Erdoc turned me onto a company that sells an electric wench for raising and lowering the hardtop so I don't have to manually lift it on and off the car. Cost a few shekels, but worth it to me.
Just used mine today to take the top off and stretch the soft top- it’s nice enough now to drive top down- was too hot for the past month to do so.
Erdoc turned me onto a company that sells an electric wench for raising and lowering the hardtop so I don't have to manually lift it on and off the car. Cost a few shekels, but worth it to me.
Just used mine today to take the top off and stretch the soft top- it’s nice enough now to drive top down- was too hot for the past month to do so.
Mush, your car is perfect. Almost makes me miss my stock wheels (except for the royal pain in the ass part). But I admire the purism nevertheless.
And between you and erdoc, that gray hard top is creeping into my subconscious. Can't give up the convertible, though. Especially when The Frog's vinyl is still in such nice shape. It will be a tough call when it is finally decision time, though. That gray...
But damn, your car looks nice. Ooh! Here's an idea! You should do that to a Green one. Yeah. Feel free to use mine for the task. You know, if you get bored or somethin'.
Beautiful car, UM.
Thank you for the kind words. Much appreciated. By the way, just in case you don't know, the hard top is removable and the soft top remains in tact. That way, you can run some days with the hard top and some days with just the soft top, depending on what strikes your fancy. If we take the Spyder to the coast for the weekend, sometimes we ride over with the hard top on and then remove it when we get there and then put it back on when it's time to go home. The best of both worlds.
I did not know there was such a thing, although I do vaguely remember someone mentioning it on Ad Chat, but I thought it was just a bit of sarcasm. Probably goes a long way toward preserving the top, but I put mine down with even half an excuse. But winter is a thing.
Can you elaborate on the brand, or fabricator? How many arms and legs does it set you back?
How long does it take to pop off and replace? I see the standard latches in the back corner, but how does it interact with the windshield? Do you just put the soft top down, then attach the hard top like any other?
Sorry I missed your question before about how much does an OEM hardtop cost. I got mine from Mike V. (on Ad-Chat). I think I saw that Mike is now registered here, so you might be able to contact him here (or on Ad-Chat) to see what he currently has available. Mike sells used hardtops imported to the USA (right to the customer's door) from the UK. It is a bit pricey, but in my opinion worth every penny of the investment -- around $2700, give or take -- depending on condition of the top. I'm guessing that close to half of that cost is shipping and insurance. Mike is an excellent vendor and provides excellent customer service.
Things I love about the hardtop:
It changes the lines of the car and looks, IMHO, much better than with the soft top.
Adds to the value of the car because OEM hardtops were never an option in the USA from Toyota.
The hard top tightens the body of the car and there is less "body roll" (I think that is the expression).
It is more quiet inside the cockpit of the car.
Where I live it gets beastly hot in the summer (it's been around 106 F the last week, or so) and it stays much cooler inside the car with the hard top on the car.
Better protection in a roll-over
And last, but not least: All the cool kids have one!
Here is a little tip for you guys from Ansel Adams. please keep in mind that I’m not trying to insult anyone’s photography.
Only take pictures of your car at sunrise, near sunset or overcast. Direct sunlight is your enemy. Your pictures will look 100% better even with a smartphone.
Gotta hard disagree. Direct sunlight can be used effectively. That being said, soft light is usually better for the average photo.Shame I haven't busted the DSLR out in a long time.
2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder, 2021 Lexus UX 250h F Sport
What I mean by direct sunlight is not the same as mixed lighting under a shade. If it’s high noon mixed lighting can work like under trees or objects blocking direct sun on the car similar to overcast or a diffuser . Soft light has its place but it’s the killer of contrast, sharpness and most of all interesting and that’s why you need to bring the light, but great if you need to hide defects but it’s not the same as using afternoon or morning sun where you can have sunlight fall partially on the car in an angle which can reflect the paint and give definition to the body.
