Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

This evening I purchased what I believe to be an original hard top for my S2.
I’ve posted a few pics of the hardtop and ask if any of you can confirm this?
Thanks Gino

Looks to me that it may be an aftermarket top. I believe factory tops do not have the parcel tray, and they also have thin alloy drip rails around the windows (like the contrails have). At least that is how I remember the top on my S1, which may be different from the S2.

It looks close to my original hard top although the rear window appears to be a tad wider - the original has a parcel shelf, headliner and the side gutters are riveted in. I can not see the front windscreen and side fastening details in your photos.

Bill

If original I'd say it was a S1 as it has three fixing points for top of screen., whereas my S2 hardtop only has 2. I'll take pictures of them and add them tonight.

V

Well, there we have it! Four answers, four different thoughts.

I have two S2 original hardtops. They all have the parcel trays and 3 attaching points at the Windshield frame.

Headliner, Side Panels covered in the same material as the headliner were included, and the aluminum rain gutters were all part of the original hardtops.

I'll try to get some pics also.

Frank

Gino, Vaughan,
I stand corrected. Both of my Hardtops came with my S2's but one has three mounting studs to the Windshield Frame and the other has only two. I never noticed that before and I've owned both of these tops since 1976. Both have paper work stating they were equipped from the factory.

And here are a few pics.

Both have parcel trays with holes to insert the bolts to the body. There is a hole in the parcel tray and also in the side panel to gain access.

Also there is a pic depicting the tiny little plastic cover over the screws holding the side panel in place. I have not see any of those available since 1970.

another pic

Gino,

Don't forget where to obtain the Hardtop Mounting Hardware! Ha! Sorry, I had to say that.

www.FamousFranks.com

Hi Frank, I have the same top as yours, three mounting studs, with all the trim bits. I've taken mine apart when I had the car painted. Have you rebuilt yours? I'll need to source headliner, some particle board (cardboard) for the sides, rebuild some of those wood blocks which are glued to the fiberglass and support the side cardboard panels, polish up the drip rails, and find a source for the front and rear rubber moldings. Years ago I sourced the lexan glass from DBE as mine had yellowed.

i just joined the group. i have an early Series 1 Elan purchased in late 1963. Perhaps two decades ago i bought a hard top from Dave Bean. Eventually i was able to gather the rubber and even the drip rails. But am missing the parcel tray. i'd love to see a photo of one, or even better, see one in person. i live in the LA area.

Just for your information, my top has a continuous lip that runs across the front. it seats into a continuous slot in the top of the windshield of my Elan. There are no indentations, as appear in the Series 2 cars.

Finally, i also have a 1971 Elan +2s.

Thanks Frank,

As I understand it, the three fixing were S1, one is off a early 64 car unit 0429 which had a borne shell based on gelcoat colour, as the plate was lost in late 60's due to engine bay fire.
I suspect the three fixing hardtop may have carried over to the S1.5 cars, whereas later S2 had 2 fixings as does my S226R (1965), like your hardtop my 26R has all original interior panels, aluminium gutter trim and fixings, and the little aluminium screw covers you have pictured. All including the 26R hardtop have parcel shelves, the only difference is the layup of 26R is a bit lighter, touch it in centre and it deflects, whereas S1 is slightly stiffer.

Cheers

Vaughan

Mmmm, not sure you're right there Vaughan. I've had two 1965 S2s both with hard tops and both with 3 fixings. My first Bought in 1968 and my current one. Everything else is as you have described including the parcel shelf. Of course there's no guarantee that the hardtops were not a later addition, but my first was only two years old and the PO had bought it new in August 1965.

Hi All
I ordered my Elan 1600 (26,0538) hard top not yet available, from the factory Dec.20 1963, it was shipped on March 22, 1964, I picked it up from the Vancouver wharves May 8,1964.

I was advised that a hardtop was available from the factory in June 1964, ordered one and it was shipped to me, again from the factory July 08, 1964 - it cost 68 Pnds. FOB factory. I was able to deal directly with the factory as there was no dealership in western Canada (eyh!!) at that time.

With Franks input it seems that nothing has changed much over time.

Bill

Can someone post a few pictures of the front seal assembly where it mounts against the windshield. Mine is missing everything and I would love to know what I am looking for

Good question JL. I too am in need of all rubber seals, front seal at windscreen frame, rear seal where top meets body, and along drip rails for side windows. Does anyone have a recommendation of a vendor for these various seals?