Am considering making the trip up to Ohio to have hardtopguy install
OEM hardtop for $2950. plus $150 install.

This is my only option to keep this 1 of a kind beast considering I have
no desire to drive "topless" and don't like the heat from the rag top
and security issues.

Would anyone know..before I make the drive and expense$$ I would like
to be sure the headroom will at least be as tall as the rag top is.

I can make a 90 mile trip north where there are 2 CR's for sale..I can check out
my fit..does anyone know is the CR top the same size as the OEM hardtop?

thanks for any info..seriously considering selling...but it would be
heartbreaking and would take forever to get over.
This is just an exciting car...people don't understand the thrill it is
to drive...never felt that in any other vehicle.

 

The clearance is no different than the soft top if not more clearance?

Might I suggest buying a used one though for ~$2000 and save yourself boat loads.

 

Thanks for info MM!

As far as purchasing used...most I've seen are in the $2600. range..
and they aren't Rio yellow.

Would like to buy used....and can even have it painted..but not if the total
is going to just beat used price by a measly $100.

 

Headroom on the hardtop is greater than the softop...maybe by an inch or two. The car will really feel like a coupe with it on. Blocks out much of the noise. You also get quite a bit more room behind the seats. Combined with the rear window the cabin will feel much more open.

 

^^ Yep. Agree. Except, it may block exterior noise better, but harvests more interior (engine/exhaust) noise....which isn't a bad thing in this car.

I also don't know that the cabin feels more open, but you do have improved rearward visibility as the rear window is larger than softop. I guess that's what 'springofdark' meant.

 

I have the OEM hardtop, and will also say that the headroom is increased by ~2 inches or so. I'm 5'11" or so and if I wear a helmet, the top of it will at times hit the top bar of the softtop. With a hardtop, not even close, plenty of room.

I love it. As said above, lots of rear visibility. Plus it'll make your stereo sound nicer.

 

to Jeff. He came to VA and installed the top for me in Feb. Good luck with your purchase.
Here is some photo of mine:

 

Yep, headroom is definitely increased with the hardtop on you wont be disappointed!

 

if you don't like convertibles you'll love the hardtop. I agree with everything above. It provides lots of improvements over the softop, your stereo might sound better now too.

 

Thanks all for info

especially since it's what I wanted to hear

And love the pics xnapajx!

Add this to eliminating dead-foot-rest and DIY seat removal/lower
seat(1-2") my ergonomics in the car will improve by 200%.

Only negative?
I will be adding 40lbs. to car..and worse..raising center of gravity!
Will have to lower from stock to make up for this.