[Healeys] Hartop noise

[awgertoo at aol.com]

In a message dated 12/30/2009 10:13:15 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,  
britishcars at shaw.ca writes:

Hi Michael,

Michael's  comment...."the hardtop definitely cuts down on noise in general 
and   increases 
comfort" caught my attention.

I've been thinking  about a hardtop for quite some time but am nervous that 
it will INCREASE the  interior noise.   While you get increased wind noise 
with the top  down, I think that the mechanical noise of the car is quiter 
with the top down  than with the soft-top up.  So, I assumed that with a 
hardtop, the  interior noise would also be louder.

Am in  incorrect?   Is the car quieter with a hardtop?  In particular  from 
a mechanical and exhaust point of  view.

Paul
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paul--
 
I can only give you my personal experience with both my 100 and my  wife's 
3000:  With the hardtop on noise of all kinds--mechanical,  wind, exhaust, 
etc.--is definitely reduced and the discomfort caused  by wind buffeting and 
long hours in the sun is also a  memory.  It is not only quieter but more 
comfortable with the hardtop  mounted.  
 
And don't forget that the hardtops' mountings are semi-permanent (or  less) 
and easily removed/remounted--ten minutes each way max with two  people 
assuming good planning.  Probably no more time than erecting a soft  top from 
beginning to end though it does require a storage area for the hardtop  and a 
second person, though the top on my 100 is so light that I really can  do 
it by myself being careful in placement, etc.
 
As you may guess I like hardtops.  If you don't--and many are in that  
department--then the discussion becomes moot.  
 
Best--Michael