Hardtops How much?

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garyf
Posts: 238
Joined: Tue Jan 16, 2018 2:14 pm

Hardtops How much?

Post by garyf » Fri Apr 05, 2019 11:49 am

I've recently bought a Hardtop in very poor condition for possible refurbishment.

However after making a few inquiries regarding parts and labour to restore it I'm seriously considering shelving the idea and either trying to find a decent usable one that needs minimal work or purchasing one of the Honeybourne Fiberglass tops which are around £600.

What is a fair price for a decent usable Tiger/Late Alpine Hardtop?

garyf
Posts: 238
Joined: Tue Jan 16, 2018 2:14 pm

Re: Hardtops How much?

Post by garyf » Mon Apr 08, 2019 5:13 pm

Can anyone offer any advice on the above please? :roll:

tgr747
Posts: 56
Joined: Mon Apr 21, 2008 6:29 pm

Re: Hardtops How much?

Post by tgr747 » Mon Apr 08, 2019 8:30 pm

Hi Gary,I would have thought for a very good hardtop,no rot,very minimal filler if it’s had metal work done,all seals present,good Perspex and decent paint it would be £1k at least,maybe a bit more.any hardtop that has had repairs I would want to try it on my car to check out fit.regds

garyf
Posts: 238
Joined: Tue Jan 16, 2018 2:14 pm

Re: Hardtops How much?

Post by garyf » Tue Apr 09, 2019 9:18 am

Ok thanks for the feedback TGR747, I'm trying to source one in good condition and actually viewed one in Excellent condition on Saturday afternoon, however it did have a couple of minor faults, the rear screen needs replacing and the Stainless finisher to the rear window seal was missing.

However it didn't look like it had been repaired, is the correct colour for my car (So no extra expense for painting) and it fitted on his car well, the guy is asking quite a bit more than your estimate though :?

I've told him I will let him know by the Weekend if I want it, might make an offer and see what he says.

There is one on E-Bay at the moment too, which is nearly £2K?!!

I've also had a trader e-mail me details on a couple he's got for sale one at £650 needing work and another ex USA one that looks mint although it's in Primer and will need building up, this is £1,100.00 but comes with new side windows and a new headlining?

I actually purchased a rough one recently (As mentioned above) with a view to rebuilding it but have been put off by the costs :|

Maybe prices are on the up for original ones, I have considered a Fiberglass one at £600 but would prefer an original.

garyf
Posts: 238
Joined: Tue Jan 16, 2018 2:14 pm

Re: Hardtops How much?

Post by garyf » Thu Apr 11, 2019 5:00 pm

Can anybody else out there in Tiger land offer any words of wisdom? :roll:

Ash
Posts: 178
Joined: Sat Aug 15, 2009 9:47 am
Location: Nottingham

Re: Hardtops How much?

Post by Ash » Tue Apr 16, 2019 1:06 pm

Hi Gary

Most original steel hardtops available for restoration will need much work to make good. Lots of complex curves and tricky and expensive to restore properly. Some of the repair sections aren't great and the hardtop really needs to be repaired whilst on the car to ensure it will fit correctly. Yes good hardtops are becoming more valuable for this reason and that they are getting harder to find.

I believe Tony Tomaselli may have a Honeybourne GRP hardtop on his LHD MK11 so maybe worth asking him if its any good?

How much work does yours need Gary?

garyf
Posts: 238
Joined: Tue Jan 16, 2018 2:14 pm

Re: Hardtops How much?

Post by garyf » Tue Apr 16, 2019 4:29 pm

Ash

It's really bad, the whole lower rear, sides and corner sections need replacing/repairing and it's a job that's well beyond my skills!

I've had a quote for a professional to repair it and it's just not viable.

If you add in the costs of all the new seals, headlining, Perspex windows, Etc it will cost a fortune!

I have provisional bought another one in good condition, but I want to collect in my car to make sure it fit's my car, although it fits fine on the sellers car.

However my car is awaiting M.o.t re-test after failing on Out of balance rear brakes :cry: .

A few photo's of the one I recently got at Newark.

Luckily I didn't pay a lot for it knowing it was bad and may be able to recoup the money with breaking it up for spares, it is complete apart from the Rear Window stainless finisher, A few photo's attached
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garyf
Posts: 238
Joined: Tue Jan 16, 2018 2:14 pm

Re: Hardtops How much?

Post by garyf » Tue Apr 16, 2019 4:32 pm

Some more.
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garyf
Posts: 238
Joined: Tue Jan 16, 2018 2:14 pm

Re: Hardtops How much?

Post by garyf » Tue Apr 16, 2019 4:34 pm

Another couple, apparently one of the specialist as never seen one so bad! :oops:
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garyf
Posts: 238
Joined: Tue Jan 16, 2018 2:14 pm

Re: Hardtops How much?

Post by garyf » Tue Apr 16, 2019 4:37 pm

A few more, I contacted one of the restoration specialists about repairing it and they said it's the worse one they've ever seen!! :oops:
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garyf
Posts: 238
Joined: Tue Jan 16, 2018 2:14 pm

Re: Hardtops How much?

Post by garyf » Tue Apr 16, 2019 4:44 pm

It looks ok in this photo :roll: :lol:
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garyf
Posts: 238
Joined: Tue Jan 16, 2018 2:14 pm

Re: Hardtops How much?

Post by garyf » Tue Apr 16, 2019 4:48 pm

This is the one I've provisionally bought subject to it fitting my car.

Whats this one worth?
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Ash
Posts: 178
Joined: Sat Aug 15, 2009 9:47 am
Location: Nottingham

Re: Hardtops How much?

Post by Ash » Tue Apr 16, 2019 5:53 pm

Yes that IS bad but they usually need lots of metal.

With regard to the good hard top it is more what you are prepared to pay for it? :?

garyf
Posts: 238
Joined: Tue Jan 16, 2018 2:14 pm

Re: Hardtops How much?

Post by garyf » Wed Apr 17, 2019 8:52 am

Yes, I know what you mean Ash, I've been fighting with my conscious since I viewed it!! :shock:

The trouble is I've made up my mind I want an original one and the choices are limited unless I'm patient and get lucky.

One sold recently on E-Bay (Still listed I believe) from the USA in similar condition for near on £2K?

The last two decent ones I have seen on E-Bay have been snapped up straight away for £1,200 and £1,600 respectively

At least the one I've provisionally purchased is the correct colour and only needs a new back window and the stainless trim to make it near on perfect.

Got my fingers crossed for a M.o.T. pass tomorrow and will then hopefully collect it over Easter?

Regards

Gary

Ash
Posts: 178
Joined: Sat Aug 15, 2009 9:47 am
Location: Nottingham

Re: Hardtops How much?

Post by Ash » Wed Apr 17, 2019 8:42 pm

The original ones are nice and if its colour matched even better! Just make sure you inspect it thoroughly for repairs and rust in the usual areas before you buy it.
You will pick up a rear finisher in time.

Cheers

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