Hardtop Project

Tech tips and how to's

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Alvin
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Re: Hardtop Project

Post by Alvin »

Painter sent me these photos today saying it should be done by Friday!
Image
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Alvin Gogineni
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RBMann
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Re: Hardtop Project

Post by RBMann »

A good example of how back shows small scratches. :D
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Alvin
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Re: Hardtop Project

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RBMann wrote: Wed Jan 26, 2022 8:26 pm A good example of how back shows small scratches. :D
TRUTH!

It's done:
Image

I am picking it up tomorrow. Still need to put the rear window/seal back in.
Alvin Gogineni
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Bwk2000
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Re: Hardtop Project

Post by Bwk2000 »

I’ve never been a fan of the way hardtops look on our roadsters, especially the high-windshield ones. They usually look … out of proportion and irritatingly interrupt the nice flowing lines. That being said, Alvin’s, for some reason unbeknownst to me, appears to be the exception to the rule (at least for me). Not sure if it’s the interior/exterior colour combination, the stance, wheels, trim, depth of the paint, reflective light trickery, pixie dust … Don’t know why, but it does look fantastic with the hardtop on.
Kai
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FergO2k
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Re: Hardtop Project

Post by FergO2k »

Lots to like about it, for sure.
Side windows not round (ala T-Bird opera windows) and not square cornered either. (like the SnugTop ones)
Sits on the cockpit surround (one of the few OEM stockers) not the rear deck.
Nice job Alvin, he did well for you.
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nismou20
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Re: Hardtop Project

Post by nismou20 »

Yeah those 2 inches Nissan added to windscreen height since 68 really screwed up hardtop aesthetics! Even the soft tops. Mine never goes up unless it rains. Course hardtop make has much to do with it too. Looks great Alvin.
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Alvin
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Re: Hardtop Project

Post by Alvin »

Bwk2000 wrote: Thu Jan 27, 2022 8:17 am I’ve never been a fan of the way hardtops look on our roadsters, especially the high-windshield ones. They usually look … out of proportion and irritatingly interrupt the nice flowing lines. That being said, Alvin’s, for some reason unbeknownst to me, appears to be the exception to the rule (at least for me). Not sure if it’s the interior/exterior colour combination, the stance, wheels, trim, depth of the paint, reflective light trickery, pixie dust … Don’t know why, but it does look fantastic with the hardtop on.
Same here. No headrests also looks best for me. This top is more functional than pretty for me. Now, the factory OEM hardtops are really beautiful and that is what I will hold out for. It's my unicorn. Some day!
Alvin Gogineni
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Alvin
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Re: Hardtop Project

Post by Alvin »

Rob sent me this photo today. I did not know re-installing rear window/weatherstrip would be so involved....
Image
Last edited by Alvin on Thu Feb 24, 2022 11:08 am, edited 1 time in total.
Alvin Gogineni
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C.Costine
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Re: Hardtop Project

Post by C.Costine »

Bwk2000 wrote: Thu Jan 27, 2022 8:17 am I’ve never been a fan of the way hardtops look on our roadsters, especially the high-windshield ones. They usually look … out of proportion and irritatingly interrupt the nice flowing lines. That being said, Alvin’s, for some reason unbeknownst to me, appears to be the exception to the rule (at least for me). Not sure if it’s the interior/exterior colour combination, the stance, wheels, trim, depth of the paint, reflective light trickery, pixie dust … Don’t know why, but it does look fantastic with the hardtop on.
Do you mean reason unknown to you?
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Re: Hardtop Project

Post by Bwk2000 »

C.Costine wrote: Thu Feb 24, 2022 6:55 am
Do you mean reason unknown to you?
???
Kai
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Alvin
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Re: Hardtop Project

Post by Alvin »

The rear glass was successfully installed!
Image

The damaged area:
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Alvin Gogineni
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GeoffM
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Re: Hardtop Project

Post by GeoffM »

Looks great Alvin.
Installing the old style rubber window trim is becoming a dying art. There are fewer glass techs willing to learn how to do it and take the inherently higher risk of breaking a windsheild or rear glass panel. And to be fair, most of the people working for the big chains don't have much opportunity to "get gud" anymore because they roll through the shop so few and far between.
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Re: Hardtop Project

Post by MrWaj »

delete
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Alvin
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Re: Hardtop Project

Post by Alvin »

MrWaj wrote: Mon Mar 04, 2024 8:26 pm I just acquired a hard top from a 64 to fit my 67. Front latch are self explanatory but I have no idea what the rear hold downs are. Does anyone have a photo of what happens there. Need to get is attached in the next day or so for transport.

Alex
On your '67 body, you will use the same attachment points as your soft top frame!

For the rear, threaded adjuster is usually a spot to hang a J-bolt which then connects to a tab on your hardtop. Others have used similar attachment but with different hardware:
Image
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pS...1500 tops have a funky clamps system, not sure if it can be used with later cars
Alvin Gogineni
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Re: Hardtop Project

Post by MrWaj »

It doesn't use the soft top attachment points. Looks like some sort of threaded fitting behind the soft top attachment. There's a recess in the top with hole in the base the aligns with the hole in the car that might be threaded underneath.
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