Hard top wanted

[David]

Re: Hard top wanted

I've recently been looking at hard top Berli's. The main reasons being I wanted something more practical for longer runs than a 'roadster' and I suffer quite badly from hay fever so a roofless car has never been the best for me, one reason you don't see me at anything other than local to me shows. I can do short trip OK.

I was thinking about buying the dark blue Beli for sale in Germany but he wants £11-12k for it. Pic here, looks like a good car.

I'll probably end up with a Cabrio so hard top maybe on the list.

[bryannewell]

Re: Hard top wanted

Funny how we all think differently, When I purchased my Cabrio from Danny it had a hard top fitted, Never thought I wanted one and by the time I'd driven back from his place to Somerset I knew it was coming off and would never go back on in my ownership! The next day it was off and replaced by the included rag top and a sale agreed to a fellow Cabrio owner. Each to their own and hopefully those who want one can get it sorted

[wiggiesworld]

Re: Hard top wanted

I would concur with Danny's view regarding the Marlin Supplied Berlinetta hard top that it improves the look of the car...and would add that several of the few Cabrio hard tops I've seen fitted were less than complimentary to the overall appearance of the car...but nevertheless, a hardtop would be an option many of we Cabrio owners would consider. There are moulding experts out there and a Berli hard top might make a good starting point. How many orders would we need in order to persuade a manufacturer to undertake a re-design and then carry out a production run?
Mine's a LWB Cabrio, so that's what I'd want...anyone else?

I'd be interested in seeing what price would be quoted. I'm of the opinion that if its well designed it could be of interest, certainly add the benefit for winter/autumn driving.

Funny how beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I've always thought the tall, curve at the top windscreen of a Berly just looked like an afterthought and not very complimentary to the rest of the car. There you go, I've said, I've no doubt seriously shortened my Christmas card list...

[billjackson54]

Re: Hard top wanted

I would concur with Danny's view regarding the Marlin Supplied Berlinetta hard top that it improves the look of the car...and would add that several of the few Cabrio hard tops I've seen fitted were less than complimentary to the overall appearance of the car...but nevertheless, a hardtop would be an option many of we Cabrio owners would consider. There are moulding experts out there and a Berli hard top might make a good starting point. How many orders would we need in order to persuade a manufacturer to undertake a re-design and then carry out a production run?
Mine's a LWB Cabrio, so that's what I'd want...anyone else?

[danny_nelson]

Re: Hard top wanted

Hi Alan, Spot on, similar to a Berlinetta. Quite a large thing to store when removed from the car. bolted at the tail end, and centre over clips at the front to pick up the hood fixing clips already on the screen frame for the soft top cant rail. I do not know how many were made by Marlin, I had one and I know where that went. Speaking to Mark Matthews one time the subject came up and his reply was ( That they completely spoilt the look of the car and he was having no more of those b----y things made) I know there are some who prefer a hard top for there own reasons, but it really has to suit the car and look right as well as easy entry and exit from the car. I personally think the Berlinetta looks much better with a hard top fitted, but I could not say the same for the factory made Cabrio hard top.

[David]

Re: Hard top wanted

Marlin did produce a factory hard top This was supplied with a heated rear window. Quite a high leading edge ( higher than the top of the screen surround to give some head height. This was dropped after just a few sold.

‘Every day’s a school day...’

[dogoncrazy]

Re: Hard top wanted

knowing how the soft top is fitted on a Cabrio and its posittion when folded I imagine that total removal would have been necessary in order to fit a hardtop .Probably one of the reasons it wasn't a sales success and wouldn't be again given the usage most of them get .

[jon202]

Re: Hard top wanted

I think there would be quite a few cabrio owners that would be interested in a hard top especially eith the British weather getting worse every year. I myself wouldn't go through the headache of making my own.

[danny_nelson]

Re: Hard top wanted

Marlin did produce a factory hard top This was supplied with a heated rear window. Quite a high leading edge ( higher than the top of the screen surround to give some head height. This was dropped after just a few sold.

[wiggiesworld]

Re: Hard top wanted

As Liz eludes to, no hardtop option with the Cabrio from the factory. I wonder if either of the home builds ere left with fibreglass moulds or templates/drawings of any sort?

Yes, I too wonder how many Cabrio owners would be interested in a hard top? I know I would. Now whether or not I'd be prepared to go through the pain of making my own is another topic.

[David]

Re: Hard top wanted

I only know of 2 built. These were built by owners.

As Liz eludes to, no hardtop option with the Cabrio from the factory. I wonder if either of the home builds ere left with fibreglass moulds or templates/drawings of any sort?

[lizbillings]

Re: Hard top wanted

I only know of 2 built. These were built by owners.

[jon202]

Wanted
Hardtop for cabrio