Hardtops

[jaykay]

How do you like your hard top? Do they creek and rattle? Are they a pain to deal with? What do I need to know? Just thinking about buying one...

[ddb]

I love mine. It took some time and work to get it adjusted but it is now quiet. It takes two people to install and remove it just because it is bulky. It is made out of aluminum so it is rather light (~ 50 pounds). I've read accounts of folks removing it alone but I wouldn't try it.

I like that it quickly gives the car two identities. With the hardtop on the driving experience is quiet when compared to the soft top up or down. I've traveled with the hardtop on and feel a little bit more secure leaving the car in a hotel parking lot with the hardtop installed. The rear window is much larger than my GAHH soft top glass and you also have an electric defroster with the hardtop as well.

You will need somewhere to store the hardtop when removed (a stand for instance) and spinlocks to mount it in the car. Although it hasn't happened yet, I always think I will one day need to gain access to the top of the engine which will require me to remove the hardtop early or temporarily. It is more than warm enough here to remove the hardtop but I'm keeping it on until the spring pollen calms down.

[JoeFromPA]

I see the hard-top as a great option if you drive year-round (not necessarily in the rain/snow, just anytime of year). It quiets down the whole ride, has a sexy look to it, adds some security, provides a really nice clear rear view, and somehow makes the ride a bit sportier to me (compared to soft-top UP).

Mine has some slight noise on cold mornings - this might be mitigated simply by lubing up the seals with some silicon spray or light grease, I don't know. It's a vastly quieter ride in general, though obviously still not quiet. I get plenty of intake sound and engine/exhaust sound still.

Personally, I'm planning on selling mine (took pictures, now just need to post them!). My boxster is garaged upwards of 4 months a year to keep insurance rates down and protect the car. Though I love the hard-top, I'm only going to use it for what, 1-2 months a year? And then there's those spot days where suddenly its 65-70 degrees out in the beginning of April and I want the top down.

Though storage can be a pain, the best solution I've seen is a hard-top BAG with canvas loops that can be set on hooks in your ceiling. I don't personally use that method (I have a padded stand), I like it alot for keeping the hard-top out of the way.

Hope this helps!

[dallison]

wow, that white looks awesome.

[ddb]

^^^
Thanks very much dallison!

[steveboot]

Hey, Joefrom Pa, how much and what color?