Question on the Hardtop

[ben1978]

Sorry if this question has been asked loads of times already.

Where should I get a hardtop for the Elise?

How much are they?

Are they really worth it?

[Sprockett]

Posted recently:-
Kelvedon are now making S1 hardtops for £825 including vat. This is made from carbon-fibre and fibre glass and include rain gutters above the windows. It is only available in black.
I picked mine up, the first one, on Saturday when it was chucking it down - no leaks

For more info you can ring Pat Thomas on 01775 - 725457

Now after a couple of weeks of use I can now say that hardtops are worth it. The main reasons for me getting one was security, and I didn't trust a piece of material protecting me from the elements.
The only problem is that if you want a proper lotus one they cost about £1500 new, second hand they are about £850. This is why I got a new one from Kelvedon. Pat has made hardtops for racing elises for some time, but had never made one for the road. Mine was the first and he now has the setup for other people. They are not lined, and I won't be lining mine, but this could easily be done by you.

[ben1978]

Thanks.

I have someone who is willing to sell their hardtop. How much should I offer them for it?

It is a painted hardtop.

[Kiwi LE]

Sprockett, got an pictures or links to Kelvedon ?

[Sprockett]

BEN

about £800 - £850 is the going rate. Try and get them to include the bag for that price as well if they have it.

Kiwi LE

sorry I dont have any pictures of the hardtop, but it looks exactly like the lotus one. The only difference is that there are 3 small stainless steel screws above each of the side windows. These are used to attach the roof to the sections that are normally in place when the soft top is used. Inside the roof pattern is cardon fibre.

Here is there web site. It a bit out of date though...

www.racecar.co.uk/kelvedonlotus/

Hope this helps

[wats]

i have been told that the hard top keeps a lot of noise in the car unlike the soft top ..is this the case
thanks...

[Sprockett]

I had heard that with a hardtop the noise is loader too. But with mine it is no loader that when the soft top is on. I was suprised at this - but its true !!

Remember mine is from Kelvedon and is not the proper Lotus one.

[manhoos]

If you care about the noise then buy a Golf! Otherwise forget the noise and enjoy the best drivers car in the world!

The hard top is excellent for the winter as it really cuts down on leaks.

[sallad]

I bought my S1 second hand with a Lotus hard-top and I've found that, whilst the noise levels are about the same, the hardtop isn't as snug as the soft-top when fitted. You can also push your fingers through the rubber seals on the hard-top, whereas the soft-top bars prevent this. No leaks with either though!

Still, the hard-top is definately tops for security and looks.

[currymonster]

quote:
I had heard that with a hardtop the noise is loader too. But with mine it is no loader that when the soft

'Loader'??? you sound like one of the English airmen posing as french policemen in 'allo 'allo!
Nice work.

[petertimmins]

Noise levels are higher with the Lotus hard top fitted but for winter use and security worth putting up with. I am looking forward to open air motoring again though.

[Sheds]

Lotus hardtops are extremely variable in their fit, to say the least, so some leak, others dont. Mine leaks in the usual place (top of a pillar where it meets the glass), but a small piece of draft excluder stuck in the right place has almost eliminated it.

Hard tops are good for the winter, but frustrating on those early spring warm days around now when you see other soft top cars enjoying the air, but as it takes you five minutes to get your hard top on and off it's not worth it for one good day!

Has anyone tried fitting a sliding sunroof into the hard top? Fit some rails down each side, then slide the glass back a la Porsche glass targa?

sheds