Roof rear section up or down?
Discussion
This weekend is looking amazing weather wise so I am driving to the coast in the Chim. With no air con the roof will be off.
The only issue I have is the roof rear section. I have taken the middle section off, but when I fold the rear window it just doesn't want to fold down very far. It also feels like I am damaging it when I force it down. I think it may be quite a new roof so maybe it is stiff.
Do you guys fold the rear section down, or just leave it up?
Also by leaving it up doesn't it act like a massive wind brake? Can I damage the rear bit by leaving it up and driving at speed?
The only issue I have is the roof rear section. I have taken the middle section off, but when I fold the rear window it just doesn't want to fold down very far. It also feels like I am damaging it when I force it down. I think it may be quite a new roof so maybe it is stiff.
Do you guys fold the rear section down, or just leave it up?
Also by leaving it up doesn't it act like a massive wind brake? Can I damage the rear bit by leaving it up and driving at speed?
FWIW, I have done 110 mph on a track with the roof rear section up with no damage, so at normal road speeds I think you should be ok. Be aware, anything lightweight (scarves, caps, jumpers, papers etc) will come hurtling over your shoulder and into the passenger footwell just as you are overtaking on the motorway, so stow everything light in the boot.
Personally I always leave the rear section up, as I believe that the better rear view is more important.
To put it down safely and avoid cracking the rear screen, roll up a standard bath towel and place it horizontally against the outside of the rear screen as you fold. This will keep the screen uncreased and so avoid cracking. Drive along with the towel in place. Only put the rear section up again when you get to the beach, at which time the towel will of course be useful for keeping any Germans off the sun loungers
Personally I always leave the rear section up, as I believe that the better rear view is more important.
To put it down safely and avoid cracking the rear screen, roll up a standard bath towel and place it horizontally against the outside of the rear screen as you fold. This will keep the screen uncreased and so avoid cracking. Drive along with the towel in place. Only put the rear section up again when you get to the beach, at which time the towel will of course be useful for keeping any Germans off the sun loungers
If the plastic seems stiff and not wanting to move then give it half hour or so in the sun (tomorrow is supposed to be 30deg) and the plastic should become very pliable. Just make sure you don't see any tight creases - chop them back with your hand if you do. I ran my Chim for almost 5 years and had the roof down the majority of the time without never needing to use a towel - no cracks at all.
Zippee said:
If the plastic seems stiff and not wanting to move then give it half hour or so in the sun (tomorrow is supposed to be 30deg) and the plastic should become very pliable. Just make sure you don't see any tight creases - chop them back with your hand if you do. I ran my Chim for almost 5 years and had the roof down the majority of the time without never needing to use a towel - no cracks at all.
Also worth putting some Autoglym super resin polish on the screen - inside and out. Helps keep it soft and pliable.303 aerospace protectant is also very good - makes the screen supple, clean out any light scratches and the balck blobs the struts cause, and has a UV protectant. Can also be used on all the rubbers.
http://www.thepolishingcompany.com/303productrange...
FFG
http://www.thepolishingcompany.com/303productrange...
FFG
FlipFlopGriff said:
303 aerospace protectant is also very good - makes the screen supple, clean out any light scratches and the balck blobs the struts cause, and has a UV protectant. Can also be used on all the rubbers.
http://www.thepolishingcompany.com/303productrange...
FFG
http://www.thepolishingcompany.com/303productrange...
FFG
I use that regularily and the screen stays soft even in the winter when the plastic usually goes stiff.
DOWN DOWN DOWN!!!
No need to show off the mullet! A rolled towel does a great job - I have a soft draught excluder meant for use in the home which I use...tends to pop out at 130+ though
but always flies back into the cabin, cheers for that.
The screens can be a touch stiff first thing in the morning but you can leave the roof on for 10/15 mins with the heaters on - that tends to soften them up. Or, of course, leave it in the sun as mentioned earlier.
FYI all - a friend was driving his Chim with the mullet up and windows down - the rear screen popped out at about 60. He must have had rotten/poor quality stitching but its worth noting.
No need to show off the mullet! A rolled towel does a great job - I have a soft draught excluder meant for use in the home which I use...tends to pop out at 130+ though
but always flies back into the cabin, cheers for that.The screens can be a touch stiff first thing in the morning but you can leave the roof on for 10/15 mins with the heaters on - that tends to soften them up. Or, of course, leave it in the sun as mentioned earlier.
FYI all - a friend was driving his Chim with the mullet up and windows down - the rear screen popped out at about 60. He must have had rotten/poor quality stitching but its worth noting.
I find I get less buffeting from the wind with the roof all the way down and both windows down. With the rear of the roof up, the top of my head is right in the turbulent airflow. Makes my hair look interesting after a couple of hours!
If it's cold or wet then I tend to have the rear section up though.
If it's cold or wet then I tend to have the rear section up though.
I don't find any problem with rear-ward visibility if the screen is down properly.
This is how I do it:
First unattach the velcro inside and poke the 'tongues' through to the outside to stop the velcro sticking again.
Then lower the hood down being careful not to crease the screen, push the back right down so that the ali stays almost touch the floor of the parcel shelf.
With is down like this I have very nearly all visibility through the mirror.
Hope this helps.
This is how I do it:
First unattach the velcro inside and poke the 'tongues' through to the outside to stop the velcro sticking again.
Then lower the hood down being careful not to crease the screen, push the back right down so that the ali stays almost touch the floor of the parcel shelf.
With is down like this I have very nearly all visibility through the mirror.
Hope this helps.
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