[wallabyguy]

I saw this web site this morning and thought it would be of great interest to many individuals in the US of taller stature.

http://elisehardtop.co.uk/

I have already emailed them for a word on Fed. Spec. compatability.

I will follow this posting up with their response.

 

[babak]

Here is an alternative, i've seen it's pictures used as avatars on boards. Personally I plan on getting one instead of the OEM hard top since these you can fit it in the boot (so they claim)

http://www.autostyle-solutions.com/gallery/solutions/t_bar/

 

[ElisED]

Reputation?

Can anyone from the UK comment on the quality of the Middlemoor vs. Autostyle tops?

 

[Derek]

Here is an alternative, i've seen it's pictures used as avatars on boards. Personally I plan on getting one instead of the OEM hard top since these you can fit it in the boot (so they claim)

http://www.autostyle-solutions.com/gallery/solutions/t_bar/

Hey did anyone notice the front of that Elise... It looks like the grill is missing.

 

[Modern Wedgie]

Wow, there is a $2000 difference between the two.

The autostyle one clearly looks better, but not for $3400. That's crazy money! I'll stick to the hardtop option until I win the lottery.

 

[wallabyguy]

"t-roof" options

First, remember to calculate -17% VAT and consider exchange rates and shipping. Second, The Autostyle top has a much smaller opening v. the middlemoore top. Is the AutoStyle top a "short" or "long" roof? The AutoStyle site gives very little information on the construction and details of the roof.

 

[babak]

--I'm going to stick to the ragtop for now, after these hit the streets the flood gates of aftermarket stuff should open, more competition, more options and hopefully better price.
--The Autostyle has a pair of struts propping the 'wings' the Middlemoor one does not. If I had something hangin over my head I'd want a brace or strut supporting it.
--The grill....You have a point it might be missing. Altough, I think it's their aftermarket front valence to increase downforce, I'm not in favor it, Lotus spent years and mucho dinnero on the aerodynamics of this puppy, why mess with it?
--The roof is a functional issue, the OEM does not fit in the boot, the autostyle one does, middlemoor does not comment on whether it fits in the boot or not.

 

[zvezdah1]

HI All,
Also, on the federal car the rubber seals have been completely redesigned, potential problem to adapt an s2 top to the US car.
Chris

 

[ElisED]

Well, if Middlemoor doesn't volunteer that its top can be stowed in the car, I'm willing to bet the farm it can't. It's too important a selling point to overlook or to keep a secret from potential customers.

 

[Derek]

HI All,
Also, on the federal car the rubber seals have been completely redesigned, potential problem to adapt an s2 top to the US car.
Chris

So does this mean it will be less likely to leak?

If you notice these after market roofs are also longer than the factory roof. They have tails on either side to the rare. They change the cars lines.

I have also heard that the new factory roofs have sound deadening material on them now and will be quieter than before and quieter than the soft-top.

PS: Both these hard tops have struts holding them up.

Here is a link to a full review of the Middlemoor gull-wing hardtop and the review does mension storing in the boot:

http://pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=64461&f=15&h=0

 

[plesset]

The gullwing look realy adds to the style of the Elise. I am sold...sign me up....lets just hope it fits!

 

[MotorCade]

Originally posted by babak

You mean THIS avatar?

Cade

 

[babak]

yep

 

[Tigga!]

*

Greetings from across the pond.

Apologies for not visiting before but I will try and visit at least weekly in future.

Why am I here now... because the Autostyle Solutions roof is being discussed.

My name is Tigga Reese; I am a founding director of Autostyle Solutions Limited and have been involved in the development of the "T-Bar" roof for almost 2 years now.

To try and answer some of your questions...

> If you notice these after market roofs are also longer than the factory roof. <

The roll bar cover (the area above the rear clam behind the seats) is removable. To fit our roof this panel is removed and the "T" section bolted into the existing holes.

> on the federal car the rubber seals have been completely redesigned, <

New seals will have no impact on our roof as it is designed for existing seals.

> hard top since these you can fit it in the boot (so they claim) <

Yes both our roof panels fit in the boot, and there is still room for a laptop on top of the panels and small bags either side of the panels with the boot lid closed.

> Wow, there is a $2000 difference between the two. <

The price of our roof includes tax, UK shipping and painting so the price difference is in reality not much.

> Hey did anyone notice the front of that Elise... It looks like the grill is missing. <

I have one of our prototype clams on my Elise.

Well I hope that has answered most of your questions.

I am known to regularly frequent an online Lotus Enthusiast Club called SELOC ( http://www.seloc.org ) so feel free to contact me there.

"Have a nice day!"

Tigga!

*

 

[Craigy]

I have a middlemoor hardtop. I can't say it's brilliant because it's not - but then again, it was cheap.

Craigy

 

[Randy Chase]

Tigga replied and not one Bork!

 

[Tigga!]

*

I have a middlemoor hardtop. I can't say it's brilliant because it's not - but then again, it was cheap.

Craigy

... shhh, don't spoil the surprise

Tigga!

*

 

[jml1952]

The gull-wings look really cool when they are up. But when would they be in this position?

It sounds like one would keep the gull wing frame bolted on all of the time, and just remove the panels when you wanted to have a convertible. Is that how the UK folks do it?

With the standard hard top, I imagine installing it when winter hits and leaving it on for a couple of months. Then using the soft top most of the year, or perhaps just a shower cap.

 

[Tigga!]

*

> The gull-wings look really cool when they are up. But when would they be in this position?<

Hi Michael. One reason for panels in the hard top, in the "T-Bar" is to allow them to be raised allowing easier entry and exit from the cabin of the Elise.

> It sounds like one would keep the gull wing frame bolted on all of the time, and just remove the panels when you wanted to have a convertible.<

Correct

Tigga!

*

 

[babak]

Ok, lemme get my nomex fire suite zipped...Hey randy what's a Bork?