new soft top

[hatters]

Hello everyone
After splitting my rear window in two I have decided to go for a brand new soft top .Can anyone recommend a supplier /fitter around Stoke on Trent who can fit me one at a decent price

[speed-demon]

I'm fairly sure Bromsgrove Auto Trimmers could oblige... Not too far from you.

[mikesimmo]

Hello everyone
After splitting my rear window in two I have decided to go for a brand new soft top .Can anyone recommend a supplier /fitter around Stoke on Trent who can fit me one at a decent price

Hi did you get a new soft top if so how much did it cost and where did you get it from ?
I have a split rear window and considering a new roof or maybe new window if roof is too expensive.
cheers
mikesimmo

[hatters]

Hi Mike
I havent managed to get hold of a new roof yet I have tried several avenues I even got in touch with Douglas valley breakers and they wanted £500.00 plus carriage for one with moss growing on it (NO COMMENT)actually there is absolutely nothing wrong with my existing roof but every one I have been in touch with says they will have to remove the roof to put the rear window in. I have even thoght about purchasing a piece of plastic and having ago myself .The problem is if the roof has to come of the frame then it means all the seals have to be disturbed because they are stuck to the frame
So the answer to your question is NO I havent succeeded yet but as soon as spring arrives I must get it sorted
I havent been using the Elan over the winter I keep it garaged and get it going every week but I wont take it out if the weather is bad
Let me know if you get yours sorted out
Cheers for now

Roan

[saska]

I have even thoght about purchasing a piece of plastic and having ago myself .The problem is if the roof has to come of the frame then it means all the seals have to be disturbed because they are stuck to the frame

I trust I'm not teaching your granny to suck eggs but have you seen this article on the lovely WIKI

[hatters]

Hi Tony
Thanks for the info but how does that differ from leaving the roof in situ and having someone inside the car and someone outside

[theelanman]

The problem is if the roof has to come of the frame then it means all the seals have to be disturbed because they are stuck to the frame

I hope yours arent stuck to the frame.....they should be 'bolt on'....on a metal carrier......
they just unbolt and then bolt back on

[mikesimmo]

Hi, i have just ordered a new roof off Ebay see link
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... MEWNX%3AIT
works out with postage at about £290
But finding the door A post seals, the top of window/hood and the back of windo/hood, proving difficult.
Some are asking £150 for less than 1 foot of rubber seal.
Been looking in the parts PDF for the numbers, still confusing with early and late seal part numbers, not really knowing which is applicable.

[saska]

Hi Tony
Thanks for the info but how does that differ from leaving the roof in situ and having someone inside the car and someone outside

3 points:
1. The roof needs to be TAUT or you will get rucks
2. The person 'inside' is going to be there for 6-8 hours -- trying to do that past the seats, soft top cover won't be pleasant
3. If you leave the roof in situ then the person inside's stitching will be hampered by the soft top cover lid -- certainly for the lower edge of the rear window.

The entire soft top and frame is relatively easy to remove and re-install see this post (fourth one down) on how to measure the mountings into the B posts before removal.
The method in the Wiki doesn't require removal of the soft top from the frame and should not affect any seals.

[hatters]

Thanks for all you comments and advice on my problem I think I will take a day off work and have a crack at it with my son
I will let you know how I get on

Roan

[hatters]

Some news on my rear window
I live in Audley Staffs and I have found this place in Sandbach called C C trimers I took the Elan to him today and he saye he can put the new window in the car for about £200.00 I dont think thats a bad price as the rest of the roof is fine .He is also going to make new foam seat cushions for the drivers squab and backrest and he will do the lot for £300.00
I had a bit of a dilema, he asked me if I wanted the window in clear plastic or in a green tint I said I would go for the tinted one, still not sure if I have made the right decision but I think it will look fine
I will post some pics on here when its finished