Surrey Top Tips from Griffith Owners
Discussion
Posted in the Chimp cage too but I think I might get a better response here as I suspect there are more Griffith owners than Chimpsters with the surrey top?
I'll be over at Dave the Trimmer's place today taking the first look at my newly delivered Surrey Top from Roger Morris.
I'd be grateful for any fitting and other general surrey top tips from those that have the lived with one of these folding roofs for a while now.
Ie does the roof allow you to dial in tension for the best fit to each car?
As we know TVR dimensions often differ slightly from car to car.
Thanks in advance, Dave.
I'll be over at Dave the Trimmer's place today taking the first look at my newly delivered Surrey Top from Roger Morris.
I'd be grateful for any fitting and other general surrey top tips from those that have the lived with one of these folding roofs for a while now.
Ie does the roof allow you to dial in tension for the best fit to each car?
As we know TVR dimensions often differ slightly from car to car.
Thanks in advance, Dave.
Yes, you can continue to adjust the tension by turning the bars - they are attached to the frame by a screw thread. I usually lock the bars and lightly tension the fabric, put the roof in place with the targa shut, and then from inside turn the bars on the Surrey Roof until a good tight fit. When you see it, you will understand what I mean.
As Moycie says
Just straighten out the bars and tighten them enough to put light tension in the fabric, then fit the roof as normal and lock the rear struts in place. Check the roof is central and fitted in the channels correctly, then tighten the bars until the roof is tensioned and firm.
The flap of material that seals the top of the door glass is supposed to go on the inside which is fine when you close the door with the glass up but it tends to catch the material if the door is closed and you raise the window. I raise the window so it is just left with the material then make sure it is on the inside and then raise the window all the way.
Packing away I tend to lay the roof across the top of the window and the read hood turned at 90 degrees and collapse it down then slide the bag underneath it and do up the zip
Just straighten out the bars and tighten them enough to put light tension in the fabric, then fit the roof as normal and lock the rear struts in place. Check the roof is central and fitted in the channels correctly, then tighten the bars until the roof is tensioned and firm.
The flap of material that seals the top of the door glass is supposed to go on the inside which is fine when you close the door with the glass up but it tends to catch the material if the door is closed and you raise the window. I raise the window so it is just left with the material then make sure it is on the inside and then raise the window all the way.
Packing away I tend to lay the roof across the top of the window and the read hood turned at 90 degrees and collapse it down then slide the bag underneath it and do up the zip
Moycie said:
Yes, you can continue to adjust the tension by turning the bars - they are attached to the frame by a screw thread. I usually lock the bars and lightly tension the fabric, put the roof in place with the targa shut, and then from inside turn the bars on the Surrey Roof until a good tight fit. When you see it, you will understand what I mean.
Excellent Moycie just what I wanted to hear, I've not seen my new Surrey Top yet, Dave the Trimmer inspected it when it arrived last week and said while the standard of workmanship looks good it was a bit baggy. TBH I'm still in the "Yet to be Convinced" camp regarding Roger's Surrey Top, it's quite a costly gamble for me and I must admit I'm quite fussy.
Any other tips & experiences from the Griffith Surrey Top owners gratefully received.
- Is it easy to live with & overall are you happy with with your Surrey Top?
- What's wind noise like at speed?
- Have you suffered any leaks?
- Is it easy to pack in the bag?
Cheers again, Dave.
I bought mine secondhand, I suspect that it was one of the first ones ever made.
It does exactly what I wanted it to do - fits in the boot easily, can be fitted quickly, keeps 99.9% of the rain out, enables me to leave the targa panel at home. When tensioned correctly there are no creases in it.
If I'm going out in the car and intend not to put the roof down I will always use the original targa panel because I prefer the appearance.
Because mine is probably one of the first surrey tops made the following may not apply to others...
There is quite a large gap at the front corner of the panel where the flaps cover the side windows, this can allow rain to drip in especially when stationary.
The front corners of the tops are worn and metal or something is showing through, I think that this has occurred due to abrasion when the panel it stored in the boot - this may not be a problem for Chimaera owners because I think Chimaera boots are slightly wider than the Griffith.
It does exactly what I wanted it to do - fits in the boot easily, can be fitted quickly, keeps 99.9% of the rain out, enables me to leave the targa panel at home. When tensioned correctly there are no creases in it.
If I'm going out in the car and intend not to put the roof down I will always use the original targa panel because I prefer the appearance.
Because mine is probably one of the first surrey tops made the following may not apply to others...
There is quite a large gap at the front corner of the panel where the flaps cover the side windows, this can allow rain to drip in especially when stationary.
The front corners of the tops are worn and metal or something is showing through, I think that this has occurred due to abrasion when the panel it stored in the boot - this may not be a problem for Chimaera owners because I think Chimaera boots are slightly wider than the Griffith.
DarkMatter said:
It does exactly what I wanted it to do - fits in the boot easily, can be fitted quickly, keeps 99.9% of the rain out, enables me to leave the targa panel at home. When tensioned correctly there are no creases in it.
If I'm going out in the car and intend not to put the roof down I will always use the original targa panel because I prefer the appearance.
Because mine is probably one of the first surrey tops made the following may not apply to others...
There is quite a large gap at the front corner of the panel where the flaps cover the side windows, this can allow rain to drip in especially when stationary.
...
Agreed - does exactly what is required, however, I'm also not a fan of the appearance and it can leak. If I'm going out in the car and intend not to put the roof down I will always use the original targa panel because I prefer the appearance.
Because mine is probably one of the first surrey tops made the following may not apply to others...
There is quite a large gap at the front corner of the panel where the flaps cover the side windows, this can allow rain to drip in especially when stationary.
...
On mine the fit isn't great around the windscreen, so I have had leaks. It has worked for most of the time though, had it nearly three years, and it was very good for LeMans trip, etc. It's well worth the money to give you the added flexibility.
I have now spent a bit of money and had a split panel made by Surface&Design - keeps the roof near factory original but can still be chucked in the boot.
Thanks chaps, keep the tips & feedback coming it's really helpful.
I see the Surrey Top as my occasional summer touring roof, I dont expect it to offer the same levels of refinement as the original hard panel which is why I'm having that trimmed too.
I bought a considerable amount of the very best quality German Sonnenland mohair so the new rear section, Surrey Top & existing hard panel can all be trimmed from the same roll.
The idea is all the sections will all match perfectly, Dave the Trimmer & Roger's trimmer have discussed the project so are on the same page with the direction of weave ect.
I've gone for a slightly smaller rear window but following the same contour and shape as the original so the change should be very hard to spot, it's the second rear window Dave has done like this, here's the first on Linley's 530hp monster.
In theory the benefits will be a rear section that folds down a little further and a rear window that doesn't crease like the original.
I'm dropping the car off with Dave the Trimmer this afternoon and collecting it on what is foretasted to be a very rainy Saturday so it should get a good test from day one.
If you can stand to look at anymore Chimaera pictures
, there'll be some snaps of the complete roof over in the Chimp cage soon.
Regards, Dave.
I see the Surrey Top as my occasional summer touring roof, I dont expect it to offer the same levels of refinement as the original hard panel which is why I'm having that trimmed too.
I bought a considerable amount of the very best quality German Sonnenland mohair so the new rear section, Surrey Top & existing hard panel can all be trimmed from the same roll.
The idea is all the sections will all match perfectly, Dave the Trimmer & Roger's trimmer have discussed the project so are on the same page with the direction of weave ect.
I've gone for a slightly smaller rear window but following the same contour and shape as the original so the change should be very hard to spot, it's the second rear window Dave has done like this, here's the first on Linley's 530hp monster.
In theory the benefits will be a rear section that folds down a little further and a rear window that doesn't crease like the original.
I'm dropping the car off with Dave the Trimmer this afternoon and collecting it on what is foretasted to be a very rainy Saturday so it should get a good test from day one.
If you can stand to look at anymore Chimaera pictures
, there'll be some snaps of the complete roof over in the Chimp cage soon.Regards, Dave.
Edited by ChimpOnGas on Wednesday 4th June 12:25
Here is mine in a couple gratuitous shots in Spain earlier this year
On the way to Cuenca by Colin RedGriff, on Flickr
Frances outside the Parador in Cuenca by Colin RedGriff, on Flickr
On the way to Cuenca by Colin RedGriff, on FlickrFrances outside the Parador in Cuenca by Colin RedGriff, on FlickrHaving got 2 I cna say they are no more faffy thane the targa panels.
I'm [handily] sold on them. Doubt I'll go back to the targa panels. Can't add anymore tips than those above.
As both Samy and Tamy have covers I tuck the edge drain 'flaps' inside the windows. Gives a neater look and less wind noise (to my ears).
More boot space too. Win win as far as I'm concerned.
I'm [handily] sold on them. Doubt I'll go back to the targa panels. Can't add anymore tips than those above.
As both Samy and Tamy have covers I tuck the edge drain 'flaps' inside the windows. Gives a neater look and less wind noise (to my ears).
More boot space too. Win win as far as I'm concerned.
ChimpOnGas said:
I've gone for a slightly smaller rear window but following the same contour and shape as the original so the change should be very hard to spot, it's the second rear window Dave has done like this.
In theory the benefits will be a rear section that folds down a little further and a rear window that doesn't crease like the original.
I don't think it is the second one ever done as I've got it and so has Linley. In theory the benefits will be a rear section that folds down a little further and a rear window that doesn't crease like the original.
Mine was fitted in February by Dave and I totally recommend it. Slightly smaller so goes down slightly further (you can see behind with the roof down
) but keeping the original window shape so it looks like an original roof. A900ss said:
ChimpOnGas said:
I've gone for a slightly smaller rear window but following the same contour and shape as the original so the change should be very hard to spot, it's the second rear window Dave has done like this.
In theory the benefits will be a rear section that folds down a little further and a rear window that doesn't crease like the original.
I don't think it is the second one ever done as I've got it and so has Linley. In theory the benefits will be a rear section that folds down a little further and a rear window that doesn't crease like the original.
Mine was fitted in February by Dave and I totally recommend it. Slightly smaller so goes down slightly further (you can see behind with the roof down
) but keeping the original window shape so it looks like an original roof. It seemed like the best of all world when I saw Linley's.
Glad to hear you're happy with it.
I've just left Dave's place and I have to say my new Surrey Top looks the nuts, the whole tensioning system is easy to use & very effective.
I don't want to count my chickens just yet but this DTL smaller window roof & the Surrey Top look like they will make a good partnership.
Roll on Saturday to see the finished set up, the off to the Le Mans classic for a proper test.
Thanks to everyone here for your tips & contributions.
Dave.
It's not the greatest photo Dave but my car is the red Chim on this post.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I've been out with other Griff and Chim owners and they didn't realise it was a smaller screen until I pointed it out. It really does look like the original size unless you compare side by side.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I've been out with other Griff and Chim owners and they didn't realise it was a smaller screen until I pointed it out. It really does look like the original size unless you compare side by side.
I'm not being picky here but as a matter of interest how do insurers view the use of the Surry roof? Reason for the question is that many insurers only say the car is fully insured when left when you are out if the roof is fitted and I assume they would mean the correct one so any issues?
Jim
Jim
jimed said:
I'm not being picky here but as a matter of interest how do insurers view the use of the Surry roof? Reason for the question is that many insurers only say the car is fully insured when left when you are out if the roof is fitted...
Do they? I've had my Griff for 15 years and never heard that one before. In the summer if I'm not going far I will raise the windows and the rear roof section and lock the car. I know where you are coming from Rich. Apologies in advance for what might be a bit pedantic type reply here but insurers are exactly like that.
I was with Hagerty a few years ago and they were quite clear that you could leave the car with the roof off - only thing was contents would not be covered in that case. Since then I have checked when I've asked for a quote and have not found a sensibly priced insurer which does allow you to leave the car with the roof off and still be covered (when asked the question the brokers have all said they don't know of a company that does cover the car when left with the roof off and to leave it like that is at your risk). The policy doesn't say about the roof specifically but it will say you have a duty of care to take all reasonable steps to protect the car and that would include when leaving the car putting the roof on that car was supplied with (anything else might be argued to be a modification and if not notified, etc. ... hence my question).
OK pain I know and many won't do it. As you say with the back bit up, etc. it should be Ok but it may not be insured fully so could be at your risk.
(To play the devils advocate here I suppose that you probably would not leave the roof off when outside and parked over night but might during the day and why is that? No doubt the reason is that you perceive the risk to be OK during the day but not at night; from the insurers point of view it isn't your call to decide when is OK and when not so they fall back on the duty of care bit which will assume the original roof unless otherwise agreed - and with a theft with the surry roof on they would almost certainly argue it was a modification and try not to pay unless it had been agreed)
Sorry the above is a bit long and rambling but trying to explain where I'm coming from (comes from business background with large high value/risk contracts so I do look at the policy and see not only what is said but also what isn't said). I would love to hear about insurers that do cover the risk as that would be great and Ok if slightly more expensive - if a lot more then ....
Jim
I was with Hagerty a few years ago and they were quite clear that you could leave the car with the roof off - only thing was contents would not be covered in that case. Since then I have checked when I've asked for a quote and have not found a sensibly priced insurer which does allow you to leave the car with the roof off and still be covered (when asked the question the brokers have all said they don't know of a company that does cover the car when left with the roof off and to leave it like that is at your risk). The policy doesn't say about the roof specifically but it will say you have a duty of care to take all reasonable steps to protect the car and that would include when leaving the car putting the roof on that car was supplied with (anything else might be argued to be a modification and if not notified, etc. ... hence my question).
OK pain I know and many won't do it. As you say with the back bit up, etc. it should be Ok but it may not be insured fully so could be at your risk.
(To play the devils advocate here I suppose that you probably would not leave the roof off when outside and parked over night but might during the day and why is that? No doubt the reason is that you perceive the risk to be OK during the day but not at night; from the insurers point of view it isn't your call to decide when is OK and when not so they fall back on the duty of care bit which will assume the original roof unless otherwise agreed - and with a theft with the surry roof on they would almost certainly argue it was a modification and try not to pay unless it had been agreed)
Sorry the above is a bit long and rambling but trying to explain where I'm coming from (comes from business background with large high value/risk contracts so I do look at the policy and see not only what is said but also what isn't said). I would love to hear about insurers that do cover the risk as that would be great and Ok if slightly more expensive - if a lot more then ....
Jim
Given that easy, silent, damage free and fast access can be made into each TVR with the targa top with nothing more advanced than a open palmed hand, then I don't see any material change in having the targa panel or a Surrey roof in place. I also think a Court would see it the same way too.
Insurance copanies are good at saying what there policy 'covers' to save a payout. Most of the time it's flannel and their confidence changes when faced with formally demonstrating it.
That said, I certainly would recommend informing the insurer of the change.
Insurance copanies are good at saying what there policy 'covers' to save a payout. Most of the time it's flannel and their confidence changes when faced with formally demonstrating it.
That said, I certainly would recommend informing the insurer of the change.
Hi guys,
Thanks for all the tips & advise, follow the link to the Chimp cage where you can see some snaps of my new roof system.
Admittedly its very early days, but I'm very pleased with it so far.
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...
Thanks for all the tips & advise, follow the link to the Chimp cage where you can see some snaps of my new roof system.
Admittedly its very early days, but I'm very pleased with it so far.
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...
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