Hardtop HoDown

Hard Top Ho-Down

Article by Aspmaster, Bama Spyder, Pillboy & KenDude

The Toyota hard top is not available in the U.S. from Toyota, although rumors abound that the top will be available from Kazuma/TRD in the US shortly, US owners have had to take different routes to getting a hard top for their cars. Initially, Kirby Miller (Millerk) forged the first path by getting a hard top brought over from Japan via Toyosport, albeit at around $3500 in early summer 2000. A few months went by until KenDude secured another route for hard tops, Taka Kaira in Japan and brought one over for $2000. Install pictures and a previous hard top article are located at this Link: HardTop Install. This route turned out to be a bit difficult as it required the use of wire transfers. At this point MG Racing and Rod Millen Motorsports, both of whom have items for sale in the Spyder Store, stepped up to bring hard tops into the country. Delivery time was about 8 weeks from Japan to the US via sea shipping (air shipping can be done in 10 days but for a premium). MG Racing maintains a location in Marietta, Georgia where several Spyder owners converged to witness the hard top installs on 3 Spyders. Pictures and commentary are provided below. Spyder owners who wish to purchase a hard top will find them available in the Spyder Store from MG Racing, Rod Millen, and TRi Tuning.

The owners relay their thoughts:

I had a great time at the Install Party, and look forward to many more events. I think it is great to be able to make so many friends that share one common interest: The Toyota MR2 Spyder.

I am very surprised how comfortable the Spyder is on long trips. The Atlanta Hardtop Install Party was my second long trip next to the Exhaust Install Party.

The weather held up great for the installation, but there were occasional light flurries throughout the day.

The installation actually took us about 1 - 1.5 hours because we had so many people to help us. The installations went very smooth for the most part without any problems. Some people had to break apart the little white snap that holds the plastic piece on the sides where the seat belt goes. But, I guess that is why they send you extras in cases
like these.

After the installation, we headed over to Dave & Busters to put down a few drinks, and socialize. We had a great group of people, and I think everyone enjoyed themself. I look forward to many more parties with everyone.

Aspmaster

Yes, the Hardtop Install went very well. We did all 3 at the same time so it took a little over an hour to do all three (total). 8 Spyders showed up for the gathering (4 silver, 2 black, 1 red, 1 yellow). My photos are mostly 'before and after' shots, showing the 3 different Spyders with/without the tops and the gang mingling and hanging their Spyders.
As far as I remember here are the people that attended (excuse me if I misspell their usernames, etc.)

¥ bama spyder (me) - Silver hardtop installed
¥ Aspmaster - Yellow hardtop installed
¥ HazardousSpyder (Artist formerly known as Alabama Spyder)
¥ 2K1LiquidMetal
¥ SilverSpyder
¥ Pillboy - Black hardtop installed
¥ Samuari
¥ MRSpyder2U
¥ Exboyracer

We also has various people stop by...hard to miss all of our Spyders ;) A Miata owner too stopped by to check out our rides and gave MRSpyder2U's red Spyder a drive around the area to see what he thought of it (didn't get a chance to talk to him for his thoughts on how it drove).

Bama Spyder

Well, after 1 250 mile drive with the new hardtop, my assessment (liable to change later):

Do they stiffen the car? - I can't tell. The roads I drive on are good and I had no complaints before.

Deaden the road noise? - YES!! Very helpful on a long drive.

Improve sound from radio? - Yes. I have stock system. Because the cabin is quieter, you don't need to run the volume up as much. I did not notice rattling on my ride today.

But the biggest improvement is the much improved visibility. Visibility goes from poor to excellent with the hardtop. You can actually look back over your LEFT shoulder to see if anyone is in that lane. (Of course, I am generally in that lane but thats another point entirely). And when you look in your rearview mirror all you see is window. I love it, for the 4 or so months it will be on.

Pillboy