Hard Top

[vette]

Are all BJ7 & BJ8 cars 4-seaters. And is there but one OEM style hardtop which fits the 4-seat convertibles. Or is there a 2-seat BJ7 & BJ8 car in which there would be a hardtop different than the 4-seat Hardtop.
Thanks,
Dave C.

 

[Keoke]

Yes; All 4's no 2's Dave---Keoke

 

[SHG]

I'm not positive about this, but I believe that the hard top that fits the BJ7 is different than the one for a BJ8. Someone once explained it to me, but since I don't have a BJ7, I not really clear about it.

 

[anthony7777]

vett,i own a bj7,investigating this topic i spoke to john at sports and classics in stamford ct. over a year ago,i was told for this model you can get/use two types of hard tops, one that requires you to remove the convertable assembly entirely and the other that will fit over it,and that the bj7 and bj8 would take the same tops,john said he knew of a local guy that had the one not requirind removing the rag top that was for sale and that hed locate it for me,like i said its been over a year,but he does have several tops laying around i mean that literaly laying around, as an aside in 1966 i aquired a hard top for a bt7,for free black as new condition and sold it to a friend for $45.00, those were the days.

 

[vette]

Thanks everyone. Antony, I was under the impression that all that you said is true. And Keoke confirmed that all BJ7's & BJ8's were 4 seaters. I don't get to see many other Healeys besides my own so these facts are sometimes a little fuzzy. I have been looking for a hardtop for my BJ7 and hopefully one that can be used without taking the convert off. I really would like to find one that would need repair and refinished because I would add my "sweat equity" to save alittle on the cash outlay.

 

[anthony7777]

vett, bn7's came in a two seat model only, but the bt7's came in two or four seat model and had a tird carb. added. im also searching for the same top if i find one you might be able to use ill let you know.

 

[Randy Forbes]

vett, bn7's came in a two seat model only, but the bt7's came in two or four seat model and had a tird carb. added. im also searching for the same top if i find one you might be able to use ill let you know.

I've yet to see a BT7 that was a two (2) seater, and the majority of them have only two (2) carbs.

 

[anthony7777]

randy,on the a.h.c.o.a. they give a discription of the 1961-1963,series bt7-bn7-bj7, i read it to say bn7 355 built rarest production healey,bt7 4 seat version 5096 built bj7's all had four seats.in 1962 the three carbs were added,the way i understood the wording is that bt7 was available in 2 or 4 seats and the bn7 only2,? check it out the way its written is confusing.ill have to read it again.

 

[Randy Forbes]

randy,on the a.h.c.o.a. they give a discription of the 1961-1963,series bt7-bn7-bj7, i read it to say bn7 355 built rarest production healey,bt7 4 seat version 5096 built bj7's all had four seats.in 1962 the three carbs were added,the way i understood the wording is that bt7 was available in 2 or 4 seats and the bn7 only2,? check it out the way its written is confusing.ill have to read it again.

Further proof that you can't believe everything you read.

All two (2) seaters are BN (BN1, BN2, BN6 & BN7)
All four (4) seaters are BT or BJ (BT7, BJ7 & BJ8)

There was a BN3, but it wasn't a production model; and the AHS (Sebring), but only fifty-five (55) were built & intended for racing.

Three (3) carbs were fitted to production cars for less than one (<1) model year, but it allowed Healey to fit three (3) carbs (read Webers) for competition thereafter.

 

[anthony7777]

randy. the opening line in the description "this model often causes confusion" and the way the rest of it is written sure does, i just think its "further proof" that any one ever having bought a healey, owns one now, or is contemplating such a purchase was/is a bit confused to begin with!

 

[Randy Forbes]

randy. the opening line in the description "this model often causes confusion" and the way the rest of it is written sure does, i just think its "further proof" that any one ever having bought a healey, owns one now, or is contemplating such a purchase was/is a bit confused to begin with!

Indeed, that wasn't the clearest description I've ever read.

And yes, what were we thinking?!

Here's the setting:
Christmas Holidays 1978, and I drop in at Austin-Healey West to enjoy a glass of Scotch on a Friday after work. Next to the parts counter/cocktail bar sits this Healey that just looks different from the rest; longer rear deck, no bumpers, silver with a black racing stripe, Moto-Lita wheel and 3" Latch & Link competition seat belts.

So after noticing me eyeing the car (perhaps mesmerized is a better word), Ray (Caivano) says "$4200.00, and I'll finance it!"

That was twenty-eight (28) years ago...

 

[hmj6854]

I have a BJ8 with a factory hardtop from Nikal Engineering in England. It requires the removal of the convertible top, but I like the look and the extra interior space that results from the convertible top removal. The shipping and installation, however is not easy. I'm actually reluctant to take it off now-been on for about 3 1/2 years. You could check with https://www.cape-international.com in England where they have a top for 4 seaters that does not require the removal of the convertible top, and they have been a great outfit to deal with.

 

[vette]

Thanks again for all the info. I do seem to remember somewhere way back in one of my early history lessons. that the BT series cars were 4-seaters and the BN series cars were 2-seaters. But I wasn't sure about the BJ's.
I have read Anthony's quote before. I believe when they are saying 'same model' they are referring to the designation of 'MARK 11'. Kind of a sneakey sentence. Because if I remember right, the early Mark 11, was the three carb. And they kept the Mark 11 designation for a number of years after that.
- Anthony, yes I am in pursuit of a Hard Top for my BJ7.
-6854, I have been in contact with Cape, and they have just the right product. But alas, the price of a Brand New one is just where I don't want to go. I must apply my sweat equity to a previously owned one to bring it up to speed. That's probably the only way I'll get one.

 

[anthony7777]

randy, i love scotch when i was flying (aeroplanes that is)id smuggle in cases of "famouse" grouse" from scottland, england etc. for the price of one bottle here in the states i could get a case, brobably the reason i now dont own a bn1 with a 502ci. fully blown chevy with slicks on the rear is that i switched to "captain morgan rum" a little coke (not the kind used in nose for madisinal puposes) and mellow baby, no hang over!-- what was that i said? 502 chevy slicks? humm- babe please fix me an additional rum and coke! dont forget da ice babe!

 

[healeys4me]

Dave, I have a BJ8 and got my hardtop from Cape International. They have a great reproduction, top quality and you don't have to take the soft top off.

Regards,

John

 

[anthony7777]

dave, im still looking for hard tops that we might be able to rebuild/restore at a reasonable price youll be glad you dont own a 1004 or a 100s, check out ebay item # 250078360400- hard top for 1004-100s $25000.00 and that does not include the car!

 

[GregW]

Hi Anthony,
That price just baffles me. I wonder what "A serious piece of Austin Healey 100 history" means. Is Stirling Moss' blood on it?

 

[Michael Oritt]

"ebay item # 250078360400- hard top for 1004-100s $25000.00"
----------------------------------
I believe this top has been for sale online for the last few years--nice if you like the UL tops though I have usually seen them for sale for $1-4K depending on condition. If you want to spend a lot less than this fellow is asking (I've got about $3K in mine with side curtains, vent, etc) you can buy the NICAL 100 top. It does require a good bit of fitting plus lots of patience, and not just with the top.

BTW what IS a 100-4 anyway?

 

[Keoke]

Hi Anthony,
That price just baffles me. I wonder what "A serious piece of Austin Healey 100 history" means. Is Stirling Moss' blood on it?

Hi Greg, it means if you are silly enough to throw that much silly money at that top .They will put in the Guinness book of serious silly wonders--Keoke- /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif

 

[GregW]

Well OK then. I'll sign my name on the dotted line for my 15 minutes of fame.