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Hardtop information (factory & after-market)

To: datsun-roadsters@autox.team.net
Subject: Hardtop information (factory & after-market)
From: Magic1910@aol.com
Date: Sun, 23 May 1999 13:13:59 EDT
Here's some more info on hardtops.  
According to the Nissan Parts Catalog factory hardtops were available for the 
1500, 1600 and 2000.  The Catalog also indicates that factory hardtops were 
available only for right hand drive cars.  The Catalog illustration appears 
to be of a smooth, rather than textured, top without side windows..
A magazine review from 1969 shows a Fairlady 2000 (right hand drive) with a 
factory hardtop.  It is white, smooth, very trim, has no side windows and 
sits on the rear sill rather than the body.
There were also several after-market hard top manufacturers including:  
Custom Hardtops, Long Beach, CA., Crown, Parrish and 
Dynaplastics, So. El Monte, CA, which manufactured tops under the Royal 
Coachman name.  Dynaplastics also made a top called the Datsun Fastback which 
featured a spoiler, a rear window that opened for trunk access, and locks.  
The Fastback hardtop made a Datsun Roadster look a lot like an MGB/GT.
There were several styles of after-market hardtops with the principal styling 
difference being the side treatments, namely, solid side (no window), solid 
side with landau bar, porthole style window and rhombus style window.  
Most, if not all, after-market hardtops where molded to have an outside 
finished texture that simulated a vinyl top, which was a highly popular 
automotive design feature of that era.  
Black was the standard color for after-market hardtops although some 
enterprising manufacturers may have offered their tops in primered or colored 
finishes.
Nissan dealers used to sell non-Nissan after-market hardtops.
I hope this helps.
If you have any additional hardtop information, additions, or corrections, 
please let me know.  Thanks!
Greg (Bought my first hardtop in 1975) Morrison
70 2000
66 1600
Spokane, WA

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