TVR/GRP Projects

TVR Chimaera Hardtop

TVR Prototype Hardtop

TVR Prototype Hardtop - Canvas - Rain Test

Available as an alternative to the original TVR canvas folding roof section, the removable rear hardtop has been shaped and contoured to replicate the original roofline of the chimaera. The rear hardtop offers much improved security, weather protection and cabin sealing over the original fold-down roof.

Used in combination with the hard centre targa panel, the rear hardtop is secured in place using stainless steel quick release catches and can be easily unlatched and stored in the Chimaeras generous boot alongside the targa panel when not in use - leaving the rear deck with a clean level appearance and completely unobstructed rear visibility, as opposed to the original 'pram handle' jutting up at an angle and creasing the folding hood window.

The inner surface of the 'Roll Hoop' has a carbon fibre effect similar to the type used on the underside of the original TVR centre targa panel.

The standard TVR aluminium roof struts are carried over to provide secure positioning of the centre targa panel when fitted to the car, but instead of being anchored directly to the underside of the hardtop, they are located into fabricated slide-in brackets to allow quick removal/refitting.

The fixing methods for the detachable rear section include utilising existing mounting points as well as several addition discreet mountings - all of which are hidden behind trimmed-up areas.

The fibreglass roof sections are covered in hardwearing black canvas to retain the cars original 'soft top' look. Alternatively, the canvas can be omitted and the roof sections painted body colour to match the bodywork as with the blue prototype pictured, however, extra care will be needed when handling and storing to avoid scratching. The underside of both the rear hardtop, and centre targa panel are trimmed in soft felt as standard to prevent marking when in contact with each other in the boot, however, it is recommended that both painted and canvas versions also be covered with soft covers when stowed to create a cushioned layer.

Each hardtop is made to order and will require fitting and adjusting specifically for each individual car. The entire assembly includes:

• GRP rear hardtop section (canvas covered as standard with soft felt inner lining - painted exterior at extra cost).
• Matching centre targa panel (also felt trimmed on underside to provide a soft surface when stored next to the rear hardtop).
• Thermoformed 4mm Acrylic rear window (shaped to match the original soft top window with discreet black border for bonding purposes).
• Inner Header / 'Roll Hoop' section (with carbon fibre layer).
• Rear deck finisher trim (hides the top edge of the rear bulkhead carpet when the roof is removed, and provides an anchor point for the quick release catches).
• 4x quality stainless steel quick release catches.
• Various fabricated brackets and fixings.
• All weather strips and sealing rubbers (new targa panel weather seals can be provided but the existing mounting channels will need carrying over from original panel).

There are various options regarding trimming certain areas in different materials to suit each car - such as covering the rear deck finisher in the same vinyl as the door tops to carry through. In reality, some trim colours are now obsolete and difficult to match, and, as with some previous hardtops, the deck finisher would needed colouring with special waterbased trim paint to obtain the required colour match which has added a little cost. In the case of a canvas covered hardtop, this rear deck finisher is covered in the same hardwearing canvas as the hardtop exterior and creates the impression that it is the top edge of a retracted soft top when fitted in place. This option provides a more practical trimming solution for the deck finisher.

Due the individual hand built nature of each car, and the slight production differences between model years, fitting requirements may vary slightly from car to car and hence the amount of work required for initial fitting. Different trimming options as mentioned above, plus any extra work required to the rear deck area to allow the hardtop to be fitted means that each hardtop, and therefore the cost will vary slightly between cars. No two hardtops have been the same so far!

Some things to consider include:

Any evidence of previous paintwork to the rear wings may reveal an unsightly masking edge if the lower edge of the soft top was masked-up during the work instead of being removed. This will require some addition work to tidy up this area and re-lacquer the broken paint edge, as this area becomes a visible part of the rear bodywork when the hardtop is removed (the rear deck finisher doesn't cover this area). Also, in the case of early cars, this same area may have a row of exposed fixing holes drilled into the bodywork where the original TVR soft top was bolted down vertically into the rear deck. Again, because this area becomes visible, these holes will need filling and the deck edge re-painting.

There are several options for the rear deck sealing rubber and these need to be seen in person before deciding on the exact spec to build a hardtop to.

Viewing of the painted & canvas prototypes shown in the pictures, along with a demonstration of their fitting & removal is essential prior to deciding on the desired version/spec. With both panels stored in the boot the remaining useable luggage space can be demonstrated.

Despite later Chimaeras from around 1999 onwards having a narrower boot aperture than early cars, the hardtop will still stow in the boot but using a different handling method. Initial tests suggested the aperture was too narrow on later cars but luckily this isnt a problem if stowed correctly, and the greater opening height of the boot lid, along with a recessed/flush boot latch on the rear panel, actually makes stowage on later cars slightly easier.

Since early 2009 the Chimaera pictured had been fitted with the first painted hardtop, and more recently the first canvas version, and covered almost 5000 test miles in total. Other than minor tweaks and adjustments they remain the same spec as they were fitted and are comparable of the current versions being built.
Testing has involved exposure to harsh weather conditions, high speed testing to check wind noise and ensure secure fitment, as well as checking for leaks and rattles.

Please call 07980 607017 or email info@steve-edwards.com for more information.