My 1 hour Roof split "literally"
Discussion
I have been toying with the idea of splitting my roof to allow more boot space for a trip to Le Mans this year and even contacted some experts for quotes etc, but due to the cost and time involved decided to have a go myself. My roof material was a little frayed around the edges and the carbon fibre interior had blisterd in a few places so started looking out for a replacement. Anyway that came yesterday once I was happy the that fitted OK i started to split the old roof.
Taking care not to damage the cloth much I simply cut it in half cleaned the edges and stuck some Adhesive Backed Expanded Neoprene foam onto both edges (cost was £9 for 6 metres) and bobbed the roof back on. The seal is extremly tight waterproof and it takes about a minute to fit. doesn't look too bad either.
Chris
Taking care not to damage the cloth much I simply cut it in half cleaned the edges and stuck some Adhesive Backed Expanded Neoprene foam onto both edges (cost was £9 for 6 metres) and bobbed the roof back on. The seal is extremly tight waterproof and it takes about a minute to fit. doesn't look too bad either.
Chris
PVCGriff said:
Inspirational!. Being a numpty myself could you tell me: -
1. What you used to cut the roof
2. Did you cut it in the mid-line (i.e. through the locating notch) and
3. Where did you get the neoprene tape.
I fancy doing this myself but I haven't got a spare to fall back on!
Nigel
1 I used this saw from Homebase http://www.homebase.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servle...1. What you used to cut the roof
2. Did you cut it in the mid-line (i.e. through the locating notch) and
3. Where did you get the neoprene tape.
I fancy doing this myself but I haven't got a spare to fall back on!
Nigel
2 Yes I cut straight down the middle I clamped a thin piece if wood on to use as a straight edge/guide first.
3 The Neoprene tape was from here http://www.sealsdirect.co.uk/bbCMS/shopping.asp?in... I used the AEN4 19mm by 3mm but to be fair you could do with the AEN9 25mm by 3mm.
I havn't tested this on the road yet but will be using it to go to Chatsworth so if your going you could have a look in person.
I suppose the good part about this is if the seal comes of or gets worn there is enough in a pack to re-do it 3 or 4 times.
Chris
It'll be interesting to see what you've done - it certainly looks good though. I've had the Griff since Nov and must admit the roof fit in the bag and the amount of space it takes in the boot with the fold over of the normal bag (seemingly at both ends) is a real pain so I'd be interested in seeing anyone who has one of the Car Club alternative bags - these apparently allow the roof to drop in sideways rather than length ways which is much easier and helps with the stowage in the boot. Another alternative if for SWMBO to get her sewing m/c out and see what we can do but any ideas as to what anyone else has done would also be useful to see at Chatsworth.
Jim
Jim
Welcome to the club Chris 
macar said:
The conversion looks good, the roof storage in the boot is one of the only gripes of the Griff. Presumably a Chimera roof will fit a Griff? (would be good to take a saw to a Chim), any others?
Roof panels are roughly interchangable but they were tailored to fit each car individually so some fit better than others.Looks good for a quick DIY job
If you experience leaks, you could put some sort of rubber strip in the middle?Cheers for all the responses
Anyone is welcome to have a look at Chatsworth.
I intend to try and improve it tonight with some locating lugs so will get pics up as soon as that is finished.
Chris
jacjac said:
That looks very good. What did you do to finish the fabric along the cut line? looks like you will be busy at Chatsworth! See you there.
There were a few frayed and loose ends after cutting all I did with these was run a lighter down them to melt the ends and stop them spreading.Anyone is welcome to have a look at Chatsworth.
I intend to try and improve it tonight with some locating lugs so will get pics up as soon as that is finished.
Chris
LordGrover said:
Does look remarkable good. 
I'll see if I can spot you at Chatsworth.
ETA. I'm guessing there aren't that many blue Griffs with green carpets.
True but its Halcyon Atlantis which is bit blue/green, the origional carpets were green but not quite as dark as these.I'll see if I can spot you at Chatsworth.
ETA. I'm guessing there aren't that many blue Griffs with green carpets.
Edited by LordGrover on Friday 16th April 10:33
Chris
Top man Chris52 good on you for just getting on with it.
Mine has no catches and is only sealed with closed cell foam and I have no problems apart from slight drips if it is left out and really chucks it down, but I have a leven cockpit cover for then anyway.
And what a difference for stowing it eh. When the boot is full to the gills, you can just sit the roof panels on top of each other rolled edge towards the boot opening and bob is your dads brother.
good on you for just getting on with it.Mine has no catches and is only sealed with closed cell foam and I have no problems apart from slight drips if it is left out and really chucks it down, but I have a leven cockpit cover for then anyway.
And what a difference for stowing it eh. When the boot is full to the gills, you can just sit the roof panels on top of each other rolled edge towards the boot opening and bob is your dads brother.
PVCGriff said:
Does the supporting bracket make a difference and what did you use? Is putting the roof up more fiddly - having to stabilise the 2 pieces whilst raising the rear section.
I have received my neoprene tape and am now nervously contemplating "getting on with it"
The support bracket is just to help keep evreything in place to be honest I dought its needed but it does tidy up the interior if nothing else. Its just a strip of plastic that I moulded using a little heat to the shape if the roof and then stuck on using 50kg double sided tape. I have received my neoprene tape and am now nervously contemplating "getting on with it"
I still havn't tested this either by driving with it fitted or in the rain. If the roof your going to split is your only roof I would hang on. Get yourself to Chatsworth have a look at mine and decide then whether you want to have a go.
Chris
Gassing Station | Griffith | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff