Wedge Roof Tabs

[Ian B]

One of my four roof tabs has snapped off. Re-attaching it with superglue has (predictably) proved unsuccessful. Then I was hoping I'd be able to simply unscrew it and buy/make another tab but it seems to be an integral part of the roof panel. Is there any way to change these little blighters or do I need to buy a whole new panel?! (Anyone got a spare?...)

Thanks in advance.

[sevans]

I don't know if you can obtain these separately to the whole top. I would suggest getting a dealer to contact the factory and ask. I did enquire about getting a new top for mine and the general opinion was forget it. If you can get hold of one of the tabs then it should be possible to cut away the fibreglass and regraft one in. As it's only plastic it should be possible to make one if necessary.

[19560]

sevans said:

If you can get hold of one of the tabs then it should be possible to cut away the fibreglass and regraft one in. As it's only plastic it should be possible to make one if necessary.

I too am under the impression that the top is fibreglass only and so you can peel back the head lining grind back the fibreglass for say a 4" radius and graft a new tab in. Mark the position carefully as every car is different lol, this is TVR.

[bluewedge350]

The plastic on one of mine has broken, revealing a metal reinforcement 'tab' underneath. I guess this was a mod on later cars(?)

J

[2 sheds]

I would use a block of allumnium of the correct dimensions but say 4" long, drill loads of holes at one end to key into the fibre glass , grind out a hole and bond it in with GRP.
It's important that the tab is part of the roof and not just stuck on.
Tim

[19560]

2 sheds said:

I would use a block of allumnium of the correct dimensions but say 4" long, drill loads of holes at one end to key into the fibre glass , grind out a hole and bond it in with GRP. It's important that the tab is part of the roof and not just stuck on.Tim

That sounds like a good solution.

[tallbloke]

bluewedge350 said:

The plastic on one of mine has broken, revealing a metal reinforcement 'tab' underneath. I guess this was a mod on later cars(?) J

My early 350i has aluminium tabs which locate into plastic pockets set into the windscreen surround.

[mikeb]

I think that these pegs are obviously quite important and doing a repair with super glue or whatever could be a little dodgy.

I can see the panel potentially 'blowing out' at any sort of speed if the fix isn't done properly.

Keep us informed of how you get on. Take some pics as well if you can.

MikeB

[mikeb]

Another thought, it might be a good idea to post some sort of request for a panel on the Tasmin Challenge website. Somebody who is doing a conversion might have one spare.

MikeB

[redwedge5]

I think the part you need is TVR part No 026U 249A Targa Location Lug. TVR dealer, David Gerald TVR or TVR Factory parts best place to try. Last year when I bought some wedge parts from Mole Valley TVR (they were clearing their wedge part stock) they had some for sale. How you fit one is another matter, but as they are sold seperately this should be possible?

[Ian B]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I removed the remainder of the old tab which was a plastic coated steel strip going a couple of inches into the roof panel. I then made a new tab from 6mm thick aluminium and 'interference-fitted' it into the slot - it works pefectly. Previously the roof used to lift due to the play in the tabs but I road tested it with the new tabs on the M55 and it is solid as a rock!