How to install a soft top on the Exige - LotusTalk

pilot · 08-20-2006, 11:17 AM

Well, I finally got around to doing this. I would like to thank Chai for the soft top. He was great to work with and very courteous. And the staff at Ferrari of Denver was extremely patient with me--as I was able to check their showroom Elise for measurements. I applaud all that helped

Iv'e got a series of photos that show step by step the method I used to install the brackets and measurements for where they go (Please verify your own measurements and methods). I guess the most important thing is to take your time, be neat and that really reduces the risk of well, you know...

Tools:
Drill with 1/16" and 11/64" or you choose larger bit
Dremmel with cutting wheel and rounding tip
hot glue gun
Vaccuum to clean out cut holes and general stuff
Blanket to protect interior
painter's masking tape and paper
magic marker, pen etc.
1 or more of your favorite beverages
Oh yeah, a soft top, sport or touring model

Good luck,

Pilot

pilot · 08-20-2006, 11:21 AM

Here you go

pilot · 08-20-2006, 11:25 AM

this is going to make those day tours (with the chance of rain, etc.) so much more "do-able".

codymac · 08-20-2006, 11:25 AM

Looks like it's roughly a six beer job.

happykat@cox.net · 08-20-2006, 01:44 PM

WAY TO GO PILOT!!! Can't wait to try it out (yours). Looks very good, and you won't get wet anymore. HAPPYKAT

dma550 · 08-20-2006, 03:11 PM

ROFL, you just negated the one reason I bought the Elise over the Exige!!!

inetd · 08-20-2006, 03:28 PM

Looks like you did a good job. I had Auto Europe install the grommets before I took delivery. I watched the service tech complete the installation. What he did was create a stencil from an Elise and from that template he marked the holes. The rest of the job (drill, dremel, etc...) seem to mirror your process.

Stroker Ace · 08-20-2006, 04:24 PM

Hmm I was under the impression that the roof was very important in the stuctual ridgity (excuse the spelling I think) of the Exige, I geuss I was told wrong.

codymac · 08-20-2006, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StarLight111

Hmm I was under the impression that the roof was very important in the stuctual ridgity (excuse the spelling I think) of the Exige, I geuss I was told wrong.

Negative - it's flimsy composite just like the rest of the car.

Russ · 08-20-2006, 04:57 PM

Inetd, how much did they charge to do the installation? And are there any modifications to the soft top to fit the exige?
It does look pretty simple to do

t65tampa · 08-20-2006, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dma550

ROFL, you just negated the one reason I bought the Elise over the Exige!!!

+1

for me,

for you

pilot · 08-20-2006, 06:11 PM

Thanks HappyKat. Yep, this is sure a nice way to dress up the Exige for this fine Colorado weather... Hey, what am I saying? The weather service just reported a TORNADO 20 miles to the east of me!

INETD: Thanks for the good words. I've been wanting to get this done for months. I was just waiting on getting a top.

StarLight111: The windshield demonstrates a little flex when I push down on it, but it's the same as on the Elises. All the articles say that the doors are the only body part used from the Elise. But, I think they use the same windshield system also.

I, too, am curious as to how much an install by a tech costs?

2002 Sexterra · 08-20-2006, 06:39 PM

I think its spelled Gnarly lol... and the black doesnt matvh the black of the exige... but serves its purpose well looks good

jldunne · 08-20-2006, 06:40 PM

easier method...trade for ELISE................

inetd · 08-20-2006, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russ

Inetd, how much did they charge to do the installation?

After much searching I found it... but, I must add that this add-on (among many other add-ons) was on condition that I purchase the car. So the rate was negotiated.

The parts included were:
A116B0182F Conv. Bow Plug
B117B0480K Plug Spacer
1 hour labor

Total $118.61

This was more than generous from Auto Europe. I would expect them to charge a someone else a little more considering that this was in addition to $5600 in parts and labor and a condition of my Exige purchase, and purchase of a custom trailer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russ

And are there any modifications to the soft top to fit the exige?

None at all, the exact same roof made for the Elise fits the Exige, granted that you have the grommets installed.

pilot · 08-20-2006, 07:46 PM

I'm doing the best that I can to find a Carbon Fiber Soft top

LotusFamily · 08-21-2006, 09:12 AM

Nice job Pilot

looks kewl

You do know the top air intake isnt going to function properly now that you did this

megatron · 08-21-2006, 09:43 AM

Pilot, Nice work. It is always nice to see mods with pics. Excellent job.

slaughtr · 08-21-2006, 09:47 AM

Nice job. Now if they come out with a factory supercharger that only fits in the Exige I can buy one.

Callabrator · 08-21-2006, 01:57 PM

Looks great Pilot. This is on my list of future mods for sure. Thanks for the writeup and the pics!

08-20-2006, 11:17 AM	#1 (permalink)
pilot Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Denver, CO, USA Posts: 307	How to install a soft top on the Exige Well, I finally got around to doing this. I would like to thank Chai for the soft top. He was great to work with and very courteous. And the staff at Ferrari of Denver was extremely patient with me--as I was able to check their showroom Elise for measurements. I applaud all that helped Iv'e got a series of photos that show step by step the method I used to install the brackets and measurements for where they go (Please verify your own measurements and methods). I guess the most important thing is to take your time, be neat and that really reduces the risk of well, you know... Tools: Drill with 1/16" and 11/64" or you choose larger bit Dremmel with cutting wheel and rounding tip hot glue gun Vaccuum to clean out cut holes and general stuff Blanket to protect interior painter's masking tape and paper magic marker, pen etc. 1 or more of your favorite beverages Oh yeah, a soft top, sport or touring model Good luck, Pilot Attached Images

08-20-2006, 11:21 AM	#2 (permalink)
pilot Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Denver, CO, USA Posts: 307	The next round of photos Here you go Attached Images

08-20-2006, 11:25 AM	#3 (permalink)
pilot Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Denver, CO, USA Posts: 307	the outside views this is going to make those day tours (with the chance of rain, etc.) so much more "do-able". Attached Images

08-20-2006, 11:25 AM	#4 (permalink)
codymac short angry bloke Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: where the east tapers out and the west begins Posts: 9,287 Images: 19	Looks like it's roughly a six beer job. __________________ torque (tôrk) n. - an excuse for the lack of momentum. - let's bring back CanAm & Group B! - have you hugged your Exige today? I'm currently working on my performance driving merit badge. There's always somebody faster, sometimes it's me.

08-20-2006, 03:11 PM	#6 (permalink)
dma550 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: CT, Shoreline area Posts: 1,222	ROFL, you just negated the one reason I bought the Elise over the Exige!!! __________________ David Avery 09 Porsche 911 TT Cab \| 05 Lotus Elise SOLD \| 08 BMW 135i Stock visit Spyderclub.com

08-20-2006, 01:44 PM	#5 (permalink)
happykat@cox.net Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 1	WAY TO GO PILOT!!! Can't wait to try it out (yours). Looks very good, and you won't get wet anymore. HAPPYKAT

08-20-2006, 03:28 PM	#7 (permalink)
inetd Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: DFW Posts: 288 Images: 14	Looks like you did a good job. I had Auto Europe install the grommets before I took delivery. I watched the service tech complete the installation. What he did was create a stencil from an Elise and from that template he marked the holes. The rest of the job (drill, dremel, etc...) seem to mirror your process. __________________ 2-Eleven - On Order New Phantom Black Exige Sold! Original Phantom Black Exige lost in flood Last edited by inetd; 08-20-2006 at 07:13 PM.

08-20-2006, 04:24 PM	#8 (permalink)
Stroker Ace They’ve gone to plaid! Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Wayne, PA Posts: 403	Hmm I was under the impression that the roof was very important in the stuctual ridgity (excuse the spelling I think) of the Exige, I geuss I was told wrong. __________________ SOLD: 05 Elise Starlight Black w/ Black: Touring - LSS W/Black Wheels - Hard top - Starsheild - Lotus ECU Upgrade - Arqray Double Tip Exhuast w/ Sport Cat - Alpine Stereo - JBL Speakers - K40 Radar/Laser System - Braille Battery - 4Tress Hatness Bar - Schroth 4 Point Harness' - RTD Brace - Challenger Rear Grill - CF Rear Diffuser - CF Front Spoiler/Splitter - CF Side Scoops - Sector111 Trunk Bootie www.AdcockBros.com

08-20-2006, 04:57 PM	#10 (permalink)
Russ 08 phantom black 240 S Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Wash.Twp.NJ Berg Cty Posts: 62	Inetd, how much did they charge to do the installation? And are there any modifications to the soft top to fit the exige? It does look pretty simple to do

08-20-2006, 06:11 PM	#12 (permalink)
pilot Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Denver, CO, USA Posts: 307	Thanks HappyKat. Yep, this is sure a nice way to dress up the Exige for this fine Colorado weather... Hey, what am I saying? The weather service just reported a TORNADO 20 miles to the east of me! INETD: Thanks for the good words. I've been wanting to get this done for months. I was just waiting on getting a top. StarLight111: The windshield demonstrates a little flex when I push down on it, but it's the same as on the Elises. All the articles say that the doors are the only body part used from the Elise. But, I think they use the same windshield system also. I, too, am curious as to how much an install by a tech costs?

08-20-2006, 06:39 PM	#13 (permalink)
2002 Sexterra prepare your time! Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 967	I think its spelled Gnarly lol... and the black doesnt matvh the black of the exige... but serves its purpose well looks good __________________ 2005 KG Lotus Elise Touring package and SS no hartop... WTB YOUR KG HARDTOP PM ME 2002 Supercharged Nissan SE model Xterra -SEXterra greetings from NOT Iraq haha

08-20-2006, 06:40 PM	#14 (permalink)
jldunne Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 179	easier method...trade for ELISE................

08-20-2006, 07:46 PM	#16 (permalink)
pilot Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Denver, CO, USA Posts: 307	I'm doing the best that I can to find a Carbon Fiber Soft top

08-21-2006, 09:12 AM	#17 (permalink)
LotusFamily Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Greenfield, In. Posts: 730	Nice job Pilot looks kewl You do know the top air intake isnt going to function properly now that you did this

08-21-2006, 09:43 AM	#18 (permalink)
megatron Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Northeast OH Posts: 873	Pilot, Nice work. It is always nice to see mods with pics. Excellent job. __________________ 05 Elise (RIP)

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Posted By	For	Type	Date
Sport Car Club :: View topic - soft top para el exige	This thread	Refback	04-28-2008 02:32 PM
Sport Car Club :: View topic - soft top para el exige	This thread	Refback	04-28-2008 12:51 AM
Sport Car Club :: Ver tema - soft top para el exige	This thread	Refback	04-27-2008 01:47 PM
Sport Car Club :: View topic - soft top para el exige	This thread	Refback	04-27-2008 12:21 PM
Sport Car Club :: View topic - soft top para el exige	This thread	Refback	04-27-2008 10:13 AM
Sport Car Club :: Ver tema - soft top para el exige	This thread	Refback	04-27-2008 09:59 AM

08-21-2006, 09:47 AM	#19 (permalink)
slaughtr Big head man Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Boise, Idaho Posts: 5,966 Images: 3	Nice job. Now if they come out with a factory supercharger that only fits in the Exige I can buy one. __________________ My car both sucks and blows. Now with added all natural smoky goodness!

08-21-2006, 01:57 PM	#20 (permalink)
Callabrator Cheers! Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 353	Looks great Pilot. This is on my list of future mods for sure. Thanks for the writeup and the pics! __________________ 2008 Wicked White Evo X 2006 SY Exige - SOLD 2004 Formula Red S2000 - SOLD

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