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BJ8 Smoothline top value

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Chris_Masucci

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Hi Folks,
Can someone give me an idea as to roughly what one of these tops is worth? It's in nice shape but will need new seals, paint and headliner.
Cheers,
Chris
 
Chris_Masucci said:
Hi Folks,
Can someone give me an idea as to roughly what one of these tops is worth? It's in nice shape but will need new seals, paint and headliner.
Cheers,
Chris
Click to expand...
There;s two different Tops from the company. The original Parrish and the Smoothline. Post pics. Rubber seals are available for both.
 
You can get a brand new one unpainted for $1200 https://www.smoothline.com/austin_healey.php Maybe you can figure the value of the one you're interested in down from there. They don't command the values that the factory BJ8 tops do, but I understand they can be mounted without removing the entire convertible top mechanism. Aesthetically, they just don't do much for me but YMMV.
 
I was initially very tempted by the Smoothline top at $1200 ( they do international shipping) until I took a closer look at the rear window. Its just not the same as the large factory version, just doesnt look right.
Repro tops over here are ÂŁ2000 for a basic version, far more than I can afford and second hand ones dont come up very often, if they do they are usually the same kind of cost.

Are there any other US companies that do repro tops that look more like the originals?
 
And another thing ? ? ?

why is a repro hard top for a big Healey over ÂŁ2000 / $3000 plus lots of extras and work to fit, when I can buy a repro hardtop for a sprite for less than ÂŁ400!

I know they are a slightly different size but I fear they are being priced to the market rather than manufacturing costs etc. I could make the same point about wheels too.
 
I've seen one that fit a two seater also. Not as good as the original of course.
 
Jeepster said:
And another thing ? ? ?

why is a repro hard top for a big Healey over ÂŁ2000 / $3000 plus lots of extras and work to fit, when I can buy a repro hardtop for a sprite for less than ÂŁ400!

I know they are a slightly different size but I fear they are being priced to the market rather than manufacturing costs etc. I could make the same point about wheels too.
Click to expand...
Factory style Hardtops for the BJ7&8's must be fitted to each individual car because each car is different. There was approximately 300 of these Tops made.

Aftermarkets do not have to be fitted because the sit beyond the rear curved chrome trim piece. These Factory tops for BJ7&8's were made by the Donald Healey Motor Co and not BMC like the earlier Tops. You'll notice that the earlier Tops fit differently where they touch the cars body.
 
The tops not worth much. I basically couldn't give mine away. Also because of how it rides on the rear shroud, it will tear up the paint on the rear shroud. I have decided that I will use mine to practice painting on before I get to the rest of the car, and then just leave it hanging in the garage.
 
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