Discussion
Incidentally, has anyone seen the description in the S owner manual on how to erect the roof. I certainly don't mess around like that with mine, you'd need new roof lugs and slots every month if you tried that method.
I drop both side windows a little and erect the rear roof frame but do not lock out the struts yet. I then place the first panel in the slots at the front and rest the rear lugs on the rubber trim around the rear hood frame, then the same with the other side. Then I reach in the car and lock out the hood stay one side presseing down lightly on the panels at the same time, then lock out the other roof stay. Very quick and easy.
The manual says you leave the top down (folded right back) and slot the targa panels into the rear hoop with them facing vertically and then fold it all forward and drop it into the the windscreen surround. Yeah righ..... what it should says is "now pick up roof panles from floor or passenger compartment and try again". There should also be a warning to say "2 weeks later order stock of new lugs and receptors for lugs and a tub of Isopon for repairing your windscreen surround"
I drop both side windows a little and erect the rear roof frame but do not lock out the struts yet. I then place the first panel in the slots at the front and rest the rear lugs on the rubber trim around the rear hood frame, then the same with the other side. Then I reach in the car and lock out the hood stay one side presseing down lightly on the panels at the same time, then lock out the other roof stay. Very quick and easy.
The manual says you leave the top down (folded right back) and slot the targa panels into the rear hoop with them facing vertically and then fold it all forward and drop it into the the windscreen surround. Yeah righ..... what it should says is "now pick up roof panles from floor or passenger compartment and try again". There should also be a warning to say "2 weeks later order stock of new lugs and receptors for lugs and a tub of Isopon for repairing your windscreen surround"
Yes IMHO, I think it would wear them.
I've known aerials on GRP bodied cars to wear through the panel due to the small amount of movement as the aerial whipped when the car was moving. I'm sure the roof must have some movement as you drive and I think one would cause the other softer material to wear.
I guess you wouldn't want to be replacing roof lugs too often as they are fibreglassed in beneath roof covering material.
I've known aerials on GRP bodied cars to wear through the panel due to the small amount of movement as the aerial whipped when the car was moving. I'm sure the roof must have some movement as you drive and I think one would cause the other softer material to wear.
I guess you wouldn't want to be replacing roof lugs too often as they are fibreglassed in beneath roof covering material.
would look nice though. Oh well. But then heres a thought. How about making them anyhow and instead of using the original pannels construct a roof that can be rolled up and put in place with an umbrella like system of metal rods, suppose in an elise style. With metal lugs.
End result= 1. More boot space.
2. Shiny roof bitts.
End result= 1. More boot space.
2. Shiny roof bitts.
Hoover33 said:
Kentish.... yep I have seen that method to in the handbook. I tried it and couldn't get to grips with it.
I slot mine into the screen, then lift them slightly as I bring the back up....
I noticed plenty of people using the handbook method a S Club Heaven though.
Really!
Looks terribly risky and tricky to me, think I'll stick to my way.
doddze said:
I use the method as outlined in the handbook and it works fine. Obviously I dont just ram the roof up and hope all is in line... find it the quickest way as well!
Same as you doddze, this strange method that the others are using sounds a right palaver, how do you get the back screen to stay up while you mess around with the panels, especially when it's windy? You are also putting a bending moment on the front lugs. Of any method I think this is the one that will cause problems. Still you'll always get some twerp who re-invents the wheel, I think they call themselves CONSULTANTS!!!
yellabelly said:
I use the method as outlined in the handbook and it works fine. Obviously I dont just ram the roof up and hope all is in line... find it the quickest way as well!
Same as you doddze, this strange method that the others are using sounds a right palaver, how do you get the back screen to stay up while you mess around with the panels, especially when it's windy? You are also putting a bending moment on the front lugs. Of any method I think this is the one that will cause problems. Still you'll always get some twerp who re-invents the wheel, I think they call themselves CONSULTANTS!!!
I have looked at fitting it the other way as per the handbook and I fail to see that it is quick and easy or even good for the hood. You have to try and hold two sizeable panels and elevate the rear roof section and guide the front locating lugs into slots all at the same time. I guess it's not too bad if you have a passenger on hand to help.
The other method takes me no longer than a minute or two and is much kinder to the roof and the lugs and the paintwork!
Kentish,
Passenger side panel in first then the drivers side, they lock each other together, make sure the roof clips are down, as they can become trapped against the screen surround, then move round to passenger side hold roof at front side of the passenger panel and lift the back hood section and feed the front panel lugs into the screen sockets. Push back support into locked position and clip the roof clip in place go to drivers side and push back support into locked position and clip front clip - 30 seconds soooo bloody easy, try it
Passenger side panel in first then the drivers side, they lock each other together, make sure the roof clips are down, as they can become trapped against the screen surround, then move round to passenger side hold roof at front side of the passenger panel and lift the back hood section and feed the front panel lugs into the screen sockets. Push back support into locked position and clip the roof clip in place go to drivers side and push back support into locked position and clip front clip - 30 seconds soooo bloody easy, try it
yellabelly said:
Kentish,
Passenger side panel in first then the drivers side, they lock each other together, make sure the roof clips are down, as they can become trapped against the screen surround, then move round to passenger side hold roof at front side of the passenger panel and lift the back hood section and feed the front panel lugs into the screen sockets. Push back support into locked position and clip the roof clip in place go to drivers side and push back support into locked position and clip front clip - 30 seconds soooo bloody easy, try it
With rear frame up and windows dropped 3 inches, place passenger side panel in first then place drivers side in. Lock driver side support into place, then open door and lock passenger side support into place. Do up front clips.
Hey presto, it's sooo easy and you don't have to lift forward the weight of two roof panels and the rear hood section and risk bending your lugs and damaging the sockets or the screen surround.
All the weight of the panels is rigidly supported until locked in place and it can be done without even walking around the car, I do it all from the driver side.
>> Edited by kentishs2 on Tuesday 12th October 07:54
I used to put in the passenger side panel first and put the roof, so that you are left with the drivers targa panel missing. Then slot the drivers panel in at the back (on the hood part), ease the roof back a touch, and then slot it in. Job done.
It's more stable in windy conditions, always slots in first time, and judging by the rain at the S meet.. A lot quicker than everyone else.
It's more stable in windy conditions, always slots in first time, and judging by the rain at the S meet.. A lot quicker than everyone else.
[quote=LeeBee]I have produced the roof slots in alloy and uprated nylon, the pegs on the panels themselves are easy to do but would be very difficult to fit as they need to be spot on
You seem to be the guru on all maters alloy lee. Dont suppose you made any extra roof slots? And excuse the cheek but are you still able to do any of the alloy dash bits? Unfortunately i was preparing for the arrival of mini me when you were cracking them all out.
You seem to be the guru on all maters alloy lee. Dont suppose you made any extra roof slots? And excuse the cheek but are you still able to do any of the alloy dash bits? Unfortunately i was preparing for the arrival of mini me when you were cracking them all out.
Podie said:
I used to put in the passenger side panel first and put the roof, so that you are left with the drivers targa panel missing. Then slot the drivers panel in at the back (on the hood part), ease the roof back a touch, and then slot it in. Job done.
It's more stable in windy conditions, always slots in first time, and judging by the rain at the S meet.. A lot quicker than everyone else.
I agree Podie, very easy and quick indeed.
I'd still like to get the replacement full soft top sorted out so it can all fold up from inside the car.
I'll be progresing this again next spring when funds are a litle more "available"!
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