Superformance Top

Velox · #1 (**permalink**) 10-15-2006, 02:29 PM

I'm looking for any information on when the top changed from the older (2 bow) style to the newer (3 bow) style, what SPF car number? And where would be the best source for buying a new top? Thanks

Velox · #2 (**permalink**) 10-15-2006, 03:28 PM

Found at www.secondstrike.com that the top changed in 2003 which answers my question, since my SPF is a 2002. Dealers are the source for new tops apparently. BTW this is a great forum, tremendous information here

Lowell W · #3 (**permalink**) 10-15-2006, 03:37 PM

Velox,

Well, you're close... http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/show...883#post677883

You're right: you can get a new top from a dealer and yep, lots of info.

There are several threads in the first few pages which have info on SPF tops.

Lowell

Bill Wells · #4 (**permalink**) 10-16-2006, 11:22 AM

I saw a SPF hardtop recently listed for sale, check this out :

http://performanceunlimited.com/specials/car.html

a hard top sure increases the driving season for those colder seasonality areas. additionally, in many places it allows track time negating a need for higher roll bars. Bill

Velox · #5 (**permalink**) 10-16-2006, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lowell W

Velox,

Well, you're close... http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/show...883#post677883

You're right: you can get a new top from a dealer and yep, lots of info.

There are several threads in the first few pages which have info on SPF tops.

Lowell

Thanks for the info Lowell. My car is SPF1405 and has the old top. It's on the truck and I expect delivery within the next week or so. I'll post a formal intro when I can put a picture up here. I know I want that newer style top so I was collecting info - it seems all the dealers are out of stock and there are several on order currently in containers on their way from SA to California

I'm gonna try and get me one of those

Tom of VA · #6 (**permalink**) 10-16-2006, 09:11 PM

My top is a POS. Is it worth it to get a new cover for the old bows or bag the whole thing and get an entire new style top? Is there anything I would need besides the canvas and bows? Will the old windows work with the new updated top? Do you know if it also comes in canvas or vinyl like the old one?

Lowell W · #7 (**permalink**) 10-17-2006, 06:00 AM

Tom,

Get the new canvas top and peddle the old bows on ebay. Ask the dealer whether the old windows will fit with the new top.

Use some of the garage door weatherstripping on the underside of the window frames to seal them to the door and dash.

Putting the top up makes your SPF a whole different car.

Lowell

Bill Wells · #8 (**permalink**) 10-17-2006, 07:13 AM

the old style top is adequate but not even close to the new styles . adequate as in barely, more 60s style like the old mg's / triumph's. i have plenty of rain miles with my old car and old style top .

however, the newer ones available separately from spf dealers are a canvas top-not vinyl, 3 bows, lower height ( no more mr munster look ) with a zippered rear window that allows the window to be rolled providing great air flow. old side slide windows will work. requires at least one additional snap on each side and i believe needs to be fitted to your car to get all the snaps to align. two small windows on each side as i recall too. looks better and works better but still leaks .

maybe someone who has converted to the new tops can step in and correct/confirm my observations from having seen several spf's upgraded with this different soft top. bill

JBCOBRA · #9 (**permalink**) 10-17-2006, 07:14 AM

I posted this the other day in another thread.
SPF 2218 has a zipper rear window. I just finally put the top on for the first time Saturday. It works pretty well when it is cold out. Although I find myself driving a lot slower than I would like. Yesterday in my Sports Car Club rally, about an hour in, I forgot about the top and let it rip. When I pulled 4th the top just about exploded! Got real drafty inside too. Bent something and the side windows tried to lift out of the doors! LOL, YIKES!
I should have bought the black (used once) hardtop from my dealer. I think it would have looked great on my green car.
JB

Tom of VA · #10 (**permalink**) 10-17-2006, 05:19 PM

Thanks!
JB, how fast were you going when your top exceeded it's limit? I really like the look of the canvas more, plus no Munstermobile is good. Does anyone know how much it cost? Do I need to start charting the stops of the local Brinks truck?

When you say it needs to be fitted, does that mean it comes with no snaps? When I was in my local upolstery shop the other day the upolsterer was installing a really nice toneau cover on an Backdraft. He had to ad the snaps so it match the pins already on the body. It turned out really nice.

JBCOBRA · #11 (**permalink**) 10-18-2006, 05:50 AM

I totally forgot about the top and let it rip! The wife is used to it so she didn't think to remind me not to go over 80 with the top on (This was our first top-on drive) Normally always topless and sometimes the wife too! LOL
I am not exactly sure when "Lift-Off" tried to occur, but it was somewhere around 100-110. The side windows even tried to lift out of the doors. I still cant get them back down all the way.
I think I will just take the top off and get out my "Elmer Fudd" hat and gloves, scarf etc.... and LET IT RIP........................and try and find another slightly used black hard top.
JB

JBCOBRA · #12 (**permalink**) 10-18-2006, 05:55 PM

<<ACTION>>
Stuffing soft top in the dumpster! Useless P.O.S.
Need a black hardtop.
Anyone have one they want to part with?
Thanks in advance
JB

Lowell W · #13 (**permalink**) 10-18-2006, 07:15 PM

JB,

NO, WAIT...If the top's not ruined, do you want to sell it?

Lowell

gary osborne · #14 (**permalink**) 10-22-2006, 08:48 PM

Tom,

The last time I checked the new design SPF top ran about $1500 complete. You can probably go to Hillbank's and find it or give any dealer a call.

http://www.hillbankmotorsports.com/m...40a5661ddf0f6d

JBCOBRA · #15 (**permalink**) 10-23-2006, 06:57 AM

Hi Lowell!
The wife rescued the top LOL
The nicest SPF top I have seen, there is a guy called "Driver" on this site.
THAT looks like a really nice top.
JB

Lowell W · #16 (**permalink**) 10-23-2006, 10:58 AM

JB,

I sent you a PM.

Lowell

Velox · #17 (**permalink**) 10-23-2006, 12:34 PM

I've talked to several dealers about this. The top alone (bows, canvas, bag) is 650-700 bucks, the 1500-1600 is for everything including side curtains. The side curtains on my SPF 1415 are the same as new ones, so all I need is the top. The front latches are the same, one of the body snap connectors near the door has to be changed from old style to new style, and the new top includes those new parts I'm told. Manual and dealers all verify never go over 70-75 mph with top up, and old style top must have at least one side window in or wind buffeting could tear the top off. Newer style top can reduce this by unzipping rear window. Currently new style tops are hard to find and seem to be one of the most common upgrades for older SPF cars. Mine is "on the boat" from South Africa and these container boats take a couple of months I understand