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February 23, 2004
Rob
I've pondered this one myself, I must admit.
Mainly because I've always really hated the look of the standard
OE hardtop that is fitted to the later Midgets and Sprites. For
some reason in my mind - it just doesn't look 'right', it looks
ungainly and an 'afterthought'.
However the original BMC and Healey Hardtops for the Frogeye
and early MKII Sprites and MK I and II Midgets looks 'right' and
elegant.
I've never actually sat down and analysed the differences
between these hardtops, but the earlier one in my mind just
looks 'curvier' and more 'sporty' whereas the later one just looks
like a box.
I've often wondered what an earlier type Hardtop would actually
look like on a later type Spridget, it's not possible of course due
to the size differences in the cockpit length and also I think in the
window and windscreen height.
What would be possible though is to make one up yourself,
using the older BMC Hardtop as a template and altering the
dimensions to fit the later size cockpit. You could make this up
out of a frame of timber and plywood to the correct dimensions
and shape and use this as a former for a fibreglass mould.
Once you've made your fibreglass mould you can create another
fibreglass casting from the mould in the shape of the original
hardtop. It would be quite easy to actually make a few copies out
of this mould.
Anyway that's the theory, and it's quite possible to do, so like you,
I'll add it to the 'will do someday' list ;)
Nigel
"amukdigiphoto" < amukdigiphoto@... > 30107
Posted on February 23, 2004 06:47 PM
Posted to category(s) Body | Exterior | Interior | International | Miscellaneous | Restoration
