Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Hey y'all, so I recently bought this car but it's hardtop seems to be missing it's latches and connected via Velcro but the main thing I was wondering about is the resting on the trunk, does it usually have gaps/not suppose to have gaps? It also seems to wanna catch the driver's side window as well when I try to close it (still closes just kinda worrisome that I'm continuing to hit glass on metal). Anyhow just wondering about any fitment concerns etc.

It looks like the latches are there and they just need adjustment. What does seem to be missing however is the weatherstripping that runs along the bottom of the hardtop.

The velcro is a common addition to keep the latches from releasing while driving. Pat

Aftermarket hardtops don’t fit very well. I have had 4 (I still have 3), including a “modern” one from the now defunct Smoothline. In my experience, all of them sit on the paint in back and will damage the paint even with weatherstripping). I always roll down the windows a bit before I close the doors to prevent hitting the windows. You can then roll them up. Be careful opening the doors because the windows may catch on the hardtop.

Shannon

Ah thank you all, I didn't realize it was an aftermarket hardtop, I suppose there's not many original hardtops lying around anywhere are there? Haha

Original hardtops are very expensive and very difficult to find. The thing about fiberglass hardtops is that if they are not stored secured to a car, they tend to migrate out of shape. They may not seem like they will ever fit properly, but with time, they conform - until you take them off for an extended period of time.

Since Smoothline is now defunct, is there anybody else making aftermarket hard tops?

I mean I was ultimately hoping to replace it with a carb fiber one anyway, I guess I would just need an original so I can see all the original drilled hotels and such I suppose

waterdude wrote: Tue Aug 23, 2022 9:34 am Since Smoothline is now defunct, is there anybody else making aftermarket hard tops?

Sadly none that I know of. There are rumors that Les Cannaday is working on one, but honestly I have heard of that for more than 20 years. I wish him well in getting them done. Unfortunately, smoothline's disappearance is leaving a huge void for the vintage sports car market.

I can hear prices going up as we speak. Not just for us, but across the board. As mentioned, they were expensive to begin with.

So I have seen a lot of soft tops as well as they seem to be more available than the hardtops, does that bar across the seats come with it when you order it or is that a separate part?

That is a separate part.