Hardtop help

[Talonaer]

In process of rebuilding a mk1 sprite thats been hidden away in my grandfathers barn for 30 years (build log to come) and finally got the hard top out the other day...to realise its far from standard.

My research makes me believe it MIGHT be related to the Pride and Clarke hardtops: has the same window as the "Dan Dare", same fastening with a drop bar (just one hoop not 2 as on the later midget version), etc but I cannot find any pictures or anyone that has seen a hardtop for a mk1 (apart from the Dan Dare) produced by Pride and Clarke.

Anyone got any information? Currently chasing the car through the club it belonged to along time ago but no response of yet.

Rear fastening:

Front fastening:

Someones fantastic hand painted Esso men:

Pride and Clarke tops:
https://www.british-cars.org/mg-midget-sprite-general-bbs/sprite-hard-top-201109182031479486.htm
https://www.british-cars.org/mg-midget-sprite-general-bbs/ashley-hardtop-200907080450077909.htm <- Very simular

 

[61frogeye]

I don't know much about old aftermarket hardtops (maybe Gerard knows) but the graphics on your top are very nice. Hopefully you will be able to replace them when it is done. Was your grandfather's Sprite modified for competition?

 

[Talonaer]

It was a little modified to say the least...(Will put build log up soon)

948 +60 bore.
Hepolite 18519 flattop pistons
Head and carbs: Unknown: was sold back with original head and carbs
Crank/Flywheel/Conrods all balanced
Cam: Unknown aftermarket cam (still trying to research it: has a spider drive and a large capacity Eaton pump on it [which is so big its casing has been ground to make it fit under the cover plate...])
Ribbed gearbox but with midget 1500 gears (it appears from the ratios at least!)
3.9 diff
uprated front springs.

its having a complete rebuild currently on a new bodyshell , adding a 12g295 head thats been ported, pair of HS2s. Front discs etc and will be a fibreglass sebring sprite conversion (but using this hardtop rather than the coupe top).

 

[Gerard]

Very cool period piece. You should try to preserve as much of it as is. It does have all the design cues of the P&C tops.

 

[Talonaer]

It will be restored, the car will be old english white, and the Esso men will return as a salute to the cars history .

The garden hose as the seal between hardtop and rear shroud...maybe not so much.

Thankfully the perspex screen is as good as new!

 

[Gerard]

I have a section on my web site where I document all the fiberglass variants that were once available. May I have your permission to use your photos?

Your top looks to be in very good shape!

https://gerardsgarage.com/Garage/Tech/fiberglass.htm

 

[Talonaer]

No problem at all (Will double check with my brother as they're technically his photos and 50% of the car is his but go head unless you hear otherwise from me .

If you want any different photos etc please just let me know.

 

[Gerard]

Thank you Talonaer.

When you get a chance to take some with it on the car, that would be great!

You are welcome to email them to me direct as well if you prefer.

Cheers!

 

[Talonaer]

pics with car: ETA end of summer 2012 :frown:

Car is currently in a zillion pieces, engine half rebuild, new body shell is awaiting the rear shroud and bonnet to complete painting.

Unfortunately never got any photos of it on the car before it was stripped as I thought the hardtop (Which was under a standard hardtop for a 2nd car) was nothing special.

 

[Rene]

Hi,

I also presume it's a Pride & Clark, I've exactly the same hardtop, this is the first photo of a simular one i've seen so far.
I bought this for my frog because i was looking for a P&C Hardtop. (in Holland), shall post a photo of the hooks i've made for attaching it to the body.

Rene

 

[Nelson]

Gerard,

I don't see any photos on your site of the Donald Healey hardtop for the Sprite. I have photos of mine on my Webshots page if you are interested. I bought it from his dealership shortly before I had the car shipped Stateside.

https://good-times.webshots.com/album/569104675VqXhIa?start=60

 

[Talonaer]

rene, really interesting to see your hard top. I've come across a few more since this post but no further to the answer of are they pride and clarke items.

Would love to see the mounts you describe, I found the J bolts for clamping down my top in the bottom of a box of spares yesterday