hardtop. / (ˈhɑːdˌtɒp) / noun. a car equipped with a metal or plastic roof that is sometimes detachable.
The pillarless hardtop (often referred to as simply "hardtop") is a body style of cars without a B-pillar.
Hardtops fold into the trunk to be stored, often taking up more space than would a soft top. They're also typically more affordable in terms of weight. Soft topics are usually made of fabric and can have a plastic or glass window in the back, depending on the make and model. Without the window, the tops are very light.
Convertibles come with either of two types of roofs: hardtops or soft-tops.
The hardtop convertible may not be as popular as it once was, but some manufacturers are still offering all the quiet ease of a hardtop on their convertibles. In a world where soft top convertibles are quieter and more practical than ever, the once-popular hardtop convertible is losing popularity.
A hardtop is a car that does NOT have a pillar post (“B” pillar) or framework that is part of the door that surrounds the door glass.
The main difference between a coupe and a convertible is the fact that convertibles have a mechanism that allows for the roof to be retracted while coupes do not. Both convertibles and coupes tend to have one or two rows of seats.
The biggest advantage a hard-top convertible has is its safety and security. This applies more to theft than on-road accidents, with soft-top convertibles being easier to break into by slashing the roof. While this is unlikely to happen, an extra layer of peace of mind can be a major advantage.
Unlike all other types of convertibles, Jeeps are capable of turning from a soft top to a hardtop and back again, all through a simple process. Because of this, it's one of the only 4x4s that's entirely suitable for both inclement weather and sunny days.
A properly maintained convertible top lasts an average of 5-7 years.
Though you have the ability to choose whether you want the top up or down, a convertible top is far more sensitive and prone to complication than standard, close-bodied vehicles. They can often get damaged and be susceptible to malfunction.
Always protect your leather or faux leather top from moisture and inclement weather per the manufacturer's instructions. Moisture from humidity, rain, sleet, or snow can cause mold and mildew and also crack or peel the soft convertible top.
Since soft tops are more flexible, they are also less insulated. Not only will cold air seep through the soft top in the winter, but heavy snow can also weigh it down. Because of the lack of insulation, soft tops are also louder than the hardtops.
informal. : a car with a roof made of thick fabric that can be lowered or removed : a convertible.
Hard bottom refers to a classification of coral communities that occur in temperate, subtropical, and tropical regions that lack the coral diversity, density, and reef development of other types of coral communities (SAFMC 1998a).
Soft-bodied organisms are animals that lack skeletons. The group roughly corresponds to the group Vermes as proposed by Carl von Linné. All animals have muscles but, since muscles can only pull, never push, a number of animals have developed hard parts that the muscles can pull on, commonly called skeletons.
Convertibles with soft tops are light weight and cost less than the hardtop version. Soft tops are usually operated manually, which makes them quick and easy to put up and take down.
Soft tonneau covers are not only vulnerable to poor weather conditions, but lack security. Plus they can only hold between 15 and 30lbs on top. Another option would be a fiberglass tonneau cover, which can often hold between 80 and 110lbs of weight.
In the case of a DIY application, you'll spend roughly $300 in parts to get the job done. A professional will likely charge about $1,000 to perform this service, depending on your vehicle's make and model and whether or not you have a soft-top or hardtop.
Advantages of a Hardtop
Durability: Hardtops are clearly the more durable option. They're solid and can withstand significant damage that would normally tear through a soft top. That means they'll last longer overall, so you won't have to deal with as much maintenance.
Harder to put up and down – Hard tops are more difficult to put up and down than soft tops. If convenience is your most important factor, it is probably better to go with a soft top.
Better visibility
Without a roof and door frames you'll probably be able to see more around you. It can be easier to maneuver and park with the wider radius of vision that a top-down convertible offers.
The manufacturing yield was low, so the cost per usable top was quite high. Higher, in fact, than the cost of the engine and transmission assemblies! Once in the field, these tops could bring some expensive warranty claims. Out of warranty, repair costs would make for some unhappy customers.
To make up for the loss of a roof, engineers have to add a lot of weight to strengthen up the car. Hence why convertibles are heavier.