How to install the hardtop on a Lotus Elise and why you need one
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- Опубліковано 23 лип 2024
- A convertible is great in certain situations, but a long road trip isn’t one of them. In this video I’ll show you how to properly install the OEM Lotus hardtop on your Elise and explain why this is one of the best accessories to have for your car. I also happen to think it looks great, but not as great as my lovely assistant who helps me with this install.
Tools needed:
T40 torx bit & ratchet (alternative: T40 torx from factory Lotus toolkit)
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Great detailed video. However, it does make you appreciate the simplicity of the Corvette's hardtop installation......
Love the hard top on my elise. In Wales we get a few weeks of sunshine to go soft top. Its now autumn and we have blue skies and perfect weather for the elise. Thanks for this, made it so much easier.
They do look great with the hard top on! Thanks for watching.
Nice video, Vince! I had wondered how the hardtop attaches, and the video is helpful. I’ve enjoyed your videos.
Thanks for watching and for the feedback!
I really wish I had one... But right now, not only do I not know where to get an original one, but I'm fighting with the infamous "stalls at stop lights if not gassing it" issue, and from all the research I've done, there's no absolute cure for that.
Nice vid. I have an early S2 longtail. My hardtop is just as fiddly, 15 bolts to adjust and secure. Hand made and very expensive. Here in the UK our summer lasted from a week last Tuesday and finished on the Friday. The hardtops staying on !
Wait 15 bolts on the longtail version?? Wow that's a lot! Thanks for watching and commenting.
An easy way to get the front ones in is to lift the top at the corner slightly and then it can easily go in. If the hook on the rear bracket has to much space, a tiny piece of ethernet fits perfect in the shape and is solid enough to make it work.
Oh good tips Aaron, thank you for sharing! What do you mean a piece of ethernet? Ethernet wire?
@@AtypicalDriver Correct, maybe a 3/4" worth. It was a trick from the previous owner and definitely needed on this Elise. I tried it without and I'm guessing I would have bottomed out the bolt before it was adequately tight.
Where do I buy a hard top I only have a soft top
If you can find a used one, that is probably your best best. I've heard good things also about LotusHardTops.com but I don't think it comes trimmed with any interior fabric so you'd need a local upholstery shop do that part I think. Thanks for watching!
Can the hardtop further improve stiffness of the car?
Good question but I don't really think so since it's just fiberglass. The chassis is already very stiff, in fact you can easily get 3 wheels off the ground with one jack point!
@@AtypicalDriver Please update your experience on this if there is any new finding. Thanks!
.....My 2006 Elise came with a hard top and I've never taken it off..............
I do think the functionality and the aesthetics are better with the hard top, but it's also fun to take it off every once in awhile. I assume a soft top also came with your car right?
@@AtypicalDriver.....it sure did. Never used it either.......
Freeway speeds… So that’s 60mph in the US right? Drive it in Germany it’s unlimited. This car is nothing about creature comforts. It’s about the raw driving experience. That means driving when it’s getting windy….
I'm all for the raw experience in the Elise...have had this car for 11 years. But I don't think I can handle my upcoming 1,500 mile trip with the wind. Btw nobody in the US drives 60 mph on the freeway.
Annoying bell ringing gets an automatic "dislike" and no subscribe from me. If your videos are any good, people will subscribe to get more. If your videos suck, they won't. Treat your watchers with kindness and they will subscribe. Treat your subscribers with kindness and they will stay subscribed. The bell "trick" is a childish action to appeal to the many kids on youtube. You don't need it.
Sorry man!
What a pathetic comment, especially if you SERIOUSLY disliked the video for it - the guy made a useful video for Elise owners. He didn't have to make it. He can add a 3 second subscribe suggestion and ding if he wants - I wouldn't have even noticed, if not for this dogsh*t comment. Great video, thanks for spending the time to make it.