Tiger hardtop

45 years ago, I thought the Coachman hardtop looked better than the factory hardtop- sleeker, more aerodynamic- so I bought one for my first Tiger. Now, I like the look of the factory hardtop better, and not just because my Tiger came with one...this picture was taken before I replaced the back window rubber seal- it's the only thing it needed- I didn't realize values had risen to this level for a concours top!

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Treachery

If I were prone to hyperbole, I might call my hard top story a bit tragic.

When I bought the car it did come with the original hard top. Due to some treachery on the part of a neighbor's girlfriend I no longer have that top.

Ironically, 20 years ago, I didn't think the Tiger HT looked all that good anyway. But that was then….

NOW. I think it's beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:)

Come on now Paul, you can't act like the tabloids - you can't dangle this story about the "neighbor's girlfriend" and not tell us THE REST OF THE STORY!
 
Come on now Paul, you can't act like the tabloids - you can't dangle this story about the "neighbor's girlfriend" and not tell us THE REST OF THE STORY!

Allright, here is what went down. About 18 years ago we were moving from So Cal to the Pacific Northwest. By the time the van was loaded, there wasn't enough space to hold even a small toaster. The Tiger was already on it's way. It's boot was filled with stuff and I could not attach the hard top shell to the car. In retrospect I could have figured out a way but the moving process was creating far larger problems.

I asked my neighbor, who had a large garage, if he could store the top and the original boot platform for a few months until I would return and ship them to myself. He said, "sure, no problem."

About 4 months later I visited him to retrieve the parts and he sheepishly told me, "Uhhh they're gone. Gwen, (the treacherous one,) threw them out. She didn't like them 'cluttering up' the garage." Gwen didn't even live with this guy full-time! The two pieces were in a far corner of the garage. But their presence bothered Gwen.

F***ing Gwen….

Eventually, I did replace the boot platform with one from Rick. Finding another hardtop shell was not a priority until a couple of years ago when I realized that the one major thing left to do on my car was the hard top. Especially since now I really love how our cars look with the HT's.

Ooops- there are actually two major things left to do- the second being a wide-ratio Toploader! :)

So, there you have it.
 
I have a theory that all "Gwen's" are inherently problems. And that is all I have to say about that.
 
I have a theory that all "Gwen's" are inherently problems. And that is all I have to say about that.

Forgive me, if your "Gwen Theory" evokes unpleasant memories, but your comment made me laugh out loud.
 
There are several large holes in my wall from where I banged my head. Within a week after buying my Alpine and traveling from Priest River, ID to Tigard, OR (about 1,300 miles round trip) a 66 Alpine came up for sale in Newport, WA (about 6 miles from my house) for $500 with a hardtop. The car was rusty, but the top and car were complete. I stupidly waited 2 days to call the guy and I was one day too late. He sold it. A new hole gets added to my wall every time I think about how I passed up such a good deal.... :(
 
While I still had my hardtop, but it was apart and needed restoration, a complete top was available at a Tiger swap meet in the San Fernando Valley. $300.

I figured I didn't need two so I foolishly passed.

I know, I know, "that was then…" But even then, it was a super deal.
 
hardtop

If anyone is interested , I will have a hardtop for sale at SUNI. it is a late top with the brackets for the soft top boot straps.
 
I was just offered a hardtop that has been in dry storage for the last 35 years. The owner sold the Tiger at that time, but retained the top. I'm looking for an idea of $ value. Basically will need full restoration, but all trim, and latches are intact. Plexi and headliner intact but will need replacement. Some rust on the inside of one dog leg.


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Just sold a much worse one with no headliner or bows for 1200.00.
 
Hardtop

I just picked up a complete hardtop with all trim, latches, headliner for $1000(I was part of the Bruce deal). It has a small amount of rust but nothing serious, fortunately Bruce doesn't need another hardtop or seats with red velour inserts so it worked out for me(Thanks Bruce!). As the body for my car was a former GT version I was very happy to find a decent top.

Matt in Sacto
1964 Alger(ex George Fallehy car)
 
hardtop

Allan, I just looked at your photos and the top I picked up is in very similar condition to the one you're looking at.
 
If anyone has recommendations for a re-chroming shop they have used and are pleased with, please share that information. My hardtop hardware latches are in pretty rough shape.
 
rain gutter chrome molding shape

would someone please post a close up picture of the rain gutter molding at the front edge. The moldings on my top do not match from side to side and I'm not sure how the front edge is supposed to be shaped. I'm thinking the one of the left is closer to being accurate but I really don't have a clue.
 
The one on the left is the correct shape-looks like someone modified the one on the right. Eric
 
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