Dear Ape (laughs)
I am exceedingly interested in your products! Just when I thought FFR was going to let me down on the cold Chicago nights and just make a kit for the warm-weather minded- I found YOUR hardtop, which seems to be the best looking hardtop I've seen yet...I wanna know as much about it as possible for my weather conditions...of heavy snow season and cold climates to 100 degree
summers... will this protect me from the elements or will I have snow running all over my interior when I go out to start the Cobra??? My email is;
TIMEBOMB70@aol.com... anyone can email me on their experiences, knowledge, or if this hardtop is worth the investment...Thanks
everyone.. especially Ape! Keep up the good work fellas! Johnny Timebomb70@aol.com
Naperville, IL USA - Tuesday, December 11, 2001 at 21:38:53 (PDT)
Johnny, You will love our setup! It is an
excellent design, high quality and very weather tight. Given the nature
of this vintage roadster it is not and never will be like a Lexus or Cadillac.
However, our all-weather system of hardtop and side windows offers protection
from rain, snow, cold and even the hot sun. It is quick and easy to
remove. Best of all, it requires no added hardware or modifications to
the roadster's body and doors... An "unadulterated roadster" exists
when the top is removed. (Customer
contacted via email.) Craig Anderson,
Owner
APE Products
Craig,
Your hard top and side window combo is the best! Now I can enjoy the ride on these chilly fall and winter New England nights.
The Vintage Air Heater on low makes for a warm and cozy cabin and... girl friend.
My desire to ride in extreme weather almost overrode my hesitation to live with 1/2" stainless snap posts around the cockpit surround for the soft top with it’s thin flexible side windows.
Then while researching hard tops I spotted your A.P.E. Products HT. The rest is history.
I drove it to work this week with the HT and SW combo - leaving in 39+ degree temperatures but with a warm and comfortable ride home. Needless to say, I am a happy man.
Thanks,
Bob Rego Bob Rego bobaruba@gis.net
The Highlands of Fall River, MA USA - Thursday, December 06, 2001 at 22:24:15 (PDT)
Hope you will also look at the FFR Coupe for improvements (I know by filling out
you questionnaire you are considering Coupe "stuff") Too bad roll up/down windows are
out due to the internal structure in the door- that would be a big improvement, that
said a A/C, Heater, defrost unit is high on my list- FFR seems to think this is not a
priority for us?? I know people that live in the South (or plan to live there) think
a A/C is high priority!!! I ordered your self canceling turn signal unit and
made it to fit the Coupe with only a small modification. This frees up some area for other items
such as Radio/A/C controls etc, not to mention the convenience of turn signals on a
stalk (vs. a switch on the center console- and non-canceling). Keep offering these kinds
of items and I will keep buying them. Ralph Littlefield deralphanddeb@juno.com
Wilmington , De USA - Monday, November 05, 2001 at 09:26:31 (PDT)
Thank you Ralph. Our mission statement
focuses our efforts on Creature Comfort and All-weather accessories.
As we offer products for the Roadster we are constantly looking at the Coupe
for platform compatibility. Glad to see
you are happy with our turn signal product... I wouldn't drive mine without
it.
-- Craig Anderson
Do you supply anything that might cover the front part of the rear fender that gets peppered from rocks from the front tire? I was told of a clear covering that would protect the paint yet not the color of the car.
Thank You Roger Binette Roger_W_Binette@raytheon.com
Andover, Ma USA - Wednesday, July 11, 2001 at 02:55:43 (PDT)
The clear coating (3M Scotchcal™ Protective
Film) is very effective at reducing stone chips. I've used them on many
of the Cobras I built. They can be purchased from Richard
Oben at North Cobras. Since
we're on the topic, two other options exist: 1) a simple solution for
already badly damaged fenders is NAPA's black undercoat spray. When
carefully taped off it can be applied with radius' and curves that look pleasing.
A few medium coats produces a semi-flat black finish that is tough as "elephant
hide", and 2) the best looking guards I've seen are a new product offered
by Ron at LSI. They are Stainless steel appliqués that are laser engraved and
really "Flashy" LSI can be seen at http://www.laserstencilsinc.com/stoneguards.htm
Hi Craig!
Thought I'd report on the new windows (circa May, 2001), which succinctly put, are fantastic!
I ran with only the psgr side in place for a long time on the return leg of
the Stooges tour, and really liked the air flow through the interior that
way; plenty of air to keep you cool, and very little "shifting" of the base
of the window against the upper surface of the door. I'd noticed a lot of
in-out flexing of the previous version of the window but with the new
version...the one-piece, full-length window is plenty stiff enough, and I
think the bigger diameter bulb sealer allows some flex in-out without the
bulb moving on the door surface. Interestingly, even at 120 mph, the psgr
side only configuration is stable and effective as described above!
However, after my speed testing was so rudely interrupted in Nevada by a
state trooper, I didn't get to try both installed at high-speed. I did run
a lot in heavy rain with both windows in place, on the Stooges trip and back
here in Fla. Biggest surprise: NO COBRA LEG!!! You know how, in heavy rain,
water came around the windshield frame, ran back and got caught in the
door/body crack, then blew onto your left leg like an open fire hydrant? It
always soaked your entire leg, but NOT with the new windows. The bulb seal
running across the body/door joint apparently breaks up the water flow, so
it doesn't stream in like before. MAJOR improvement! New Window is a
keeper for wet protection!
I love the windows, and can't tell you how much I appreciate getting
them...PERSONALLY INSTALLED BY THE INVENTOR! Here's a pic
Your windows are just brilliantly simple and effective. I think you have a
keeper. I'll try to post some pics of the windows on ClubPhoto soon. John P. John Phillips jlphil@hotmail.com
Jupiter, FL USA - Monday, July 09, 2001 at 20:22:04 (PDT)
John, Your feedback and praise is greatly appreciated. I'm
glad to hear the Windows (and Top) have been serving you well in your travels. I've got other ideas in the works so,
please stay posted.
Best Regards,
Craig
|
