Boot opening and sealing

[Konrod]

Hi all

My tin-top is off the road so I'm using the Tuscan as a daily driver. It has highlighted a niggle with the boot. The solenoid works fine every time, but the lid doesn't pop up at all, meaning I have to try and insert my (fat) fingers into TVRs finest shutlines whilst pushing the button. Does everyone have this problem?

I've been looking at small spring loaded rods that I could fit to the boot return near the lock, but that would always push on the underside of the lid and probably damage the fibreglass, and potentially get in the way when leading the boot, especially when sliding the roof panel in so I'm not sure it's a good idea.

Whilst perusing the boot I noticed the nearside carpet at the bottom was damp. I checked the rubber seals which looked (and are) good. The problem turned out to be the fuel filler, water was leaking through underneath it. Simple job to remove carpet covering it, undo two nuts to release it and put a small amount of sealer underneath. If you have damp carpets on that side of the boot that may be the problem.

[valhalla]

Morning John. My boot lid is the same as yours.I have to slide the tips of my fingers in and lever it open.It must ware the paint out eventually? If you find a fix i'd like to hear about it. I will now check for damp carpets.
Dave.

[Paulgooner]

I thought it was the job of the boot seal to raise it just enough to be able to lift without fat finger insertion!, having said that mine is the same. How is your rubber seal?

[nawarne]

Gents, I understand that the bootlid should just 'pop' on the springiness...or otherwise, of the rubber seal (the lower one around the actual opening) in much the same way as the doors??

I'd suggest checking operation of the catch to see if it is fully releasing the 'D' hoop.
Might mean you have to climb into the boot with a torch - and a helper outside to see what's going on. Cant see what else would be holding it down TBH...might be that the boot seal is now very 'tired'?
Nick

[Konrod]

Thanks for the replies. The seal looks OK although it will probably be 12 years old now (2000 car) so that may be an issue - I guess I need to put something tell tale on them and see how far the boot lid compreses them. Thinking about it, the boot lid is solid so it will only be the seals by the lock that would have leverage to raise the lid at all.

Still thinking about this spring rod - I know there is a word for the device but having mental blank which is really annoying......

[Konrod]

Just to close this one off, I fitted a new boot seal this weekend (part No U0472) and it's resolved the problem - push the button and the lid flips up and inch. Only concern is that it seems to be putting the hinges under strain when the boots closed - It'll probably be OK once the seals have settled.

J