Lotus Elan Central

by **Russc** » Tue 17.10.2006, 11:14

That looks pretty nice

by **F1 LOTUS** » Tue 17.10.2006, 21:11

It's the only design I've seen that truly looks like it belongs on our car

Kuching came through with the surfaces today, I'll be taking them to a composite shop this evening, maybe we'll get a ballpark $$$ amount for the end of the week - fingers crossed

by **ratman** » Wed 18.10.2006, 16:48

I'm managing to project one hardtop for my car, similar to the one on the picture. I'm able to project with Catia V5 but I don’t want to pick-up all the points.
So I decided to hand-make it, when I’ll have time to do it.
But….. I heard something about the surface data…

by **Jiffyjet** » Fri 20.10.2006, 09:10

I'll definitely buy one. My preference would be in Elan body colors and completely finished with headliner, seals, hardware, but will take it anyway they come! They look great.

by **Sy V** » Fri 20.10.2006, 09:43

Just thought I'd add a couple of old finished pictures too:

by **Russc** » Fri 20.10.2006, 12:22

mmm, nice, is anyone going to do one "over here" I reckon shipping on that little item may be worth more than the purchase

by **Dave M** » Fri 20.10.2006, 12:58

That shot from above is gorgeous. I think you need to get that one to Tony and Liz for one of the main forum pics, Sy. :smt023

by **Sy V** » Fri 20.10.2006, 13:16

Really? Thanks Dave.

by **GeoffSmith** » Fri 20.10.2006, 13:59

Dave M wrote:That shot from above is gorgeous. I think you need to get that one to Tony and Liz for one of the main forum pics, Sy.

I agree. Could do with a better background though!

by **GeoffSmith** » Fri 20.10.2006, 14:46

Maybe like this...

by **ailwyn** » Fri 20.10.2006, 16:08

geoffsmith wrote:Maybe like this...

Reminds me of a movie "green screen", when will the tall building background be added?

Ailwyn

by **Fubar1764** » Fri 20.10.2006, 16:51

Dave M wrote:That shot from above is gorgeous. I think you need to get that one to Tony and Liz for one of the main forum pics, Sy.

by **algirdas** » Fri 20.10.2006, 17:05

Dear Sy:

A shot from above on one of those ubiquitous brick paved driveways you have over there would look really nice. The Elan is a very attractive car from some angles and I must state that your car is extremely well kept. Dare I say that you are making this Calypso owner "green" with envy?

Better get back on topic or Monty is going to rip us both a new one!

And tequila won't buy him off!

Sincerely,

Algirdas

by **tubaman** » Sun 22.10.2006, 03:28

I would be interested in a hardtop with glass window and fully finished in "Lotus Mustard Yellow" - I don't know if a local paint shop could exactly match the color. I would prefer to not have to totally remove the soft-top assembly. Fully lined option would be nice. Don't know if defrosting is needed here in CA, but with a good hardtop & defrost my future move to Seattle would be realistic!

What I don't want to do is struggle and fight with a "kinda-sorta almost OK" assembly problem.

I think that $1000 to $2000 range would be about right if it really, really works!

by **F1 LOTUS** » Sun 22.10.2006, 04:13

Any feedback from people that have fitted Kuchings' Hardtop would be most welcome here

I believe the hood assembly can stay in-place, only the 'lid' has to be removed?

by **Sy V** » Sun 22.10.2006, 04:19

Correct. I removed the b-pillar caps too.

by **F1 LOTUS** » Sun 22.10.2006, 04:29

Has it rained in UK since you've fitted the Hardtop Sy

How well does it keep the elements out? Anything 'tricky' about fitting / adjusting seals etc?
Do you have a HRW, is fogging an issue?
What's the driving experience like? Less noise? Better mileage?

by **Sy V** » Sun 22.10.2006, 04:34

Simon and I fitted his latest seals - I was using the prototype ones originally. They're fantastic, once you've got them lined up for the exigencies of Elan windows etc. Almost 100% dry – certainly a vast improvement on my soft top.
Less wind noise, but I get the occasional groan if you haven't planted the hardtop absolutely squarely.

by **Sy V** » Sun 22.10.2006, 04:39

Incidentally, these things are pretty damned big and can cause storage problems out of season.
I use a couple of harnesses which I've hung at differing lengths from my garage ceiling in a pair of 'U' shapes and suspend the HT from them when not in use. Just drive Stripey in and out below the HT in summer.
They're a two person fit though (although I have managed it once on my own, but it was then that I failed to square it up properly). Gail's getting a real dab-hand at applying degrees of sideways and downwards pressures while I tighten the four rear bolts on the inside.

by **Houdini** » Wed 25.10.2006, 03:08

Sy V wrote:Just thought I'd add a couple of old finished pictures too:

Sy,

Why did you have to show me those pictures again? Everytime I see your car I drool (not a pretty site). After talking with Brian tonight after work he asked me about the hardtop. I haven't had much time to spend on LEC lately but talk of hardtop got me interested so I'm catching up now. I would be very very interested in a hardtop at this point. I can also offer this to anyone between LA and Northern California that I would be willing to drive one hardtop at a time up in my truck when I make trips to Tahoe so shipping could be saved for LECer's.

Later, Russ

Lotus Elan Central

Hardtop in the USA. Who is interested?

hardtop in the USA

re: Hardtop in the USA. Who is interested?

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