roof panel

[dings]

I am trying to get the roof panel in the boot but it is very tight, I have looked at the book and tried it but still no good, is it easier to take out the spare wheel and carry some tyreweld instead,

[Flintstone]

It's easier without the wheel but perfectly possible otherwise, it's just a case of getting the knack.

Which way is the panel facing? It neds to be top facing backwards, front edge upwards. Make sure there's nothing in the way as it's a tight fit. Lower the left hand, lower corner in first and the rest should follow with a little tilting and wiggling. Hard to explain, easier to demonstrate.

[dings]

Thanks for that I will try later on,as you probably gathered I am a recent owner so it is all new to me, going to have new tyres tomorrow then try to sort out the ignition light, it has started to glow very faint but seems to disapear after a while, I have a trickle charger connected but still comes on when I start any ideas ..

[350Matt]

Make sure that the drive belt to the alternator is tight, otherwise alternator diode pack on the way out?

Whats the battery voltage doing during this period?

Matt

[Zippee]

You think a Chims a tight fit - try getting the panel into a Griff!!! Us Chim owners are very lucky in that sense.
I've also removed my spare and chucked in a couple of cans of tyreweld.

[Don]

OK. Roof in and out is a piece of piss - ONCE you've got the knack.

The trick is that the roof need to go in at an angle (no shit, Sherlock etc) but that angle is a complex one. Its not in just two dimensions - its three. So: here's how:

First grasp the roof. The fabric (outside) should be facing you. The curved side to the roof with the little slot that matches up with the peg in the windscreen should be at the top. Use your right hand to grasp the bottom right hand corner. Use your left hand to hold the top left corner.

With the boot FULLY open approach the car. Angle the roof so that the bottom of it is close to your tummy and the top will fit under the top of the boot lid. This should allow you to get the left bottom corner of the roof into the boot.

Now lower the left hand side keeping the same angle with the bottom closer to you and the top further away. Push the roof into the left hand side of the boot - it should go if you have the angle right. Push it ALL the way in. As you do so your right hand will approach the right hand side of the boot opening - careful that you do not scratch the paintwork at this point.

As you keep pushing the roof in to the left you should see that it becomes possible to lower the right hand side into the boot cavity. Do so.

Once the roof is in you can manhandle it right up against the spare tyre and get maximum boot space - you DO lose some to the roof.

[Haynes]Re-assembly is the reverse of dissassembly...[/Haynes]

Hope that helps. Otherwise - try and find an owner nearby to show you - it is VERY easy ONCE you know how...

Edited by Don on Saturday 28th July 11:31

[OscarT]

The easier alternate method is to support the roof panel on a pair of tressles three feet off the ground amd in alignment with the North Star - then using a crane lift the car, turn upside down, open the boot and drop gently over the roof panel - Hey Presto.

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

Absolutely no help at all: but if you think it's tricky with the Chimaera, try a Griffith!

In time you'll get the knack, as said, once you've sussed it it's a piece of cake.

[dings]

Cheers lads, if all else fails I will try Oscar t's method the only thing I havent got are the tressles.....

[PVN]

Mine has the spare wheel repositioned to the back rear corner of the boot which must make it easier to get the roof panel in. It also means less roof panel intrusion into the boot space.

A possibility?

[sgrimshaw]

Don's explanation should get you sorted.

Along with a lot of owners I have ditched the spare wheel in favour of tyreweld and that does help maximise bootspace.

I have seen another method of boot storage, which is far better.

I say seen, it was shown to me my another PHer "Honestfreddie", he can get his roof in the boot ON TOP of luggage so it lies flat, fabric side up. Clearly this is a distinct advantage when the boot is full of luggage etc.

He showed me several times how he does it - can I do it, can I f!!!!

Simon

[chim666]

Further to Don's excellent explanation, I would add that by holding your right hand's middle finger on the bottom corner of the panel protects the rear wing from scratches caused by the metal strip.
You should also be careful not to scratch the edge of the boot lid with the top right hand corner edge! (this is a lot easier to demonstrate than it is to explain!)

[dings]

Cheers lads i have atlast got it in now going out for a blast.