How many convertibles

[Hethel_Haus]

I had posted a long time ago after importing my car to the States but it is indeed a RHD. Haven't driven it too much since acquiring it. Found out the motor is quite low on compression so awaiting warmer weather to pull the engine for a complete rebuild. And then I suppose one thing will lead to another??? Anyway, still thrilled with the purchase. Love the looks of the convertible and it does handle amazingly well on the roads. Looking forward to the day when the work will be done and I can start putting in some serious seat time. Life will be awesome!!!

Cheers!
Steve

[vernon.taylor]

Salut Steve

Nice! Same colour as mine by the looks of it - except mine is black inside.

What are those headrests?

@+

Vernon

[dave66]

Hi guys,

I read this topic only today, as I am going to purchase a convertible of CN too and start my "Lotus adventure" with you all (I am coming from the Jaguar-World ;o)

I would like to add my first contribution to this forum as I just rang the company (CN) in Northwich today.
The results: they didn?t keep any kind of register or archive like the Heritage Trust of Jaguar or the Lotus one, for which Andy is responsable of, but they can easily identify if the conversion is an original CN or not , after checking the car shortly.
The only problem would be to drive to their premises (depending on where you are living,. of course ;o)
and get someone who can run the check and confirm the job done by them.

Like Eric I was also thinking about "recovering" the cut section of the GRP roof and making a hardtop from it. Anybody else experienced this ? Is this possible at all ?

It would be a great thing to have a hard top available and getting back the original shape of the coup? from time to time and driving a roadster at the same time.
I personally find this car wonderful in both versions - the CN conversion is very successfully and pleasant one with clear and almost intact original lines.

Best regards

David

[vernon.taylor]

Salut Dave

I imagine a hardtop for a CN +2 would be difficult. The roof-bar tray extends beyond the original rear windscreen line. Maybe if it sat on top of the rear edge with a canvas edge to clip it to the Tenax studs - wouldn't look great. Rear windscreen would probably have to be a smaller model so there could be a bottom edge to hold it in place.

Extending over the edge would be difficult too - to hold the rear windscreen in place and follow the lines of the car.

Anyway, the main disadvantage of the +2 CN is noise intrusion - the soft top is quite taut so no real noise there - so a removable hard top would have to be good in that department to be worthwhile, IMHO.

@+

Vernon

[kstrutt11]

When I converted mine I thought about making the roof into a hardtop, as said above it's not easy to do if you want it to look good, it needs to be made wider and longer to go over the hood tray.

In the end I found the hood was pretty wind and weather proof so just stuck with that.

kevin

[axbel]

I have a red CN one in Brittany.
It's a 1968 rhd.

[Foxie]

I also have one, I converted it myself 14 years ago using parts from CN plus plenty of self fabricated extras.

Personally I was not happy with the scuttle shake as converted so I developed a tubular frame to go behind the dash (Links door pillars to tunnel) and boxed in and foam filled several other areas, it now drives much the same as the coupe.


Kevin

Hi Kevin,

Any chance you could give some details of your frame, where and how it was attached to the door pillars and tunnel, and what areas were boxed in and foam filled.

Thanks !

[hamm61]

Hello , I bought a S130/5 in June from Paul Matty , CN convertable in restored condition drive well and looks magic , Bitter green only managed about 400 miles so far kept dry and secure !

[Quart Meg Miles]

Hi Kevin,

Any chance you could give some details of your frame, where and how it was attached to the door pillars and tunnel, and what areas were boxed in and foam filled.

Thanks !

Which one are you converting, Sean, or is one already DHC?

[scottswatches]

I can add one more to the list, as I pick up a 1969 CN +2 next week

[Burton4130]

I can add my 1968 Elan+2 convertible to the list. Although it's not a CN, it's a CTC conversion which was carried out in the early eighties.
I've attached a couple of CTC's press info sheets.

Cheers
Russell

[scottswatches]

that looks a sleeker roof that the CN version.

Does anyone have experience of a roof retrim? Preferably around the midlands in the UK. Mine is a bit shabby, does't fit great and I am thinking of improving on the frame and clip design if possible. I am thinking of replacing as many of the press studs as possible with rare earth magnets...

[nwbaxter66]

Russell
thanks for posting the CTC materials.
I purchased my 69 Plus 2 from Guy Griffiths at CTC in the 80s and sold it back to him when I left for the USA in 87
I have been looking for info on the business for a while and appreciate the info.
Their conversion looked really great and from what I remember seemed pretty reliable and "dry"!

[Burton4130]

It is rather difficult to find info on CTC!

I'm keen to find out how many converted +2 are still around...

It did do well against the elements, which was impressive in Scotland! She Hasn't seen the rain in over a decade now though!!

Russell

[Hethel_Haus]

I'm still an owner of a CN conversion. 10 years now! How the time flies!!! Anyway retired now and finally undertaking a full restoration. This is a status photo of where I'm at.

I am interested in the Burton photos. What did you use for fasteners, along with locations, to install a full tonneau cover? Do you remove it entirely for driving or do you have a tonneau bow bar behind the front seats similar to the set-up on MGB's? I only have a half tonneau which has the leading edge glued to the fiberglass shelf as shown.

Also for those interested, shown following is the tube stiffener fiberglassed into the windshield frame. A pretty flimsy design in my opinion which I intend to stiffen in due course!