Hard Top - Now Obsolete

[Kuching]

I have now done a re-styling job on the hard top and designed a version that is slightly flatter across the rear edge. Looks like av8ndoc was right as it really does look better!<br><br>I will post some more pictures in the next few days. Watch this space!

[Doug]

[quote author=Kuching link=board=body;num=1081474915;start=30#40 date=05/10/04 at 12:38:39]I have now done a re-styling job on the hard top and designed a version that is slightly flatter across the rear edge. Looks like av8ndoc was right as it really does look better!<br><br>I will post some more pictures in the next few days. Watch this space![/quote]<br>I have no intentions of being right; I just want a nice looking hard top!<br><br>That said, where do I send the $5 to . . .  ;)<br>

[Kuching]

New improved hardtop design.<br><br>Let me know what you think and if it meets with general approval I will start sorting the manufacturing.<br><br><br><br><br>

[nitroman]

My only concern would be about reduced headroom.  What are your thoughts about that?  Convertibles have always been a Godsend to me buz the thin strip of fabric above the metal ribbing gave me just a touch more headroom.

[Doug]

[quote author=Kuching link=board=body;num=1081474915;start=30#42 date=05/14/04 at 15:07:06]New improved hardtop design.<br>Let me know what you think and if it meets with general approval I will start sorting the manufacturing.[/quote]<br><br> [smiley=thumb.gif]                                   [smiley=smokin2.gif]

[Kuching]

[quote author=nitroman link=board=body;num=1081474915;start=30#43 date=05/14/04 at 15:16:41]My only concern would be about reduced headroom.  What are your thoughts about that?  Convertibles have always been a Godsend to me buz the thin strip of fabric above the metal ribbing gave me just a touch more headroom.[/quote]<br><br><br>Have you tried taking your hat off!   [smiley=jester.gif]<br><br>In fact the centreline section of the roof is based on the profile of the convertible frame, so if you can fit under that you shouldn't have too much of a problem.

[Sy V]

I share Nitro's concern Simon.<br>I'm 6'2" and whilst I hear what you say about the centreline profile...I don't sit in the centre and I've already had to remove the rear floor spacers from underneath the drivers seat to be able to see out of and not over the windscreen.

[Kuching]

[quote author=Sy link=board=body;num=1081474915;start=45#46 date=05/14/04 at 21:57:22]I share Nitro's concern Simon.<br>I'm 6'2" and whilst I hear what you say about the centreline profile...I don't sit in the centre and I've already had to remove the rear floor spacers from underneath the drivers seat to be able to see out of and not over the windscreen.[/quote]<br><br>I have my driving position modelled on the CAD system (I am also 6'2" and fairly average proportions in most aspects) and I am confident that there is reasonable headroom for me. I will check exactly what the clearance is during the week and let you know.

[stevo]

i'll take one! gimme gimme gimme! me first me first.<br>du-pont pacific blue please. ;D ;D ;D

[Doug]

[quote author=stevo link=board=body;num=1081474915;start=45#48 date=05/15/04 at 07:13:33]i'll take one! gimme gimme gimme! me first me first.<br>du-pont pacific blue please. ;D ;D ;D[/quote]<br>and don't forget Stevo's need an integrated snowboard roof rack  ;)

[Kuching]

[quote author=nitroman link=board=body;num=1081474915;start=30#43 date=05/14/04 at 15:16:41]My only concern would be about reduced headroom.  What are your thoughts about that?  Convertibles have always been a Godsend to me buz the thin strip of fabric above the metal ribbing gave me just a touch more headroom.[/quote]<br><br>I have checked the headroom based on my driving position and the closest point is 72mm (2.8"). This is actually slightly more than the convertible due to the flatter surface.<br><br>Although seating positions will vary, it's probably fair to assume that everyone will have their eyeline lower than the screen header rail which is not much higher than the position I have modelled.<br><br>The picture attached shows a section through the hardtop at the closest point to the head. (The dummy in the picture is not actually me!!)  ;)<br><br>

[howardlock]

Love the design <br><br>Here's my order....<br><br>1 x Lotus Elan M100 Hard Top in Calypso Red<br><br>Regards<br><br>Howard (Derby)

[westonben]

Count me in, Norfolk Mustard, happy with the design.

[bunglin]

Me too - calypso red  ;D

[desmondsee]

what is this going to cost ?<br>am interested too....<br><br>

[Kuching]

I am expecting to hear back from the composite company next week, but the cost is also going to be dependant on the number produced.  I now need to get a clear idea of how many people are genuinely interested so that I can get the best possible deal.   <br><br>To register your interest can you please e mail me at, dcarrier@btinternet.com  (subject Elan) <br><br>Thanks,<br>Simon

[desmondsee]

And yes, I have just registered my interest to your email address  hope to hear from you soon.<br><br>just a thot of the top.....if there only there is some way to make the rear of it blend in till it reaches somewhere to before the tail foil in a sleek manner...wonder how that would look? modern designs like the Lamb. Gallardo and the new Mercedez-Mclaren follow suit. Also the new Lotus Esprit.....if only i had some modelling tool.....

[Kuching]

I like your ideas on styling Desmond but I was trying to keep the roof design as simple as possible to keep the tooling costs down. The sleek back style might have to wait until I design the Elan replacement. <br><br>I did not receive your e-mail by the way, but I have been having some problems with the system. If anyone else has not had a reply from me, you could try sending me an IM.

[delta]

WOW.........<br>I haven't noticed this thread before....<br><br>Kuching, please count me in. I's a real beauty.!.<br><br><br>As everybody I'm looking forward to learn how you solve the problems with leaking, and how you will fix the hardtop to the car. <br><br>You asked for input, so.....<br>I also think that a solution where you have incluted the rear deck will be best. If it is fixed to the rear with a snap-lock and ditto at the "seatbelt" fixingpoint, it open the possibility to move the rear window and indside edge a bit backward. If the softtop is removed, it will give easy access to a new store area.<br><br>If this hardtop - with regards to noise and general fit -prove to be as good as normal massproduced factory hardtops, more people will drive faster, and with a topspeed of 137mph you might have to think about ways to fix it, drag and lift on the hardtop, just so it's blown off during high speed.   :-X<br><br>Anyway the design is GREAT and I want one. SAP.!.  :D<br>(hope I can afford the price.!.)  ???

[maggieB]

mustard yellow please - i will start to save my pension money!!!!!!!!!!!!!