MGD

Hello:

I'm looking for some feedback from those who own the hardtop. I'm wondering:

* Do you use it often?
* Is is a quality feature?
* Does using the hardtop prolong the soft top life expectancy?
* Do they come up on the used market often?

Any info appreciated. I'm looking for a car right now, and for now I'd like a hardtop.

Thanks!

Greg

Stephen Peterson

Love it.

Like having two different cars.

You will probably use the hardtop during the messy weather. Therefore you have to be adding to the life of the soft top. I put mine on in Dec. and take off in Apr.

They are well built and easy to install.

I bought mine from the dealer. It was used in great shape. $1400.

Watch Ebay. They are usually $1000 to $1600.

rod j

Another question... Can one person handle one or is it a two person job?

Stephen Peterson

Really need two people

Scott in Texas

Greg in your part of the Country I would think a hard top would be a useful option. I have one and life in Texas. I only put it on the car for DE's. I do like the look of the top on the cars and they do give the car an added dimension. The glass window is great and larger and the top on makes it a little bit quieter at speed on the highway. I paid a little bit more than was indicated on the above posts on eBay (once you take into account costs of shipping; they are large and heavy). I would go for it.

Rami

I also suggest getting one. I use it just like Stephen (Dec-April) and it's like having another car.
You really need a 2nd person to put it on/off indeed.

rage

Hi Greg,

Up her in snowy Edmonton, Canada, I think the hardtop is a must if you were to drive the car all year around. I have had mine since I bought the car and love it. It gives the car a different look. I would also agree with the rest of the comments that it is a two person job. I also have the wall hanger and love it.

Cheers,

Rage

MGD

Thanks for all the replies...could someone post a pic with their hardtop? (just curious what it looks like)

Greg

Scott in Texas

Here you go
<img src="http://gallery.rennlist.com/albums/albun75/my_car_on_track.thumb.jpg" alt=" - " />
<img src="http://gallery.rennlist.com/albums/albun75/my_car_rear_3_quarter.thumb.jpg" alt=" - " />
<img src="http://gallery.rennlist.com/albums/albun75/P1010027.thumb.jpg" alt=" - " />

CheneyH

As far as switching from hard top to soft top (and back and forth), is there a decent amount of work involved, eg, like removing the soft top hardware before you can put the hard top on? And, is this something that can be done a couple times a year without shortening the lifespan of either system? Thanks.

Scott in Texas

There is nothing to it. Once your car is set up to accept the hardtop, (which invovles installing the spin locks onto the car if your car did not come with a hardtop from the factory), all you do is put the soft top in the down position and drop the hard top in place. It takes 2 people to place the hard top onto the car unless you have it in one of the hoists that are sold for that purpose. If you have one of those it is a one person deal and can be done in a matter of minutes. Here is a link to info on installing the spin locks if your car does not have them: <a href="http://www.babblers.org/board/archive.pl?read=16270" target="_blank">Spin Locks Info</a>

ettsn

Although I just bought my 986S, I'll add my two cents and say the hardtop sealed the deal for me. I was looking at older 996 coupes until I drove the 986S with the HT installed. Super quiet, easy to remove (but do it with a friend) and looks terrific. Get one, you won't regret it.

-Paul

CheneyH

OK, thanks... sounds easy enough. Which path do you think would be better &/or cheaper: (1) Buying a 986S w/HT and adding the ST, or (2) Buying a 986S w/ST and adding the HT?

Scott in Texas

You are kidding right? The car comes with the soft top, the hard top is an option. If you are looking to buy a 986 S, just find the car you want, there are tons of them for sale and the prices are way too low. See if you can find a car that includes the hard top, there shoudl be some of those also. Dealers tend to try to sell the tops seperatly to up their margins, so ask and look around. Good luck.

CheneyH

No, actually not kidding. The only two HT's I've seen didn't include any ST.