Spitfire Anyone here with a hardtop on your Spitfire?

[Basil]

I am wondering if anyone here has a 76-78 Spitfire with a hard top? I have a question about the weather seals.

 

[NutmegCT]

Glad you posted this. I'm actually interested in the same topic - tho' I don't have one of the cars.

Thanks.
TM

 

[number6]

I have a hard top. What do you need to know?

 

[number6]

I should have added I bought the top from a 78 parts car, has all seals and perfect headliner.

 

[NutmegCT]

Until Basil comes in, I'll ask: If the windows are up, does the top seal well enough to prevent rain from coming in?

Thanks.
Tom M.

 

[dklawson]

The hardtop does a better job than the convertible top at keeping rain out. I'd say that how well depends in part on the condition of the seals and the adjustments of the window glass.

Our car's hardtop hasn't been on in a year. However, in previous winters my son really wanted the hard top on the car as it was both a lot drier and warmer than the convertible top.

 

[number6]

Best answer I can give you is yes. Never had a problem. I want to also qualify that by saying I have never been caught in a major deluge.
Certainly is much drier than the soft top. Hard top has hard rubber seals that seat against the window tops as well as an inner felt seal.
Biggest issue is installing the top. it's a bit fiddly. I only install it at the end of summer for that reason. It has wiggle room and getting the
rear hooks and front spacers right can be a challenge. If I can find my camera I'll post pictures showing the arrangement of the seals. I have found
having two people to wiggle it around while I fasten it down helps a lot.

 

[Basil]

I should have added I bought the top from a 78 parts car, has all seals and perfect headliner.

I am intersted in knowing (pictures would be great) what the seals look like, especially on the back end of the top that sits on the car.

 

[number6]

I expect to be back home tomorrow and will take a few shots of the seals. I need to take the top out of the living room
and onto the porch for better light. Back bottom edge has four flat plastic strips sandwiched together to give clearance
from back of top to car body. Not sure why it's done that way, unless it's to allow adjustment for a better fit. I won't try to explain,
pictures will show more.

 

[Basil]

I expect to be back home tomorrow and will take a few shots of the seals. I need to take the top out of the living room
and onto the porch for better light. Back bottom edge has four flat plastic strips sandwiched together to give clearance
from back of top to car body. Not sure why it's done that way, unless it's to allow adjustment for a better fit. I won't try to explain,
pictures will show more.

That would be super!