[ku69rd]

Originally Posted by cpbopanna

R & T Autocatalyst Kottayam makes a clone of the Italian Hard Top. Here is the link..
Enjoy!

Said to cost around Rs. 90K

Bopanna,
Have always been following/stalking your thread for quite some time now. Must say this is one of the neatest Thar modified and what a beauty she is

Appreciate all your hard work and efforts that you have mentioned.

I would still rate the Italian Hardtop to be much more versatile, better quality when compared to our Indian Makes. You are a living example and am sure you will vouch for the quality of it.

Keep up the good job and when my time is up for buying a Thar I would know whom to contact so that I can offload all that you did and replicate the same. (with your support & help)

Happy Tharring!!!

Last but not the least, what would be your thoughts on the Thar fitted with Mhawk Engine?

[cpbopanna]

Originally Posted by ku69rd

Bopanna,....Happy Tharring!!!

Last but not the least, what would be your thoughts on the Thar fitted with Mhawk Engine?

Ku69rd
Thank you for your gracious compliments. I have indeed spent a lot of time (and money) to bring my Jeep to its current state - It looks quite good in its latest avatar, will upload pictures shortly.
I have the good fortune of being acquainted with two highly skilled mechanics who turn my dreams into reality.
Coming to the MHawk versus NEF engines, I would draw a parallel to the G13BB and the K12 engines used in the Suzuki Swift. Whilst the K12 is more free revving and modern, I personally prefer the buzzy G13BB engine with a great low end torque. The beauty of the NEF CRDe is the unstressed nature of the engine, one could comfortably cruise all day at 2500 rpm (around 100 kmph)!

[ku69rd]

Originally Posted by cpbopanna

Ku69rd
Thank you for your gracious compliments. I have indeed spent a lot of time (and money) to bring my Jeep to its current state - It looks quite good in its latest avatar, will upload pictures shortly.

Sure mate shall be eagerly awaiting your pictures. Did call up the India Garage folks and they are not aware of the Thar with MHawk Engine being tested. However they are accepting the bookings for the existing Thar and the on road price quoted was 850K.

With all the creature comforts that you have thrown in am sure you have footed a bill close to 325K if not exceeding it. From the thread I could gather that you have arrived at a final combination of
1) Improved Brakes
2) Hard Top
3) Change in Seats
4) Additional Padding & plumbing of holes
5) Thermostat placement

Am discounting the ICE as I believe it will be purely subjective.

Are you keen on upgrading the rear suspension to the composite fiber plates?

Rating your thread a well deserved ***** it thoroughly deserves.

[cpbopanna]

Final changes to the rear!

1. Re-designed rear bumperettes: The earlier modification brought the bumperettes too close to the body. Fabricated new clamps for the bumperettes, increased the depth of the bumperettes by 40 mm and changed the shape of the corners (top-view). The tough new look will prevent any vehicles from tailgating

2. High-mounted centre brake light: The height at which the stock tail/brake-lights are mounted does not ensure visibility from tall vehicles like trucks or buses when the Jeep brakes in bumper-to-bumper traffic. A high-mounted brake light has been installed to address this issue.

3. Rear fog lamp: Again to improve visibility from the rear and avoid tailgating under poor visibility conditions - night-time driving in fog/heavy rains.

4. Hand-crafted tail-lamp guards: To prevent damage to the Wrangler tail-lamps from our over-enthusiastic bikers!

[cpbopanna]

Originally Posted by ku69rd

Sure mate shall be eagerly awaiting your pictures.
With all the creature comforts that you have thrown in am sure you have footed a bill close to 325K if not exceeding it. From the thread I could gather that you have arrived at a final combination of
1)...5)
Are you keen on upgrading the rear suspension to the composite fiber plates?

Rating your thread a well deserved ***** it thoroughly deserves.

Thanks once again ku69rd.

Brake up-gradation, CFL springs, (black) powder-coated side foot steps have been retained for Phase 2.

In Phase 3, I am planning to move the insect mesh with-in the front grill, the 7-toothed look (whilst at the same time protecting the intercooler) will be the pièce de résistance and complete the Jeep look

[ku69rd]

Originally Posted by cpbopanna

Thanks once again ku69rd.

Brake up-gradation, CFL springs, (black) powder-coated side foot steps have been retained for Phase 2.

Wow, Appears that you have already planned for Q-2, 2014

But am getting addicted to this thread. Keep them coming and for sure you will inspire quite a lot of people like me to ensure that we evolve the Thar into a good quality lifestyle car.

[cpbopanna]

A couple of pictures - after spring cleaning!

Awaiting arrival of (Wrangler) bonnet clips from eBay

[akshay4587]

Yours is the perfect thar out there.
What about your plans to sell her?
She is a keeper,please retain her.

[cpbopanna]

Originally Posted by akshay4587

Yours is the perfect thar out there.
What about your plans to sell her?
She is a keeper,please retain her.

Thanks Akshay, I have shelved any plans I might have had of selling her!

From now on, it will be mods after mods, until I see the perfect Jeep

My wife doesn't like the idea however, I am seldom at home during ANY weekend

[ku69rd]

Mr Bopanna,
How are you doing? Hope things are good at your end.
With the onset of monsoons how is the Italian HT faring. After reading the leaks on HHT thread thought would be a good idea to check with you on the status.

[cpbopanna]

Originally Posted by ku69rd

Mr Bopanna,
How are you doing? Hope things are good at your end.
With the onset of monsoons how is the Italian HT faring. After reading the leaks on HHT thread thought would be a good idea to check with you on the status.

Hello ku69rd, I am well, thank you!

Insofar as the Italian hard top is concerned, so far so good, I have used it in heavy down pours and searing heat, the hard top has withstood abuse - touch wood!

[cpbopanna]

Dear All

The manufacturers of the Italian Hard Top are keen to start selling the hard-top in India, in numbers.

Please advise what is an ideal/realistic/affordable landed price in India, giving due consideration to the fit & finish of the product.
In my opinion, the quality is far superior to any other hard-top/similar products currently available.

Based on the feedback received, I could possibly work out a game plan for commercial imports (and installation)!

Thanks in advance!

[sjcherian]

60 - 80 K ? :-) Maybe wishful thinking ?

[Trueintrepid]

Originally Posted by cpbopanna

Dear All

The manufacturers of the Italian Hard Top

Anywhere between 50 to 80k! But if you speak of the quality so much, then I am compelled to call it at a lakh.

[cpbopanna]

Originally Posted by sjcherian

60 - 80 K ? :-) Maybe wishful thinking ?

Wishful thinking? Yes of course!

If the Indian clones/wannabes can sell at around 1 Lakh, please expect atleast a 50% premium!