeping the sun out of the cockpit without obstructing airflow through the cockpit.
DonC