Hi Guys

Purely out of interest, how hard would it be to modify the Soft Top on an XJS Convertible so that it would fold down flat, like an Hess and Eisenhardt

 

The H&E doesn't have a inner lining so it lays a bit flatter. I'm not sure you can cut out metal and make a sort of container like other cars to hide the roof as there is a petrol tank there somewhere. H&E put two tanks with a complicated piping system in. It might have made the car look better had it disappeared like other convertibles but i'm used to the look now.

 

Hi Malc

Thanks for the Pics and the bottom one looks like 'The Ice Princess' but now having seen both Cars together, I like the look of the 'High Soft Top' even better than I did before

In a way it sort of gives it something Style-wise, while at the same time obstructing the view behind you and so I suppose that one out of two isn't bad

Is the Blue Car an Hess and Eisenhardt or just a Pre-Facelift with the Soft Top Lining removed, as I can't see any badges on the side

 

H&E. You can tell by the door window and how the top of the windscreen has been cut back towards the interior.

Now an electric folding metal roof would be a great conversion if only it could be done....

 

Hi Malc

I think it was that Window that has been drawing my eye, that I somehow didn't notice to begin with, which has since got me thinking

That an H&E Fold Flat Soft Top on an XJS like yours or mine with that Window missing would look perfect

Or in the light of an Absence of a Metal Folding Roof, I would be equally happy with a removable Hard Top and a Full Toneau Cover like I have on my MGB

I also wonder how much difference removing the Soft Top lining would make to the Folded down height of the Soft Top

Although I wouldn't want to experiment with that on my Car

 

I have always thought that, if I could bear the lack of rigidity in the convertible, and if I could afford one (both "no"), I would remove the top completely, have a flat deck made, and just have a tonneau (and a yachting rain suit in the boot).
I think the car would look wonderful like that.

 

Hi Greg

That idea is SoooooohTempting! and relatively inexpensive to have done

I reckon a 'Grand' would cover it, in the hands of a Professional panel beater including the Tonneau

But what about cutting the Hard Top of one off my Coupes, or would that be a Sacrilege to far?

Or Plan 'B' Just remove the Soft Top and leave the rest of the Car as is, although I wouldn't want to do that on one of my Convertibles

For me its that Front/Side Window that seems to spoil the look of the H&E

 

Cutting the roof off a coupe would be disastrous, the convertible has loads of extra stiffening - even if not that stiff after it.
Removing the soft top and all its mechanism is what I meant, but I was supposing it would leave a gap that needed covering somehow. But, as you say, that would be pretty cheap to do, with some of those nice turning button thingies for the tonneau all round.

 

Hi Greg

Just removing the Soft Top, should be good enough as it would leave a very neat looking Tub with a Trim round the edge, apart from the tops of those rear windows, which would still be Standing up about a couple of inches (unless you took them out)

Ideally you would be able to put it all back the way it was if you wanted to, although I've never been a fan of those Turnbuckle Fasteners, as on my MGB the Tonneau has holes that clip over spikes that looks very neat

 

look a bit like this....

 

Hi Malc

Yeah! Just a bit but maybe not quite as nice!